Community Energy Association

The trusted independent advisor to local governments on climate and energy

Regional Visions for Electric Mobility

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Background

The BC Climate Leaders Playbook identifies seven “big moves” communities can take to reach their 2030 and 2050 emissions reductions goals. Electrifying passenger and utility vehicles is a critical component of an overarching strategy to build a complete zero-emission transportation system that connects communities and regions.

The good news is we know what we needs to be done. What can be unclear is specifically how unique communities and regions can get there. At CEA we are experts in understanding the big vision while leveraging the context and opportunity of a region or community. In this way, climate solutions are pragmatic and ultimately addressing GHG emissions while building resilience and co-benefits for residents.

Envisioning the future of e-mobility

We are grateful to BC Hydro for supporting the idea of co-creating solutions to achieve a shared vision of regional e-mobility ecosystems. In 2019 we piloted the first e-mobility visioning session with BC Hydro and RDEK support. The outcome was nine innovative pilot projects that were funding-ready. A few of the projects designed during that 2-day session are now either funded (like the mobile battery unit!) or in proposal.

After the success of this initial pilot in the East Kootenay, we were again supported by BC Hydro to adapt the workshop template to new regions. In 2021, after making adjustments to create an engaging and compelling online experience, our team collaborated with stakeholders on Vancouver Island and in the Central/North regions.

In each respective workshop, we adapted the presentations to provide participants with a glimpse at technology that was relevant to their context but otherwise used a common format and shared outcomes:

  1. Develop a shared vision for how the region is benefiting from the transition to electric mobility in 2040.
  2. Define 3-5 pilot project concepts so they are ready for scoping and work planning.

The workshop was designed on the foundational understanding that in order for solutions to provide maximum benefits and impact, they need to reflect a diversity of perspectives and expertise. For that reason, the participants in each workshop represented a variety of organizations. Furthermore, on a regional scale, collaboration is critical; rural communities are linked economically andsocially so it makes sense to create solutions that leverage investments and resources.

On a regional scale, collaboration is critical; rural communities are linked economically and socially so it makes sense to create solutions that leverage investments and resources.

Graphic Recording

We wanted to capture the creative contributions and energy participants brought to the sessions. Recording and sharing the ideas and visions of participants puts the pilot projects into context. We worked with artists at Drawing Change to create a graphic record the sessions. This preserved the co-created vision and the hopes and dreams participants had for future of e-mobility innovation.

Where are we now? Where are we going? How do we get there?

 

Answering "where are we now?"

When communities start exploring what is possible in the future for a fully integrated e-mobility network, the opportunities are endless. The e-mobility ecosystem includes elements of the following, all of which may make up the future landscape of our communities:

  • Electric vehicles – light, medium and heavy duty
  • Electric recreation – e-bikes/dirt bikes/snowmobiles/all-terrain vehicles/boats
  • Smart grid/battery/on-site renewables
  • Charging: at home, public level 2 and public fast charging
  • Emerging technologies – autonomous vehicles, battery storage, induction charging, etc.

To ensure all participants were aware of recent innovations in the e-mobility ecosystem, we coordinated presentations from industry leaders in each respective region. Below is the graphic summary of the presentations for each region (click to enlarge in a new tab). By anchoring the workshop in understanding current trends, innovations and opportunities, participants could then imagine how their region and communities could evolve.

Vancouver Island stakeholders heard about e-boats, fleet electrification for heavy duty vehicles, and electric and autonomous car share.
North/Central participants heard about electric mining equipment, portable batteries and e-snowmobiles.

Answering "where are we going?"

In each workshop, participants created a shared vision of how their regions and communities are prepared for and benefiting from the transition to electric mobility. In order to synthesize ideas, participants were tasked to imagine newspaper headlines that articulate the 2040 future state.

Vancouver Island participants envisioned a future with 3 key themes:

Connected communities/ integrated transportation
"10th Year Celebration for Vancouver Island's Electric Train, with final station unveiled in Port Hardy."
"The Island and even the gulf islands are a fully connected with a transportation network."
"New Study Shows: Everyone Has Access to Car but Doesn't Need It."
"Cycle touring from East Coast through Sunshine coast now the most traveled route in BC and it's zero emissions!"
"Vancouver Island Transportation Authority (VITA) celebrates 25th anniversary."
"Game changer: Electric rail eliminates emissions and allows people to move up and down the Island without having to own a car."

Broad electrification
"Last gas station on Vancouver Island is converted to an electric mobility hub."
"Every community on Vancouver Island has EV, Hydrogen, or low carbon infrastructure to connect residents and tourists alike."
"Vancouver Island no Longer Has 'Charging Deserts'."
"Vancouver Island the first jurisdiction to reach ZEV mandate targets."
"Whether by air or by sea people visiting the Island can make every trip via electrification."
"Because VI has shifted to electric transportation biodiversity is regenerating."

Renewable energy
"Vancouver Island achieves zero grid power usage for first time since Power Resilience Initiative Kicked Off."
"100% of travel on Vancouver Island now powered by renewable energy."
"VI eliminates the need to import fossil fuels for transportation sector."

 

 

Central/North participants envisioned a future with 3 key themes:

Broad electrification
"1/4 reduction in vehicles on the roads in Kamloops because of improved mobility infrastructure (bikes, scooters, etc.)."
"The last local government fleet vehicle is electrified."
"Provincial and Private Campground Association fully bans diesel generator."
"No new parking spaces are created as people are eliminating car ownership."

Tourism development
"The Gold Rush Trail expansion is electrified into a multi-use recreational trail across the region."
"Central and Northern BC recognized for top 5 bucket list, sustainable, decarbonized, must see destinations in international tourism magazine."
"Electric touring itinerary supports fully integrated route - CanaDream + PE Partnership Celebrates 10 years."
"Hwy 97/16 is rated top recreation route for all e-ventures."

Diverse travel options
"Accessible rail commuting across hwy 16 is a safe and cost effective transportation option."
"Final section of Induction Charging completed on Highway 97."
"All main streets in the region are pedestrian only and primarily access by electric micro mobility."

Answering "how do we get there?"

After thinking about the unique characteristics of their region and defining specific strengths or opportunities, stakeholders moved to articulating prototype ideas.

Vancouver Island stakeholders talked about current momentum and rate of adoption of EVs on the island as well as a history of regional collaboration and current congestion. These characteristics are just a few reasons noted as unique opportunities that can be leveraged when designing prototype projects.

Central/North BC stakeholders noted the vast wilderness with existing assets like campgrounds and anchor communities. The region has unique opportunity to leverage connectivity and wild, natural spaces to build zero emission tourism destinations/experiences.

While stakeholders in each session envisioned several potential prototypes, in the end the following were voted as presenting the biggest opportunity:

Vancouver Island Priority Projects:

 

 

Central/North Priority Projects:

 

 

Final Graphics of each session

We hope you can use these images to accelerate innovation on e-mobility! Please credit Community Energy Association with a link to this post if you do use them - thank you!

Vancouver Island Day 1 drawing

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Vancouver Island Day 2 Graphic

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Central/North Day 1 drawing

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Central/North Day 2 Graphic

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We look forward to sharing how these pilot project evolve, in particular how community stakeholders build relationships to move the concepts toward implementation. With thanks again to BC Hydro for funding this innovative approach to building regional capacity and momentum toward electric mobility.

BC hydro logo