Determination to further innovate makes the automotive industry not only a technological leader, but a climate leader as well
Around the world, governments and industries are increasingly turning their attention to emission reductions and decarbonization. One of today’s biggest solutions lies in green technology, and auto makers are determined to further innovate and evolve in order to create even better transportation options for the future.
In May, B.C. had the pleasure of hosting 50 Shades of Green: Driving towards a Decarbonized Future – an event featuring presentations from industry leaders and panel discussions on the automotive industry and its role as a driver of technological change.
Over the course of history, the automotive industry has continually altered and advanced the way people viewed transportation and energy, from the creation of the steam powered car, combustion engine to the current electric and hybrid vehicles.
What became evident over the course of the event was the extent to which vehicle manufacturers are committed to reducing emissions, improving air quality and fuel efficiency, and creating viable solutions for consumers.
While most people think about electric vehicles when it comes to green transportation, one of the main takeaways from 50 Shades of Green is that there are many paths to the road to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and EVs are only one path. Scrapping older vehicles, ride sharing, public transit, and alternative fuels are also part of the larger solution and manufacturers are unveiling new internal combustion models that are even more fuel-efficient with each passing year.
Beyond highly efficient gasoline-powered vehicles , technological advancements are providing exciting new developments every day in alternative energy vehicles like EVs and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Toyota, for example, has announced that it will reduce new vehicle CO2 emissions by 90 per cent by 2050 compared to 2010 levels.
It’s important to recognize, however, that the transition takes time as industry grapples with a host of unique challenges including additions to charging infrastructure and investment in design and battery technology.
Working through these challenges, auto makers have continued to create new clean energy vehicle options to cater to each consumer’s taste, resulting in a B.C. success story – a 20 per cent increase in processed applications through the CEVforBCTM program in 2017 vs. 2016. And if the early part of 2018 is any indication – during which we have seen a 150 percent increase in CEV incentive applications – EVs are quickly becoming a serious option for many BC consumers.
As governments and industries work together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and refine and discover new energy solution, the auto industry has become an important linchpin in facilitating conversations.
The auto industry continues to facilitate important debates about emissions reduction and decarbonisation through events like 50 Shades of Green and the determination to further innovate makes the industry not only a technological leader, but a climate leader as well.
I would like to thank the Global Automakers of Canada for the invitation to participate in the 50 Shades of Green events. I would also like to extend my thanks to all the speakers and panelists, including David Adams from Global Automakers of Canada, Findlay Sams from Honda Canada, Chris Tubbe from Toyota Canada, Rob Murdoch from Mazda Canada, Simon Ouelette from ChargeHub Inc., Colin Armstrong from HTEC, Charlotte Argue from Plugin BC/Emotive and Matthew Klippenstein from Plugin BC.
Visit your local BC New Car Dealer to learn more about the latest technology available and test drive an electric vehicle to see just what all the buzz is about. I think you’ll find it an electrifying experience!
Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. You can email him at [email protected].
