In November 2007, ZENN (Zero-Emission No-Noise) Motor Company, a Toronto based manufacturer of electric vehicles, was granted use of Transport Canada’s National Safety Mark, which means the vehicle was confirmed to meet or exceed all of Canada’s standards in its vehicle class. The National Safety Mark is a requirement for any vehicle sold in Canada and confirms that any vehicle bearing this mark meets or exceeds the standards set forth by Transport Canada.
The ZENN is a fully equipped, neighbourhood electric vehicle (NEV) with a range of up to 60 kilometres that recharges using a standard 120 volt electric outlet. The approximate cost of operating a ZENN is just two cents per kilometre with a fuel efficiency that is equivalent to 0.96 litres per 100 kilometres (or about 245 MPG).
The issuance of the National Safety Mark is the first step of many to bringing the ZENN to market in Canada. Of the ten provinces and three territories, only British Columbia currently has low-speed vehicle regulations in place. ZENN Motor Company will begin engaging the provinces to immediately draft low-speed vehicle legislation and do their part to provide consumers with a vehicle choice that drastically reduces their carbon footprint and contributes to a much more sustainable way of living.
“The reality is Canada needs electric vehicles. We cannot meet our greenhouse gas reduction targets if we are not willing to step up and do things differently. Air pollution caused by traffic is costing Canadians their health and our health care system billions of dollars. According to a recent study examining the effects of traffic on the citizens of Toronto, a 30 per cent reduction in vehicle emissions would save 189 lives a year and billions annually in health costs,” continued Ian Clifford. “The ZENN is a zero emission vehicle, powered 100 per cent by electricity. Even when a power-generation mix (including coal) is considered, using a ZENN results in a 77 per cent net reduction in CO2 emissions. And when renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power are used, the ZENN is 100 per cent pollution free.”
Aside from British Columbia, several provinces including Quebec and Ontario have expressed an interest in developing on-road regulations for low-speed vehicles. ZENN Motor Company enjoyed positive meetings with the province of Ontario in June 2007 and the Minister of Transportation of Quebec recently announced her intentions of fast-tracking low-speed vehicle legislation in Quebec.
“We are hoping that concerned citizens will continue to lobby their provinces for on-road regulations for low-speed vehicles. Friday was a very positive first step, but there is still much work to be done to make the ZENN a reality on Canadian roads,” stated Dennis Hancock, Vice President, Sales and Marketing. “Given the existence of low–speed vehicle legislation in British Columbia, ZMC is evaluating the viability to enter that market as an initial foray into Canada.”
article courtesy ZENN Motors.
