Dangling carrots sells electric cars

Communication. Collaboration. Co-operation. These three words were the theme of the recent 2018 Union of B.C. Municipalities Convention (UBCM) in Whistler.

But they were also pivotal to discussions I had, as president and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of B.C. (NCDA), with a number of elected officials and municipal staff.

The annual gathering of local government councillors, mayors, MLAs and B.C. government ministers provides opportunities for information exchanges and policy development. UBCM is particularly notable for our association as it provides an opportunity to share key messages with government leaders, including information on the latest auto technology, including high-efficiency gas engines and electric and hydrogen vehicles.

From conversations with B.C. Premier John Horgan, Finance Minister Carole James, Environment Minister George Heyman, to Opposition Leader Andrew Wilkinson, Green party Leader Andrew Weaver and others, UBCM provided a jam-packed opportunity to engage and discuss a host of issues with elected representatives.

I shared our concerns about the layers of taxation (luxury, payroll, etc.), the impact the weight of these measures have on our member dealers who are in effect, small- and medium-size businesses, and the subsequent trickle-down effect this has on affordability for consumers. UBCM also provided an opportunity to applaud government efforts that have supported development of the largest electric vehicle-charging network in the country, which will allow drivers to travel from Tofino to Alberta. The challenge remains in expanding the network to develop more fulsome access to B.C.’s Interior and the North.

We hosted a Green Rideand-Drive event for delegates, with more than 50 government leaders signing up for ride-anddrives, made possible with our Electric Vehicle Experience Test Drive partner: Emotive. This opportunity plays a key role in educating leaders who may not have experienced EVs first-hand. With strong investments in incentives, charging infrastructure and education, B.C. has the highest per capita EV adoption rate in the country.

However, independent research by the NCDA has shown purchase price remains a significant barrier. In a province where affordability is an issue in many households, that same research shows the ability to access a point-of-sale incentive program such as the CEVforBC is clearly a determining factor for many families. In large part, this is why our association continues to advocate that government continues to utilize an approach that is working: using carrots, not sticks, to ensure greater EV adoption.

UBCM provided an opportunity to utilize policy-making sessions, government meetings and discussion forums to highlight and accelerate initiatives that matter to our communities. And while there will always be challenges to tackle, we will continue to seek out solutions through ongoing communication, collaboration and co-operation.