TORONTO – April 1, 2021 Pollution Probe is pleased to announce the launch of its latest initiative to accelerate the deployment of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) in Canadian municipalities. The goals of the Municipal ZEV Engagement Platform are to engage municipal governments and their collaborators, socialize the range of solutions which are presented in internal and external resources, and establish an ongoing dialogue surrounding ZEVs. The Platform will provide an opportunity for knowledge-sharing across municipalities and access to subject-matter experts and relevant stakeholders, contributing to the deepening of knowledge and expertise of those with common ZEV-related challenges and opportunities. Funding support for the Platform was provided in part through Natural Resources Canada’s Zero-Emission Vehicle Awareness Initiative. The Government of Canada has set ambitious federal targets for ZEVs, including reaching 10% of new light-duty vehicle (LDV) sales per year by 2025, 30% by 2030 and 100% by 2040. In meeting these targets, municipalities will play a critical role in enabling ZEV use among local residents and businesses, and have a number of mechanisms through which to support a wide range of actions.
The Platform will provide several features for municipal transportation and sustainability practitioners, including:
- A repository of resources, which will include high-level resources for municipalities in the early stages of ZEV deployment and more sophisticated and technical resources for later-stage municipalities.
- A members-only discussion forum that will be exclusive to municipal government representatives and subject matter experts from key stakeholder groups involved in ZEV deployment actions.
The discussion forum has been designed to foster a free flow of ideas within a confidential setting. Space has been provided to discuss absolutely any aspect of ZEVs from a municipal perspective – from environmental and social benefits, to technology readiness, regulatory instruments to accelerate deployment, best practices in charging infrastructure rollout, ZEV integration into fleets, and more. Pollution Probe will moderate discussions, regularly add resources, and ensure that no question goes unanswered.
“We’re giving Canadians the greener options they want to get to where they need to go. This is how we get to net zero by 2050,” said the Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources.
“The Municipal ZEV Engagement Platform represents an innovative and collaborative effort to bring together Canadian municipalities and the country’s leading experts on ZEVs. It is our intention that it will become the go-to resource for local government staff seeking to gain insights into ZEV deployment to inform local actions,” Christopher Hilkene, CEO of Pollution Probe.
To review the resources provided on the Platform or to apply for membership to access the discussion forum, please stop by for a visit at: https://www.pollutionprobe-municipalzevplatform.com/