Electric Mobility Canada

Electric Mobility Canada
Name	Electric Mobility Canada
Formation	2010 (founded as Canadian Electric Vehicle Association successor)
Type	Nonprofit organization
Headquarters	Ottawa, Ontario
Location	Canada
Language	English, French
Leader title	President & CEO

Electric Mobility Canada Electric Mobility Canada is a Canadian nonprofit organization that promotes the adoption of electric vehicles, battery electric vehicle technology, and related charging infrastructure across Canada. The organization acts as a national association connecting municipal fleets, utilities such as Hydro-Québec, automakers including General Motors, research institutions like the National Research Council (Canada), and policymakers such as members of Parliament of Canada. It serves as a convener for industry, non-governmental groups, and provincial bodies including Ontario Ministry of Transportation to accelerate transportation electrification.

History

Founded in the early 2010s as the successor to earlier provincial and sectoral associations, the organization emerged amid growing interest following events such as the launch of the Nissan Leaf and policy shifts in jurisdictions like British Columbia. Early conferences attracted stakeholders from companies like Tesla, Inc., Mitsubishi Motors, and utilities such as BC Hydro. The group evolved alongside national initiatives including the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change and federal incentive programs administered by departments such as Transport Canada. Over time it expanded from a small coalition into a national network, mirroring trends seen in organizations like the Electric Power Research Institute and advocacy groups such as the Pembina Institute.

Mission and Activities

The organization's mission centers on promoting deployment of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, battery storage systems, and electrified fleet solutions while supporting standards development from bodies like the Standards Council of Canada. Activities include organizing national conferences that bring together participants from Canadian Urban Transit Association, automakers like Ford Motor Company, charging network operators similar to ChargePoint, and energy providers including Enbridge subsidiary affiliates. It produces technical guidance used by municipal governments such as the City of Toronto and regional planning authorities, and influences procurement strategies in municipal fleets similar to those of the City of Vancouver and university fleets like University of British Columbia.

Membership and Governance

Membership spans private companies, academic institutions, municipal agencies, utilities, and non-profit organizations. Corporate members have included global OEMs like Toyota, Volkswagen, and technology firms similar to Siemens. Institutional members comprise research organizations such as Natural Resources Canada laboratories and academic centers like the École de technologie supérieure. Governance typically follows a board structure with representation from provincial chapters, fleet operators, and industry partners; comparable governance models are used by associations like the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association and Electric Mobility Foundation. Leadership engages with regulatory stakeholders including officials from Environment and Climate Change Canada and transport regulators within provinces.

Programs and Initiatives

The organization runs programs focused on workforce training, public education, and infrastructure deployment. Training initiatives parallel curricula developed by institutions such as Centennial College and certification programs inspired by standards from the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Public outreach campaigns have partnered with media outlets akin to CBC to raise awareness about models including the Chevrolet Bolt EV and incentives administered by provincial authorities like Quebec Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources. Infrastructure initiatives advocate for standardized charging protocols such as CHAdeMO and Combined Charging System adoption, and collaborate with transit agencies like Metrolinx to pilot electric bus deployments similar to programs by New Flyer Industries.

Advocacy and Policy Work

Advocacy efforts address municipal bylaws, procurement rules, and federal incentive programs, engaging with legislative processes in the House of Commons of Canada and regulatory consultations by agencies like the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency. The organization submits position papers on topics including zero-emission vehicle mandates and charging standards, aligning with policy developments in provinces such as Alberta and Quebec. It coordinates with environmental NGOs such as the David Suzuki Foundation and business groups like the Canadian Chamber of Commerce to influence frameworks such as clean fuel standards and grid interconnection policies administered by bodies including the Canada Energy Regulator.

Partnerships and Collaborations

Strategic partnerships include alliances with academic partners such as McGill University and University of Toronto research labs, joint projects with utilities like Hydro-Québec and Nova Scotia Power, and industry collaborations with manufacturers exemplified by Daimler AG and component suppliers similar to Bosch. The organization participates in international exchanges with counterparts like the Electric Vehicle Association in other countries and works with standards bodies including the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers to harmonize technical protocols. Collaborative pilots with municipal transit agencies, fleet operators such as Purolator, and technology vendors aim to demonstrate scalable models for electrification and to inform national policy dialogues with institutions like Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.

Category:Automotive industry organizations Category:Organizations based in Ottawa