Sustainable transportation and electric vehicles

 / ©: Photodisc

Did you know that about 30 per cent of Canada’s emissions come from our transportation sector, which runs on oil? Or that electric vehicles (EVs) running on B.C.’s mostly renewable energy grid release an astounding 97 per cent fewer emissions than a gas-fuelled car?

EVs emit less greenhouse gas pollution than gas-fuelled cars, even when powered by electricity generated in by fossil fuels like coal-dominated Alberta. And the emissions get increasingly lower as we switch to renewable energy sources. EVs also offer the potential to shift demand away from carbon-based fuel in our most energy-intense sector: transportation.


A light rail transit train, powered by wind-generated electricity © Michael Buckley / WWF-Canada

By the end of 2012, most major car companies will have an EV in the Canadian market. And WWF will launch and champion a National Electric Vehicle Campaign to catalyze a nation-wide transition to EVs.

Through key strategies—such as targeting national fleets, public-private partnerships and strong engagement with governments and utilities—we aim to put over 100,000 EVs on the road by 2015.

WWF Expert

 / ©: WWF-Canada/Bill Ivy
Joshua Laughren
Director, Climate and Energy Program

The Electric Vehicle Report

Greenhouse Gas Reduction Potential of Electric Vehicles: 2025 Outlook Report
WWF explores the potential impact of EVs on reducing carbon emissions in Canada. Read the report
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Electric car being charged / ©: Istockphoto.com / WWF-Canada
Electric car being charged
© Istockphoto.com / WWF-Canada
In order to capitalize on this technology, Canada must create the infrastructure (e.g. public and accessible charging stations), incentives (e.g. tax rebates) and public awareness to build a receptive EV market.

A future built on renewable energy will be our legacy for the next generation.

What WWF is doing

WWF is putting Canada on the path to 100% renewable energy by 2050… Read more

Why we need to act now

Canada’s Arctic is melting faster than anywhere else on the planet … Read more

The Energy Report

100% renewable energy by 2050. Read the report now.

What you can do

Joining the global movement of Earth Hour, urging the world to work together to combat climate change and create a better future for our planet.

Q&A with Joshua Laughren, Director of Climate and Energy

What is climate change, what can we do about it, and what’s the cost of not doing anything… Read more
WWF-Canada / ©: WWF-Canada
WWF-Canada
© WWF-Canada

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