The Langley-based group that represents new car dealers in B.C. is asking the re-elected NDP government to change its policies to improve auto affordability during a transition to electric vehicles.
Blair Qualey, president and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC (NCDA) called on Premier David Eby to make some changes to the Zero Emission Vehicle Act and to re-institute higher rebate levels for people taking advantage of the Go Electric program.
"We are urging the administration to take actions that will ensure new vehicles, including zero emission vehicles (ZEVs), are as affordable as possible for British Columbians,” said Qualey.
Qualey said the NCDA will be advocating for two policy changes.
First, they say changes to the Zero-Emission Vehicle Act are needed, with Qualey calling for more flexibility.
The act mandates that by 2030, 90 per cent of light-duty cars and trucks sold in B.C. are zero-emission vehicles, and that this number hits 100 per cent by 2035.
If the numbers aren't met, auto makers can be hit by financial penalties. Right now, penalties are $5,000 per vehicle for automakers that sell more internal combustion engine vehicles than allowed. Those penalties will rise to $20,000 per vehicle in the coming years, and there is a built-in inflation adjustment to the penalty as well.
Qualey said it's anticipated that if the targets are not met and automakers are hit with the penalties, they'll pass those costs along to car buyers on all vehicles.
The association is also calling for a return to previous rebate levels under the Clean BC Go Electric program. That program gives significant rebates for people purchasing new electric vehicles, but only if they are under a certain price point.
For cars, that's $50,000, and for larger vehicles like vans or trucks, under $70,000.
Rebates range between $500 and $4,000, and depend on the type of vehicle and the purchaser's income.
Recent changes to the program have reduced the threshold for qualifying vehicles, which Qualey said effectively removed 75 per cent of previously eligible vehicles.
There are very few EVs yet available for under $50,000 in B.C.
