January 2021

2020 has created a myriad of challenges for all of us. We have seen, and continue to see, the devastating results of the Covid pandemic. It has brought heart-breaking tragedy and disappointment as well as inspiring examples of heroism and commitment. There is now a light at the end of this long, dark tunnel as we look ahead to better times in the coming months.

Many of the normal efforts and activities of EVS members have been curtailed or rendered impossible by the pandemic, but we have not abandoned our commitment to the critical goal of doing our part in slowing, stopping and eventually reversing the devastating effects of climate change.

One of our key efforts in addressing this issue is the on-going participation of EVS in efforts to update and improve Canada’s Clean Fuel Standards (CFS). This important document is a key part of Canada’s climate plan and EVS continues to play an advisory role in its development.

We look forward to Kelsey Lane’s coverage of this critical effort in the near future.

As we rise to the challenges that face us, your participation is more important than ever. We need your help in the many activities in which EVS is involved currently and planning for the future.

The effort to transition Canadians to electrified transportation involves many initiatives that would benefit from your involvement. Sean Hart is coordinating EVS volunteer opportunities and organizing them in an easily accessible format on our website which makes it convenient for you volunteer. Keep checking back for new opportunities. We also want to take a moment to thank all of the volunteers that make everything we do possible.

Remember that trying times require us to try harder. Have a happy, healthy and rewarding 2021!

-Wilf

We probably all agree that the best way to see 2020 is in the rear view mirror. There’s an old saying, “Every cloud has a silver lining,” but where is the silver lining of the dark cloud that is Covid-19?

Let’s step back and look more closely. The positives don’t cancel out the negatives, but they remind us that the challenges of bad times often bring out the best in many people. Some examples come to mind:

---The courage, dedication and selflessness of the health professionals on the front line has been inspiring.

---The random acts of kindness and generosity from friends, neighbours and strangers has kept us together while we stay two metres apart.

---Clever entrepreneurs turning the nuisance of wearing a face mask into a new style statement has lightened our load.

---Cutting edge technology and international cooperation has brought us hope for the future in the form of effective vaccines developed in record time.

We’re not out of the woods yet, but the future looks hopeful. Suddenly last Spring, 2020 became terrible. Gradually, 2021 will become better.

Stay happy, stay healthy and stay hopeful.

Happy New Year!

-Bill Bruesch

P.S. This issue of EV Surge is an abbreviated one. The February issue will include our regular features and some new items. It will be distributed at the end of January.

Driving our Clean Energy Future

with

Cara Clairman

Episode 8 - January 5th, 2021

7:30 PM EST

Join us for a great presentation from Cara Clairman, President and CEO of Plug’n Drive and the immensely successful Electric Vehicle Discovery Centre.

Cara will share her many insights surrounding the current state of Canadian EV adoption from the consumer and the dealer perspective. See how consumers respond to various EV incentives and gain a better understanding for the issues that are 'driving our clean energy future'.

Cara has over 20 years of experience working in the environmental and sustainability fields, including 12 years working at Ontario Power Generation, initially as OPG’s environmental lawyer and later in the role VicePresident of Sustainable Development.

This webinar will provide a chance for all of us to hear first hand, what real EV shoppers are thinking as they take their first steps to electric mobility.

Click HERE to register and for your link to episode 8 of Canada Talks Electric Cars.

The February issue of EV Surge will include a preview of upcoming Canada Talks Electric Cars webinars. Watch for it!