EV maker may get wish as McGuinty sees light

Toronto Star

19 June 2007

The Toronto Star

B01

ZENN Motor Co. may be headquartered in Toronto, but the maker of electric vehicles can’t sell its product in Ontario.

That could soon change.

Premier Dalton McGuinty told the Toronto Star yesterday he’s intent on amending outdated legislation that forbids the use of low-speed electric vehicles in the province. He said he didn’t want the current rules to be an “impediment” to what’s viewed as an environmentally friendly transport technology.

“I’m sure there were good reasons at one point in time to prevent electric cars from being on Canadian roads, but we’ve got to find a way to ensure that our regulations don’t become an impediment from doing what’s right for the environment,” said McGuinty.

He added that it makes no sense for a local company to produce a car that can’t be driven in its home province but is widely accepted – and sold – throughout the United States. “I’m going to allow them to drive these things in Ontario.”

It’s unclear, however, how quickly he plans to move. McGuinty and Transportation Minister Donna Cansfield are expected to meet today with officials from ZENN Motors to talk about rule changes. The premier said he also wants to convince the company to move its vehicle assembly facility from Quebec to Ontario.

Ian Clifford, chief executive officer of ZENN (Zero Emission No Noise), credited former U.S. vice-president Al Gore for drawing McGuinty’s attention to the issue during a lunch in late April during the Green Living Show in Toronto.

Gore asked Clifford how sales of his electric cars were doing in Canada. “I told him we can’t sell them here, and he said ‘What? That’s ridiculous’,” recalled Clifford, adding that he explained to Gore how provincial legislation prohibited use of the vehicles on public roads, mostly for safety reasons.

“Gore took me by the shoulder and marched me over to the premier and right in front of McGuinty’s face, said, ‘Premier, do your part, it’s crazy that you can’t drive these electric cars in Ontario.’ McGuinty said ‘Let’s set up a meeting’.”