VICTORIA -- As part of its action plan on climate change, the provincial Liberal government will move this spring to allow electric cars -- which have a maximum speed of 40 km/h -- on city streets across B.C.
But only if municipalities agree to allow them too.
Currently, the cars are classified as slow-moving vehicles, much like tractors. The category limits them to streets with posted speeds of up to 50 km/h and means they must carry a large, orange triangular sign, an overhead amber light and sport continuous four-way flashers.
Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon says the proposed changes to the Motor Vehicle Act this spring will allow electric cars to travel -- without signs and lights -- on any road in the province with a posted speed of 40 km/h or less.
The province will also allow them on roads with posted speeds of up to 50 km/h -- but only if municipal governments agree.
The province treats electric cars differently than regular combustion-engine vehicles because they are not required to be crash-test rated and they don't have airbags or high-impact bumpers. Some models have canvas doors.
Electric vehicles run on batteries that are recharged by plugging into an electrical outlet, and don't use gas.
Many popular models, like the IT car -- which stands for "innovative technology" -- and the Canadian-built ZENN -- which stands for zero emissions, no noise -- are limited in speed and distance.
Industry estimates argue that using an electric car instead of an internal-combustion engine reduces a driver's greenhouse-gas footprint by 6.5 tonnes a year.
There are currently 11 electric vehicles licensed in the province.
Catherine Scrimgeour, spokeswoman for Toronto-based manufacturer ZENN Motor Co., called B.C.'s decision to adopt low-speed vehicle legislation encouraging and positive.
"But it's heavily restricted to 40 km/h roadways," said Scrimgeour, who would like B.C. to introduce legislation similar to that in California and Oregon.
Those laws allow low-speed vehicles to travel at regulated top speed on roads of 50 km/h or lower.
ZENN cars are not sold in B.C.
Scrimgeour is also critical of the ministry for putting the onus on municipalities to pass bylaws to allow their use on 50 km/h roads.
Potentially, drivers could find themselves running afoul of the law every time they crossed municipal boundaries.
In rural areas, where the province is the road authority, the ministry will establish a set of guidelines on what kind of cars can be used and where they can be used.
The guidelines will also be available to municipalities.
The Province; Published Sunday, April 13, 2008
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