A Parksville-based electric vehicle (EV) company is getting a funding boost from the provincial government to develop electric industrial work trucks.
The $294,000 will help Canadian Electric Vehicles (CanEV) develop the third generation of its low-speed Might-E truck and a new medium-duty truck. The funding comes from the province’s CleanBC Advanced Research and Commercialization (ARC) program.
“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,” said Todd Maliteare, president of CanEV. “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.”
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, the province said.
The company is expected to hire two to three new employees in the clean technology and engineering areas for the project, as well as hire additional employees when pilot scale manufacturing commences.
“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.”
Companies that purchase the truck are eligible for rebates through the CleanBC Go Electric Specialty-use Vehicle Incentive program, including higher rebates for tourism companies.
“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 through our CleanBC Go Electric programs.”
Since 1995, CanEV has been one of the only companies in B.C. manufacturing EVs, according to the provincial government.
