OTTAWA, Sept. 20, 2016 /CNW/ - Electric vehicle (EV) technology presents an enormous opportunity to help provinces and territories reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the transportation sector, which is the second largest contributor to GHGs in Canada.
A collaborative report released today in Ottawa by Bruce Power, Plug'n Drive, Pollution Probe and the University of Waterloo's Department of Chemical Engineering, explores ways to build upon existing policy framework at the federal and provincial levels with respect to plug-in EVs.
The report, titled Accelerating the Deployment of Plug-in Electric Vehicles in Canada and Ontario, also highlights opportunities to accelerate and optimize the decarbonization capability of EVs.
"Canada, as a whole, is blessed with a relatively low-carbon electricity mix, making it an optimal country to adopt EVs and realize deep decarbonization benefits," said James Scongack, Vice President, Corporate Affairs. "Ontario, B.C. and Quebec are leading the way for EV adoption, and each has their own specific approach, but as outlined in the report, each strategy should consider electricity supply mix, distribution, demand and grid stability, public charging infrastructure, retail experience, public awareness and government coordination.
"We also must recognize that Canada's oil and gas sector will continue to be a large portion of our economy providing needed jobs and investment – their success and continued investment in new infrastructure is essential to our broader goal of building a modern, cleaner energy sector," Scongack added.
Steve McCauley, Pollution Probe's Acting Chief Executive Officer, said the time is now to accelerate efforts to decarbonize the transportation system, building off clean electricity systems in many Canadian jurisdictions such as Ontario, which phased out coal-fired electricity in 2014.
"The Government of Canada and many provinces such as Ontario are moving ahead aggressively in their climate strategies to accelerate the deployment of electric vehicles," McCauley said. "We must create and implement policies that will build on these commendable actions by governments, and put more EVs in more driveways to support the transition to low-carbon transportation. The technology of emissions-free vehicles is improving every year, and infrastructure upgrades are happening continuously across the province and nationally. Driving an EV is no longer a novelty; it is a practical mode of transportation, with the benefit of generating no carbon emissions."
The release of the reports comes at a time when both provincial and federal governments are developing and implementing policy to meet short-, medium- and long-term greenhouse gas reduction targets, said Cara Clairman, Plug'n Drive's President and CEO.
"Electric vehicles are undoubtedly the future of a cleaner, less carbon-intensive transportation system in Ontario and across Canada," Clairman said. "Through a collaborative mindset and a common focus of increasing EV usage, governments, businesses and non-profit organizations can work together to make EVs more economical and practical for both rural and urban residents by implementing many of the strategies outlined in this report."
Some of the report's key recommendations include:
Compare the benefits of Electric vs. Gas vehicles through Bruce Power's EV calculator and learn more about the collaborative Plug'n Drive/Bruce Power iPhone App, which can be downloaded through iTunes.
About Bruce Power
Bruce Power operates the world's largest operating nuclear generating facility and is the source of 30 per cent of Ontario's electricity. The company's site in Tiverton, Ontario, is home to eight CANDU reactors. Formed in 2001, Bruce Power is an all-Canadian partnership among Borealis Infrastructure Trust Management (a division of the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System), TransCanada, the Power Workers' Union and The Society of Energy Professionals. A majority of Bruce Power's employees are also owners in the business.
About Plug'n Drive
Plug'n Drive is a non-profit organization committed to accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles to maximize the environmental and economic benefits. Since 2011, Plug'n Drive has established itself as a leader in the electric vehicle industry. It is a trusted source of unbiased information about electric cars, charging stations and the electricity sector.
About Pollution Probe
Pollution Probe is a national, not-for-profit, charitable organization that works to improve the health and well-being of Canadians by advancing policy and delivering programs that achieve positive, tangible environmental change. Pollution Probe has a proven track record of working in successful partnership with industry and government to develop practical solutions for shared environmental challenges.
SOURCE Bruce Power
Image with caption: "A collaborative report released today in Ottawa by Bruce Power, Plug’n Drive, Pollution Probe and the University of Waterloo’s Department of Chemical Engineering, explores ways to build upon existing policy framework at the federal and provincial levels with respect to plug-in EVs. (CNW Group/Bruce Power)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160920_C7522_PHOTO_EN_777381.jpg
please contact: Bruce Power Duty Media - 519-361-6161; Plug'n Drive - 647-717-6941, Pollution Probe - 416-926-1907
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