The provincial government will support a Parksville business and its innovative development of e-trucks.
Parksville’s Canadian Electric Vehicles (CanEV) is developing electric-powered industrial work trucks to support the transition to a low-carbon economy with funding from the CleanBC Advanced Research and Commercialization (ARC) program.
The $294,000 for the CanEV project will help develop the third generation of the low-speed Might-E Truck and a new medium-duty truck that will achieve Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards to allow operation on any road. CanEV’s current Might-E Truck is a work vehicle designed for use by municipalities, campuses, malls, resorts, parks, airports and industries. A low-maintenance vehicle, the Might-E Truck is able to outperform combustion vehicles, both financially and mechanically.
“Under our CleanBC plan, we are moving to a future where new vehicles produce no air pollution at all,” said Bruce Ralston, minister of energy, mines and low carbon innovation. “To get there faster, we are supporting smart B.C. companies like CanEV to develop innovative technology. We are also offering rebates to businesses adopting commercial electric vehicles (EVs) through our CleanBC Go Electric programs.”
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Eligible companies purchasing CanEV’s Might-E Truck can access rebates through the province’s CleanBC Go Electric Specialty-Use Vehicle Incentive program, including higher rebates for tourism companies announced in January 2021.
“I’m so impressed by innovative businesses that are leading the way on our path to a cleaner, brighter future,” said Adam Walker, MLA for Parksville-Qualicum. “Through CleanBC, our government is supporting companies like CanEV to develop clean commercial vehicles, contributing to our joint fight against climate change while diversifying and expanding our economy.”
Since 1995, CanEV has been one of the only companies in B.C. manufacturing EVs.
Todd Maliteare, president of Canadian Electric Vehicles, said “ARC’s investment in these vehicle developments will place Canadian EV technology at the front of a market sector that is set to explode in this decade. We are proud to be a part of Canada’s response to the global warming crisis.”
“We believe that B.C.-based EV manufacturing has a bright future, as well as manufacturing in all green tech industries, supporting new jobs and reinforcing B.C.’s position as a leader in climate change action.”
— NEWS Staff, submitted