Brian Banks

39 posts
Cobourg, ON. Brian is an award-winning editor, writer and project leader who specializes in environmental topics and business communications.
styled graph overlayed on a overhead view of highway traffic

Phase out of new PHEV sales by 2035 critical to Canada achieving 2050 net zero emissions: report

Embracing plug-in hybrid electric vehicles as part of Canada’s zero-emission vehicle transition strategy makes sense today. But next decade, we’ll need to revisit the relationship, says the International Council on Clean Transportation
Electric Vehicles Canada
Innovation Science and Economic Development Canada minister Francoise-Philippe Champagne and Robert Habeck, Vice-Chancellor of Germany and Minister for Economic affairs and Climate Action, shake hands at G7 meeting.

Industry minister Champagne says Canada’s EV supply chain potential is getting “noticed” by German automakers

In a press conference after a week of meetings in Europe that included stops with automakers in Germany, federal industry minister François-Philippe Champagne says Canada’s proximity to critical minerals, large markets and clean energy is drawing lots of new interest
EV Battery Supply Chain, Mining Resources for EVs
Tom Corner standing in sign production facility

Sourcing electric trucks proves to be a heavy lift for B.C. sign company

With four Teslas in hand, Imperial Sign’s entire light-duty fleet is electric. But owner Tom Corner says his goal of doing the same with the company’s truck fleet is being held back by a lack of suitable vehicles and a dearth of public charging in its territory
British Columbia B.C., Commercial Electric and Zero Emission Vehicles
technicians working in GM EV battery factory

GM, Posco to build $500-million Canadian cathode active material factory in Quebec to supply Ultium battery factories

General Motors Canada’s David Paterson tells Electric Autonomy Canada exclusively what GM’s new facility in Bécancour Industrial Park, slated to begin operation in 2025, will mean for the company and for Canada’s EV battery supply chain
EV Battery Supply Chain, General Motors GM
Young child walking towards school bus ready for school

Montreal foundation awards $800,000 in “catalytic capital” to spur electric school bus adoption in Canada

EXCLUSIVE: The Trottier Family Foundation, highlighting electric school buses’ climate and health benefits, will fund 10 organizations over two years to lobby governments, conduct policy research and build grassroots support
Electric school buses
Vinfast front of vehicle badge

VinFast shares 2022 Canadian EV launch details: large models, long warranties and lots of retail locations

Up-and-coming Vietnamese automaker, VinFast, is ready to take on the legacy OEMs and other start-ups, says its Canadian chief growth officer, by offering models and peace of mind that aren’t available in this market — but no reveal on pricing until early next year
Electric Vehicles Canada, VinFast Canada
Governor General Mary Simons gives first throne speech

Mandating sale of zero-emission vehicles the sole EV-specific action in federal throne speech

In today’s concise Speech from the Throne, read by Governor General Mary Simon, the Liberal government repeated its pledge to mandate the sale of zero-emission vehicles
ZEV Mandates Canada
Ontario flag

Electric vehicle policy shaping up as early 2022 election battleground in Ontario

Last week, Ontario’s Conservative government unveiled a new, EV-focused automotive strategy. Today, the provincial Liberal party countered with a plan to restore an $8,000 purchase incentive for new EVs if it forms government after the vote next June
EV Rebates, Incentives & Funding, Ontario
A Shell Recharge electric vehicle charging station

Shell Canada secures $3.95 million in federal funding to set up EV fast-charging network in five provinces

The latest update to Natural Resources Canada’s list of applicants awarded funding for EV charging infrastructure shows that Shell Canada has received $3.95 million for 79 electric vehicle fast charging portals, while 7-Eleven netted $300,000 in the same round
Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure, Electric Vehicle Charging Networks, Public EV Charging