Canadian Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland on Thursday tabled the 2022 federal budget, which included spending designed to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs).
The federal government pledged $1.7 billion over five years starting in 2022-23 to help make zero-emission vehicles more affordable for consumers. The Canadian Infrastructure Bank will spend $500 million over five years to build infrastructure to support the 1,500 charging stations that the government has promised to build throughout Canada.
"Eligibility under the program will also be broadened to support the purchase of more vehicle models, including more vans, trucks, and SUVs, which will help make ZEVs more affordable," the budget reads, in part. "Further details will be announced by Transport Canada in the coming weeks."
It also promised $547 million over four years starting in 2022-23 to help businesses upgrade their fleets to zero-emission vehicles.
"Overall, the ZEV measures in Budget 2022 are a good start but without significant investment and action this Liberal/NDP plan will fail, Huw Williams, head of public affairs of the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association (CADA), said in a statement.
“CADA has mapped out a full plan for government action on the website Roadto2035.ca and will shortly be publishing a report card on how this budget stacks up against the proposals made by the entire industry,"
The association represents more than 3,000 new-vehicle dealers across Canada.