To gauge how various regions of the country are embracing the electric revolution that the Government of Canada is committed to, Electric Mobility Canada (EMC), with the support of Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors, have released a Scorecard comparing how well Canadian provinces and territories are doing at supporting consumers in their journey to emission-free transportation.
The Scorecard shows that EVs are becoming the clear choice for consumers and businesses in many parts of the country. But some provinces and territories still have much work ahead to meet demand and provide affordable access to electric vehicles.
The Scorecard measures progress based on policies and programs put in place to ensure EV supply, support adoption, build charging infrastructure, and develop the workforce. Provinces and territories are then grouped under the categories of “Canadian Leaders, Building Momentum and Getting Started”.
Global Leaders: BC has taken the most comprehensive approach to enabling EV adoption, starting with the core steps of adopting purchase incentives, investing in infrastructure, and enacting a strong mandate for minimum EV sales. In addition, it has taken meaningful steps to train its workforce and orient its economy towards the transition.
Canadian Leaders: Quebec emerged as a Canadian Leader and can aspire to become a Global Leader. Quebec has adopted a EV mandate, offers comprehensive funding to individuals and businesses to adopt EVs, and is taking action to grow the EV workforce, and has built a widespread charging network thanks to a clear mandate given to the utility (Hydro Quebec).
Building Momentum: Nova Scotia, the Yukon, PEI and New Brunswick are all building momentum, having recently brought in purchase incentives to bolster EV adoption while investing in public charging networks. To move into the Canadian Leader category and provide consumers with more access to affordable, reliable EVs, these jurisdictions can further support medium- and heavy-duty vehicle electrification and accelerate investments in charging infrastructure and take further action to develop their EV workforce.
Getting Started: Provinces and territories that are getting started (Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario, Alberta, the Northwest Territories, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Nunavut) have different strengths, and areas for improvement. Newfoundland scored the highest in this category, having adopted purchase incentives and having made substantial investments in charging infrastructure.
The Canada EV Scorecard tracks actions taken or already in place in the 2021–22 fiscal year (Apr. 1, 2021, to Mar. 31, 2022). Funding for the Scorecard was also provided by the Trottier Family Foundation, the Ivey Foundation and the Transition Accelerator. EMC intends to update and release the Scorecard regularly, acting as a consistent reference point for progress and policy inspiration in the transition to EVs.