New strategy aims to increase number of zero-emission vehicles in Mississauga and Brampton
Published June 27, 2022 at 12:08 pm
Peel Region is hoping to combat climate change and lower greenhouse gas emissions through a key measure: Getting more zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) on Mississauga and Brampton roads.
On June 23, Regional Council received the Peel Zero Emission Vehicle Strategy, which aims to accelerate light-duty ZEV uptake across the region.
According to the report, transportation accounts for 35% of the Region’s community greenhouse gas emissions. Increased use of ZEVs would lower emissions and improve air quality.
“Ontario currently has one of the cleanest electricity systems in North America; a gasoline-fueled car can produce more than 35 times the emissions of an electric vehicle,” says the report issued by Gary Kent, Chief Financial Officer and Commissioner of Corporate Services.
“In 2021, approximately one in 20 vehicles sold in Canada was a ZEV, up from one in 100 in 2017.”
As of February 2022, more than 8,000 ZEVs were registered in Peel — an increase of 40% compared to just 10 months prior, according to the report.
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The Strategy has four specific focuses:
- Expanding access to public charging stations for electric vehicles
- Enhancing ZEV education and awareness
- Encouraging more ZEV infrastructure considerations in municipal plans and policies
- Forming a working group to implement ZEV strategy actions, monitor, and report progress on implementation
Regional and local municipal staff is expected to work with community stakeholders to oversee and track progress on the ZEV Strategy’s implementation.
The report says approximately $35,000 is available in funding to coordinate ZEV education and test drive events across the community over the Strategy’s five-year timeframe, while federal funding options will also be explored.
The federal government recently announced $1.7 billion to extend the Incentives for Zero-Emission Vehicles (iZEV) Program to 2025, offering rebates of up to $5,000 per ZEV.
Meanwhile, the province has set a goal to build at least 400,000 electric and hybrid vehicles in Ontario by 2030, and major auto manufacturers such as Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis have also pledged billions towards a transition to electric vehicles.
“As municipalities, we have an opportunity to lead the charge in the electrification of vehicles,” said Christine Tu, Peel’s Director of Climate Change and Energy Management.
“Enabling a switch to zero emission vehicles will significantly decrease transportation related greenhouse gas emissions in Peel Region and support broader global efforts to fight the climate emergency, one electric vehicle at a time.”
The ZEV Strategy was developed in collaboration through the Peel Climate Change Partnership, represented by the Town of Caledon, City of Brampton, City of Mississauga, Region of Peel, Credit Valley Conservation, and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority.
Earlier this month, it was announced that nearly 70 more electrical vehicle chargers will be installed in Mississauga and Peel Region by March 2024, with a total project cost of $1.6 million.
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