Canada’s most populous province is finally following the lead of British Columbia and Quebec in permitting low speed electric vehicles (LSV’s) to be driven on public roads.  Canada’s LSV class is based on the Neighbourhood Electric Vehicle class in the U.S., where 44 states permit their use (as of May 2008).

However, Ontario vehicles and their drivers will likely face additional regulations meant to address safety concerns raised in a government study released at the end of November.

“LSVs are a new kind of vehicle and it will take a new set of standards to allow them to be safely driven on Ontario roads,” said Transportation Minister Jim Bradley.  “Based on the study results, we plan to announce LSV safety standards and the rules of the road for LSVs this winter.”

The study recommends the province require a number of additional measures for the vehicles and their drivers, such as:

• daytime running lights (failing that, drivers must keep their headlights on at all times)
• a notice affixed to the exterior of the vehicle indicating its maximum speed
• a slow moving vehicle sign
• three separate sound warning devices: horn, proximity warning system for pedestrians/cyclists, backup warning systems
• defrosting and heating systems
• three-point seat belts
• requirement that buyers sign a “Notice of Limitations” document at the time of sale that explains
  what the LSV’s performance and safety limitations are
• prohibition against carrying infants and children who require infant or child seats
• restricted to drivers with G class license or higher (ie. no new drivers in Ontario’s graduated licence system)
• no towing of any type of trailer
• on multi-lane roads, the LSV must drive in the right lane, except if making a left turn
• … and more (see NRC study pdf, below)

Both the federal and provincial governments have been under some pressure by the public and media for apparent foot-dragging on the issue of approving for sale and permitting this vehicle class on public roads.

Additional information:

Ontario To Permit Low-Speed Vehicles – Government of Ontario

Safe Integration of Electric Low Speed Vehicles on Ontario’s Roads in Mixed Traffic (pdf) – National Research Council of Canada

Canada’s ecoAUTO program was set up by the federal government to encourage the purchase of fuel efficient vehicles through financial incentives. The program was funded by levies on the most inefficient vehicles and provided rebates of $1000 to $2000 for the purchase of fuel sipping models (the $1000 rebate threshold was 6.0L/100KM, or 39 mpg US).

However, after just a year and a significant amount of complaint and pressure from auto manufacturers (who incidentally make bigger profit margins on less fuel efficient vehicles like SUVs) the government announced in today’s budget that it will allow the ecoAuto program to lapse.

Instead, the Canadian government is pledging $250 million over the next five years to assist the auto industry in developing green technology. In short, Canada is attempting to move its effort from one based on consumer demand to one based on government support of big business.

While government development of green technology certainly has its place, the auto industry is largely motivated by consumer demand. In the case of the ecoAUTO program, we already saw the Honda Fit, which initially missed the rebate cutoff by 0.1 L/100 km, tweaked to get better fuel economy to appeal to more consumers through the rebate. The Fit was just one of several vehicles modified for improved efficiency by manufacturers in response to the program.

Of course, the program was flawed, as many new programs (and cars) tend to be, but it is unclear that government subsidies will make a more profound difference in the auto market than an economically motivated move towards smaller cars.

• Join the discussion on this topic in the EcoModder forum.

Source: Globe and Mail