Canada has set an ambitious target to make 100% of new light-duty vehicle sales “zero-emission” by 2035. That will mean a massive increase in electric vehicles (EVs) on Canadian roads in both the near and long-term future.
For the millions of Canadians living in multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs) such as condos and apartments, the need for infrastructure supporting convenient home charging systems will be one of the core components of a successful EV transition.
Here is what you need to know about Canada’s 2035 target and what it has to do with MURBs.
The Goal
When the federal government finalized “Canada’s Electric Vehicle Availability Standard” in December of 2023, it came with a promise that by 2035, 100% of light-duty vehicles sold in this country would be “zero emission.”
Right now, our roadways are the source of about one-third of all of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions. This approach is aimed at completely phasing out carbon emitting vehicles from Canada’s roadways by about 2050, based on the assumption that most new vehicles will be on the roads for about 15 years.
Part of the success of this policy will stem from the signal it sends to auto-manufacturers as well as those creating EV charging infrastructure. More investment in these two areas will lead to more affordable and higher-performing EVs and more widespread charging infrastructure, lowering the barriers to adoption for many Canadians. (It’s also worth noting that EVs have lower maintenance and lifetime costs for drivers, and huge benefits in reducing pollution and improving population health.)
This 2035 target is just one of a multitude of policies from the Canadian government — including the carbon tax and the clean fuel regulation act, among others — aimed at helping Canada meet its commitments to reduce the country’s greenhouse gas emissions in coming years.
Between now and 2035, the federal government has set a number of interim goals including a 20% ZEV sales target by 2026, and 60% ZEV sales by 2030. As of 2022, that figure was just under 9% but it continues to climb.
To support these targets, all levels of government has committed to providing significant support to lower the cost of electric vehicles and incentivize the creation of new charging infrastructure.
MURBs: Meeting the Growing Demand
There are now over 25,000 EV public charging stations across the country and that number is growing fast thanks to incentives like ZEVIP. Still, many prospective EV owners are concerned about their ability to find a charger — a phenomenon that has become known as “range anxiety.”
Reliable and effective at-home charging is going to be a key element as we continue to develop Canadian infrastructure to meet the country’s evolving EV targets. Building owners and developers of multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs) are going to be key in meeting that demand.
EVSTARTs specialize in providing comprehensive EV charging solutions for MURBs. With expert planning and installation, world-class technology and software, we give you the tools to ensure your buildings are ready for Canada’s EV future.
Contact us today to schedule a meeting with our team.