Canadian taxpayers dumped billions into Ottawa's Zero-Emission Vehicles (iZEV) program in the name of fighting climate change.
On Friday, the Government of Canada paused iZEV, which provided a $5,000 rebate for battery-electric vehicles. Since its inception in 2019, the program facilitated 546,000 zero-emission vehicle sales or leases equaling a $2.73 billion expenditure.
In recent years, Canada saw several high-profile EV battery projects either stalled, canceled, or facing significant challenges including the Northvolt project in Quebec and Ford's EV production facility in Ontario.
“I am delighted to see the success of the iZEV Program," said Minister of Transport and Internal Trade Anita Anand in a statement.
"Since 2015, our Government has been committed to building a greener economy and combatting climate change.”
Although some regions are experiencing a slowdown in EV sales, the overall trend shows continued global growth.
BloombergNEF projected global EV sales would increase by about 20% in 2024 compared to the previous year, indicating sustained demand — albeit at a slower rate than previous years.
Alberta is taking a different path from Ottawa when it comes to lowering vehicle emissions.
The province has taken several steps to develop and expand its hydrogen-powered vehicle infrastructure, focusing on both production and utilization of hydrogen as a fuel source.
Alberta is working on building hydrogen fuelling stations. Projects include the installation of hydrogen production, distribution, and refuelling infrastructure in various locations like Edmonton and Fort Saskatchewan.
Edmonton International Airport has installed a mobile hydrogen refuelled station to provide hydrogen for the airport's fleet of Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
The original expiration date for iZEV was March 31, 2025.
