Ontario to set standards for low-speed electric vehicles
Last Updated: Monday, December 8, 2008 | 8:44 AM ET
CBC News
The Ontario government says it is prepared to develop safety standards that could pave the way for the arrival of low-speed electric cars in the province.
Toronto-based Zenn Motor Company is pleased with the decision.
Zenn, short for Zero Emissions No Noise, has been producing low-speed electric vehicles for nearly a decade, even though they haven't been allowed on the roads in Canada's biggest auto sales market.
The province has said that the electric cars don't meet federal passenger car safety standards
But last week, the Ontario Ministry of Transportation said it will set new safety standards for low-speed electric vehicles, or LSVs.
In a news release, the ministry said it was prepared to allow the less powerful cars on public roads "as long as they include a number of additional safety requirements and follow appropriate road restrictions."
Zenn's low-speed electric cars are designed for urban roads at speeds under 50 km/h.
The company has been building electric cars in Canada and selling them in the United States for the past eight years.
In the U.S., the low-speed electric cars are allowed on the roads in 41 of 50 states. But in Canada, they're only allowed on the road in British Columbia and Quebec.
Ontario can 'leapfrog forward' in electric category
In Ontario, where the Zenn car was created, Queen's Park only agreed to reconsider the regulations last Friday.
Zenn spokeswoman Catherine Scrimger says the delays have been frustrating, but applauds the government's decision.
"There's a real opportunity here for Ontario to sort of leapfrog forward and become the centre of excellence for electric drive. That's what we would like to see happen," said Scrimger.
Transportation Minister Jim Bradley said "after consulting with manufacturers, municipalities and stakeholders, we plan to announce LSV safety standards and the rules of the road for LSVs this winter."
The Ontario Ministry of Transportation says it should have new safety standards in place this winter.
