B.C. says HOV sticker program for EVs under review for 'improvements or changes'
B.C.’s High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) sticker program for electric vehicles is currently under review.
In a statement to Daily Hive Urbanized, the ministry said the review is taking place to “see if any improvements or changes are warranted.”
The program allows qualifying low-emission vehicle owners to apply for a decal. When displayed on the vehicle’s bumper, it permits drivers access to B.C.’s HOV lanes regardless of how many passengers are in the car.
B.C. Government
The EV program was introduced by former B.C. Premier Christy Clark in 2016.
“British Columbians are increasingly embracing alternative and greener transportation options,” Clark said in a previous statement. “And we can encourage even more by making it easier and more efficient, like allowing electric vehicle owners to use HOV lanes, regardless of occupancy requirements.”
Clark’s former minister of transportation and infrastructure, Todd Stone, echoed her sentiments at the time.
“By choosing electric, drivers will not only benefit from a shorter and more reliable commute that HOV lanes provide, they will save money and help the environment,” he said.
Former Premier Christy Clark promoting EVs in 2016. (Government of B.C./Flickr)
Prior to that decision, vehicles with a driver and at least one person were permitted to use B.C.’s HOV lanes.
An initial report from Business in Vancouver highlighted the costs of the EV sticker program over the past seven years, noting that the province has distributed around 113,000 decals that cost around $4 each, according to provincial FOI documents.
The province has also made recent changes to its CleanBC EV Rebate Program.
In 2022, it announced that rebate eligibility would be linked to income and boosted its maximum rebate amount from $3,000 to $4,000.
Last summer, the province announced a new set of changes, lowering its MSRP cap to $50,000 for the rebate’s cars category.
Mid-size, large cars, station wagons, and SUVs were also included in the car category.
CleanBC
The province said the adjustments were made because EV sales were increasing faster than anticipated.
In March, the B.C. government took action against Tesla, eliminating the automaker’s vehicles from the CleanBC and BC Hydro rebates.
Some non-EV drivers have recently spoken out about allowing EVs in HOV lanes, claiming they create more congestion and traffic.
With files from Amir Ali