No. H 202/08
For release - September 3, 2008
VANCOUVER, B.C. - Recent changes made to the definition of low-speed vehicles (LSVs) by Transport Canada to include low-speed trucks now allow British Columbia-based low-speed truck manufacturer Canadian Electric Vehicles Ltd. to market its LSV across Canada, announced Brian Jean, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. Low-speed trucks are designed for use such as grounds keeping, landscaping, and in certain industrial and institutional settings such as campuses and resorts, where they can be operated safely.
"The marketing of zero-emissions, electric low-speed trucks in Canada is good news. These low-speed trucks are environmentally friendly and represent one more step in our government's ambitious environmental agenda," said Mr. Jean. "I encourage people to use these environmentally friendly vehicles in controlled low-speed environments like campuses an d retirement communities, where the risk of a collision with a faster and heavier motor vehicle is lower than on public roads."
The announcement follows the publication on August 6, 2008, in the Canada Gazette, Part II, of an updated definition of "low-speed vehicles" (LSVs) that allows electric low-speed trucks that produce no emissions to be classified as LSVs. As a result, it is now possible to market these vehicles in Canada as LSVs.
Canadian Electric Vehicles Ltd., based in Errington, British Columbia, has received authorization to affix the National Safety Mark to its LSV, the might-E-truck. This mark indicates the company has certified that its LSV truck meets the three federal regulatory standards for LSVs and can market it across the co untry.
Minister Cannon also took the opportunity today to promote the safe use of zero-emissions, electric low-speed vehicles.
"Low-speed vehicles are good for the environment, but their use should not compromise the safety of Canadia ns," added Minister Cannon. "The Government of Canada supports cleaner transportation solutions that continue to provide the current high level of safety on our roads that Canadians expect and deserve."
Through the ecoTECHNOLOGY for Vehicles Program and the Transportation Development Centre, Transport Canada encourages vehicle manufacturers to design and make electric cars and trucks that meet all of the safety standards that apply to conventional cars and trucks. This way, electric vehicles can offer the same level of occupant protection as conventional vehicles without tailpipe emissions or negative impact on local air quality.
Road use of LSVs, including vehicle licensing, is r egulated by provinces and territories. Transport Canada continues to remind licensing authorities, as well as manufacturers and consumers, that the safety standards for LSVs do not match those of other motor ve hicle classes. Conventional passenger cars must meet up to 40 safety standards, whether they are powered by electricity, gasoline, diesel, propane or natural gas.
Transport Canada develops safety standards and regulations for new vehicles and vehi cles imported for use in Canada.
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Contacts:
Catherine Loubier
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, Ottawa
613-991-0700
Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055
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