The city cites supply chain challenges as reason for the policy rethink of council’s 2022 decision to put EV chargers at gas stations and parking lots

Vancouver has quietly hit pause on a policy that would have expanded the municipality’s network of electric vehicle (EV) chargers.

The city had planned to impose a $10,000 annual business licence fee on gas stations and large commercial parking lots that failed to install EV chargers.

The policy was first approved by the Vancouver city council in 2022, but has now been shelved.

In an email statement to Electric Autonomy, a spokesperson for the city of Vancouver says that in August 2024, council approved a recommendation to delay the fee increase—originally set to take effect in 2025—until January 2026, to give businesses more time to install EV charging infrastructure.

The decision, the spokesperson adds, was made “in recognition of delays faced by owners in installing EV-charging infrastructure due to supply chain issues and other factors.”

Uncertain future

The decision to delay implementation in 2024 was the first setback. As the city spokesperson explains, the entire concept of the increased business licence fee is likely to come under further scrutiny.

“In light of broader economic challenges and further feedback from industry stakeholders, the city is further evaluating implementation of the fee increase.”

Under the 2026 implementation timeline, gas station and parking lot owners would have been required to show proof of an operating charger by this month to qualify for the lower business licence fee in 2026.

If the city ultimately decides to forgo its original plan, gas stations will continue paying $243 for an annual business licence without the requirement to install a DC fast charger of at least 50 kW.

Similarly, parking lot owners with 60 or more spaces would remain subject to an annual business license fee of $163, even if they do not add the four previously required Level 2 chargers.

What the policy could have achieved

In 2024, Vancouver had 66 gas stations and 453 commercial parking lots, with about half of which had 60 or more parking stalls.

Adding EV chargers at these sites was expected to significantly expand the city’s public charging network, with roughly 21 gas stations slated for DC fast chargers and more than 130 parking lots for Level 2 chargers.

Not to mention that the additional infrastructure was projected to help cut carbon emissions by an estimated 1,530 tonnes per year.

According to a 2024 city report, the policy could have also saved Vancouver between $11 million and $12 million compared to building the same number of chargers through public investment. It was also expected to generate around $1.6 million annually by 2030 through the higher business licence fees.

City staff estimated that the costs to install the chargers would be about $136,000 for a single DC fast charger and $100,000 for a set of four Level 2 chargers. Businesses were expected to recover those costs within eight years through charging fees.

Green intentions

The decision to delay and review the business licence increase does not mean the city has abandoned its desire to promote EV adoption, says the city spokesperson. Instead, officials say they will keep seeking ways to support the expansion of charging infrastructure.

“This reflects our commitment to a pragmatic, partnership-based approach that supports businesses while advancing the city’s broader goals to expand EV-charging access and accelerate the transition to cleaner transportation,” says the spokesperson.

“City staff will continue to monitor conditions and report back to city council with next steps.”