How EcoForward supports…

This act requires automakers who operate in BC to meet an escalating annual percentage of ZEV sales in the province. Our program facilitated $3,000 and $6,000 rebates for new and used electric vehicles (purchased from New Car Dealer Association of BC members). Ultimately, through a unique Part 3 Agreement arrangement with an obligated party under the Low Carbon Fuel Act, we funded 7,750 of the current (approximate) 140,000 ZEVs on the road in BC today.

Since 1996 this program has ensured that the approved replacement vehicles are of the model year such that they were built with the approved emission control systems required to meet the then current emission control standards and/or regulations. For example, when the program first began, customers were required to scrap a 1996 or older vehicle and purchase a 2004 or newer vehicle. At the time, the 2004 and newer models were expected to meet the most current (at the time) emission control standards. Today our focus is on electric vehicles which are 100% emission free.

We have facilitated the adoption of cleaner fuels by:

• assisting an obligated party under the Low Carbon Fuel Act and associated Clean Fuel Regulations to meet their carbon intensity (reduction) requirements by generating carbon credits via the reduction of CO2 emissions from ICE vehicles;
• administering a home charging rebate program to install EV chargers in residences across BC; and,
• administering a federally funded fleet charging program.

Our programs help government achieve the GHG emissions target levels by:

• permanently removing internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles off the road and providing rebates and incentives to BC residents who want to move to cleaner forms of transportation (electric vehicles, transit, e-bikes and/or car share); and,
• facilitating the transition to cleaner sources of fuel (gasoline to electricity).

Our program partners must:

• meet the recycling requirements of the Canadian Auto Recyclers’ Environmental Code (CAREC);
• have an approved waste management plan describing how they will follow the Act. These plans are subject to audit by the Ministry of Environment.

As noted above, our partners must have a waste management plan describing how each of the following hazardous substances will be removed from wet vehicles at their facilities: ozone depleting substances and other halocarbons; oils, brake fluids, solvents, fuels and other hydrocarbons; antifreeze; lead and lead-acid batteries; tires; mercury switches; windshield washer fluid.

Our partnerships are primarily with BC-based businesses who employ multiple staff and contribute significantly to BC’s economy. Since program inception we’ve worked with over 670 unique partners. This includes over 300 independently owned and operated electric bike retailers, over 280 individual new car dealerships, over 25 scrap vehicle drop off locations, and multiple car share and transit organizations.