Sector

Function

Mobility for work, shopping, social activities, recreation

GHG emissions

13% of Canadian emissions (54% of transportation emissions), plus the emissions generated in the oil and gas sector to produce this gasoline

Options for decarbonization

Electric vehicles; hydrogen fuel cell vehicles

Stage of transition

Electric vehicles: early diffusion phase; Fuel cell: emergence

Nature of the problem today

Up-front costs of zero-emission vehicles; limited charging/refuelling infrastructure;
resistance by established manufacturers (supply)

Other systemic issues

Air and noise pollution, costs of ownership, traffic congestion, car-dependent land-use patterns

Opportunities and concerns

For users: reductions in fuel costs, reduced maintenance, reduced total cost of ownership, enhanced vehicle performance. For communities: reduced air pollution.

Economic development: business opportunities in the EV value chain; being prepared for vehicle connectivity and automation

Risks: decline in existing Canadian auto sector if sufficient investment in EV value chain fails to materialize

Priorities for action

Subsidies for EV purchases; infrastructure investment for charging; government fleet and procurement standards; zero-emission vehicle standards; gasoline/diesel phaseout date; measures to ensure charging at multi-unit residential buildings; building code adjustments. Strategic intervention to build out supply chain for zero-emission transport manufacture

Longer-term issues

Managing grid integration; complementary technologies, smart charging, vehicle to grid, advanced materials; integration with other approaches including: active mobility, public transit, mobility as a service and connected and autonomous vehicles

Indicators of progress

Percent of zero emission vehicle sales; infrastructure build out; value-added in zero emission vehicle production