Montreal, December 8, 2020— Propulsion Québec, the cluster for electric and intelligent transportation, today unveiled a brand-new study entitled “The Electrification of Vehicle Fleets in Quebec: the Adoption of Medium- and Heavy-Duty Electric Vehicles in Commercial and Institutional Fleets.” To identify and prioritize strategies to accelerate the electrification of commercial and institutional vehicle fleets in Quebec, Propulsion Québec commissioned the consulting firm Dunsky Expertise en énergie to carry out an analysis on the adoption of medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicles.
Enhancing strategies to accelerate the electrification of vehicle fleets
The study shows that vehicle electrification in the commercial and institutional sectors still faces numerous barriers in terms of vehicle acquisition, charging, operational and internal issues, as well as expertise and skills, both in Quebec and elsewhere in North America. These barriers will need to gradually disappear to enable fleet operators to fully make the transition to electric.
The study reveals that Quebec has the levers needed to accelerate the electrification of vehicle fleets, but improvements to several of these strategies are necessary. Following an analysis of the barriers and levers from international case studies, a comparative analysis highlighted that fleet size, rather than fleet type, is the most important differentiating factor in determining the impact of barriers on operators. Various gaps to be corrected and potential improvements are also identified, and several lines of action are recommended.
The launch of the wave of electrification of commercial and institutional vehicle fleets depends on the rigorous application of the recommendations formulated in the study, beginning with the priority strategies that notably address regulatory and financial aspects. The presented case studies clearly show that such initiatives yield extremely positive results, as for example in California, which Quebec can look to as a model.
Quotes
“This study reveals the essential strategies to be promoted to accelerate the adoption of medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicles within commercial and institutional fleets in Quebec. By comparing the province’s situation with various international case studies, our research uncovers several common gaps. By identifying and comparing them in this way, we are able to overcome these difficulties and find innovative solutions to address them. This deep transition to greener, more sustainable energy will be an indispensable asset for our economy and will consolidate Quebec’s leadership position in transport electrification. We have the means to set an example while diversifying our economy and reducing our GHG emissions,” said Sarah Houde, President and CEO of Propulsion Québec, the cluster for electric and intelligent transportation.
“Hydro-Québec will be there to support fleet electrification. We want to be a preferred and trusted partner to help companies and institutions by supporting them in the deployment of the charging infrastructure necessary for the electrification of their vehicle fleets,” said France Lampron, Director – Transport Electrification at Hydro-Québec.
“The electrification of Quebec businesses’ vehicle fleets is part of our plan for the energy transition. Remaining true to our role of supporting businesses, we want them to be able to electrify their fleets under the best possible conditions. Thoughtful consideration is therefore essential to implement the measures necessary to overcome the obstacles identified to fleet electrification,” said Christian G. Brosseau, Vice-President of Investments, Structuring Capital, Energy and Environment at the Fonds de solidarité FTQ.
Propulsion Québec’s recommendations
To address the priority needs raised, fifteen recommendations were formulated, applicable over a ten-year horizon, from 2020 to 2030. Among these are:
- Enhance financial assistance programs;
- Support the development and commercialization of electric vehicles by Quebec manufacturers;
- Introduce a zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicle standard (VZE);
- Enhance support for charging infrastructure and the offer of demonstration programs to support the development of pre-commercial vehicles;
- Develop an innovative financing solution;
- Introduce regulations that increase the advantages of electric vehicles;
- Deploy a communications campaign targeting operators;
- Expand the government’s exemplary role.
In addition to the fifteen recommendations, eight specific actions were raised in the study to enable fleet operators to contribute to accelerating vehicle electrification in Quebec
The completion of this study was made possible thanks to the financial support of the Government of Quebec, Hydro-Québec and the Fonds de solidarité FTQ.
To learn more about the electrification of vehicle fleets in Quebec:
About Propulsion Québec
Quebec’s cluster for electric and intelligent transportation brings together all players in the sector around coordinated projects aimed at positioning Quebec among the leaders in the development and deployment of land transport modes that favor electric and intelligent transportation. Created in 2017, Propulsion Québec now has more than 180 members from various sectors and deploys its resources across seven distinct workstreams aimed at developing and supporting innovative projects. The cluster benefits from the financial support of the Government of Quebec, the Government of Canada, the Montreal Metropolitan Community (CMM), the Fonds de solidarité FTQ, Québecor, Attrix and Hydro-Québec.
