| VEVA Endorses New Provincial Initiatives for Electric Cars |
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Vancouver, BC November 5, 2011. The Vancouver Electric Vehicle Association congratulates the BC government on yesterday's announcement of initiatives supporting electric vehicle (EV) purchases and charging infrastructure "VEVA commends these initiatives that bring BC in line with other leading jurisdictions throughout North America" said John Stonier, VEVA spokesperson. "This package of incentives is in line with many policies promoted by VEVA over recent years. However there are still key areas that need to be addressed to make electric vehicles a practical option for all British Columbians.
Public charging stations are important for inter-city travel and tourism. VEVA supports any initiative that makes more charging options available for consumers, and notes in particular that part of this government initiative includes integrating BC highways with the Green Highway initiative in the US. As few as 50 strategically-placed charging locations along our provincial highways will enable EVs to travel through our province without concern for range limitations.
Stonier points out that policy-makers, builders and developers of this infrastructure, need to respond to a changing paradigm. "Charging for EVs is not the same as pumping gasoline, and we have to stop thinking in terms of the last century's conventional gas station. EVs charge when the vehicle is parked, which for most of us is 96% of the time, and this is the time for charging." Experience shows that virtually all EV charging is done at home, or at the workplace, between commutes. "Most EV users will likely be able to drive to and from work every day without needing to recharge," he notes, since current EV models offer two to three times the range of the average daily distance driven by Canadians.
Public charging needs to be at highway locations where drivers can relax and recharge themselves, at stops that include restaurants, shops, hotels and points of interest to visitors and tourists. High power fast charge stations can recharge a car in 30 minutes, which is sufficient time for a rest stop meal. "For businesses along our highways and in cities, for a installing an EV charge station will be a competitive advantage. On-line charge station databases will drive traffic to them" said Stonier.
Understanding that most EV owners will recharge their cars at home, VEVA applauds the BC government's offer to provide $500 for installation of selected electric supply equipment in households.
"This is a good first step province-wide for single-family dwellings, but we still have a long way to go," said Stonier. "EV owners in multi-family buildings still require assistance so that landlords and strata councils can proceed with retro-fitting and installing the smart technologies that enable the deployment of charging circuits." VEVA continues to advocate for changes to provincial building codes that will require dedicated power outlets (such as those already in place for dryers and stoves) to be installed in garages for electric vehicles.
While electric cars promise significant cost savings over their long service life, their current price relative to conventional vehicles can pose a vice barrier to initial purchase. The Province's point of sale incentive secures BC's leadership to provide some relief for the purchasers of early production, higher priced vehicles. It will also help attract major automakers to launch their EV products into our market to maintain BC's progressive reputation. "Some eager buyers have been holding back, wondering whether such an incentive was going to be offered by the provincial government. Now, that uncertainty has been eliminated" said Don Chandler, Government Relations lead for VEVA. VEVA believes that this incentive will allow more consumers and their friends and family to experience first-hand the benefits of the electric car. "When the public learns about the superior rider comfort of the EV and experiences the low total cost of ownership, demand will pass the tipping point." said John Stonier, spokesperson for VEVA.
VEVA notes that Modo now has a Nissan Leaf near Vancouver City Hall providing an opportunity for members of the co-op to try one out for a more extensive driving experience than available from a dealer test drive.
VEVA is a non-profit society formed by electric vehicle enthusiasts in 1988. VEVA advocates the use of electric motors as the primary motive power source for all forms of human transportation from trains, trucks, buses, cars to boats, bicycles and skateboards for a clean, green and sustainable future.
Membership is open to the public. For more information go to www.veva.ca
For additional information, contact:
For additional information, contact:
VEVA Spokesperson: John Stonier at
VEVA Governments Committee: Don Chandler 604.307.1136 or at
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