June 1, 2012

MANITOBA MOVES FORWARD WITH ELECTRIC VEHICLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

Innovation, Energy and Mines Minister Dave Chomiak today publicly received the report and recommendations of Manitoba’s Electric Vehicle Advisory Committee (EVAC).
The committee was one of the outcomes of the Electric Vehicle Road Map released by the province last year.  The road map demonstrated the benefits of electric vehicles and showed how Manitoba is uniquely positioned to capitalize on those benefits as a result of the province’s low electricity rates and existing plug-in infrastructure.
“Our government recognizes the short-term and long-term benefits of electric vehicles for Manitoba,” said Chomiak.  “By choosing electric cars, Manitobans save money on their transportation fuel costs, significantly reduce their greenhouse-gas emissions and keep more money circulating within the provincial economy.  Over the long term, the electrification of transportation across North America will significantly increase the value of our hydroelectric assets.”
EVAC’s mandate was to make recommendations to government on how to address barriers to the use of electric vehicles in the province and accelerate their adoption by Manitobans, Chomiak said.  Eighteen committee recommendations cover five broad areas:

• education and awareness,
• charging infrastructure,
• consumer demand,
• regulatory barriers, and
• economic development.

“Our government endorses the report of the committee and has already begun to implement some of the recommendations,” said Chomiak.  “We created the Electric Vehicle Technology and Education Centre (EV-TEC) at Red River College, we have engaged electric vehicle manufacturers in plug-in partnerships that help ensure many of the latest makes and models of all-electric vehicles are available in Manitoba, and we are well into the development of an all-electric transit bus with industry partners.  Moving forward, we will provide incentives for the installation of Level 2 charging infrastructure and work with stakeholders to address the recommendations made by the committee.”

The minister noted the province’s plan to facilitate the adoption of electric vehicles will not include a per vehicle consumer incentive, adding Manitoba’s low-cost electricity will offset some of the higher costs associated with purchasing these vehicles.
Chomiak thanked all participating organizations involved in the development of the recommendations.
“All the stakeholders that helped put this review together provided valuable insights that will help prepare Manitoba for the increased use of electric vehicles in communities across the province.”
The EVAC committee included Manitoba Hydro; Manitoba Public Insurance; the City of Brandon; City of Winnipeg; Red River College; University of Manitoba; University of Winnipeg; Thompson Unlimited; Manitoba Innovation, Energy and Mines; Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation; Manitoba Vehicle and Equipment Management Agency; Manitoba Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade; and Manitoba Family Services and Labour.  In addition, many stakeholders contributed to the process including CAA Manitoba, the Manitoba Motor Dealers’ Association, auto manufacturers, and
vehicle-charging equipment manufacturers and retailers.
To view a copy of the report, visit www.manitoba.ca/iem/energy/transportation/index.html.