Gas vs. Electric: What BC’s Zero-Emission Targets Mean for Snowmobilers
Canada’s transition to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) is reshaping transportation policy. For those of us in BC’s rural and mountain communities, the shift raises real concerns. We care about the environment, but our geography, climate, and way of life do not always match the assumptions behind these policies.
photo: Fernie Snowmobile Association
The Policy Landscape
At the federal level, Canada’s Electric Vehicle Availability Standard requires 20% of new light-duty vehicle sales be ZEVs by 2026, 60% by 2030, and 100% by 2035. This includes passenger cars, SUVs, and most half-ton pickups such as the Ford F-150, Ram 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, and Toyota Tundra.
Medium- and heavy-duty trucks like the Ford F-250/F-350, Ram 2500/3500, or GMC Sierra 2500/3500 fall under Canada’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan (ERP), which targets 35% ZEV new sales by 2030 and 100% by 2040, based on feasibility. These targets are not yet binding law.
In BC, the Zero-Emission Vehicles Act is even more aggressive: 26% ZEV sales by 2026, 90% by 2030, and 100% by 2035. The province is already close to its 2026 target, with roughly one in four new vehicles sold in 2024 being electric.
Why This Matters for Snowmobilers and Rural BC
For snowmobilers, trucks are more than transportation. They haul sled decks and trailers, navigate unplowed backroads, and must start reliably in –30 °C. In many resource-based communities, the same truck that earns a living often gets families into the backcountry for recreation. If EV-only sales arrive before technology and infrastructure can support real-world rural needs, both livelihoods and recreation could take a hit.
Performance in Extreme Conditions
Cold climates are tough on EVs. Range can drop 20–36% in very cold weather without towing (AP News, Lifewire), and can slash range by more than 60% (InsideEVs). Most public chargers are not trailer-friendly, so drivers often need to unhitch before charging unless they find a rare pull-through station.
Potential Impacts
Tourism and Travel Decline – Fast chargers are concentrated in urban areas and major highways, leaving many snowmobile and outdoor recreation destinations underserved (PlugShare BC map).
Economic Hardship – Limited mobility and fewer vehicle choices can raise costs and hurt rural businesses (The Energy Mix).
Safety Risks – Overnight parking and extreme cold can sap EV battery power, stranding drivers far from help (Lifewire).
Community Decline – Loss of reliable mobility risks population and economic decline in rural areas (U.S. DOT Rural EV Toolkit).
photo: Revelstoke Snowmobile Club
Snowmobilers Support Innovation
Our community has already embraced cleaner sled technology, from four-stroke and direct-injection engines to better maintenance practices. Clubs and the BCSF are also integrating low-emission grooming technology, including snowcats with DEF systems, bio-diesel, and even emerging electric models. These investments cut emissions and improve efficiency—but progress must match rural realities.
photo: Fernie Snowmobile Association Taiga Electric Snowmobile demo at the BCSF AGM in 2023
Bottom Line
Snowmobilers want to protect the landscapes we ride and ensure we can keep accessing the places we love. Vehicle policy changes will shape how we live, work, and play in rural BC. The outdoor recreation community needs a seat at the table to make sure zero-emission goals strengthen—not restrict—backcountry access and the rural economies that depend on it. The BCSF will continue to monitor these developments and advocate for policies that work for snowmobilers and their communities.
