BC Ferries has initiated new restrictions on the transport of damaged electric, hybrid, and alternative energy vehicles aboard its vessels, a direct consequence of updated regulations from Transport Canada. This significant policy adjustment, effective immediately, aims to mitigate potential fire and environmental risks associated with compromised lithium-ion batteries, impacting a region that boasts one of North America's highest per capita electric vehicle adoption rates.

The new directive prohibits charging electric, hybrid, and alternative energy vehicles on BC Ferries vessels and properties. While vehicles with minor, cosmetic damage not affecting wiring or batteries may be permitted at the discretion of the vessel master if driven under their own power, those with major damage—including exposed batteries, fluid leaks, or wiring issues—are strictly disallowed. Crucially, this prohibition extends to inoperable vehicles transported on flat-bed tow trucks, creating immediate logistical challenges for service providers.

Don Affleck, owner of Peninsula Towing, highlighted the scale of the issue, stating, “We probably handle 10 to 15 EVs a day.” Johnathan Vipond of Salt Spring Island Towing echoed these concerns, noting, “There’s no way for me to tow it over on a flat bed tow truck because their wording stated that if it is inoperable — which is going to be on a tow truck — I can’t take it onboard their vessels.” Both towing operators received a memo outlining these changes, leading to concerns about their ability to service the growing EV fleet, particularly in island communities.

BC Ferries, regulated by Transport Canada, emphasized that the policy update is a safety measure. In a statement, the corporation explained, “To ensure passenger and crew safety, BC Ferries has recently updated its policy around the transport of electric vehicles due to the potential fire and environmental risks associated with damaged lithium-ion batteries.” While acknowledging the necessity of fire prevention, towing companies are now grappling with a severe lack of local infrastructure for damaged EV disposal and repair. Vipond expressed worry about damaged EVs combusting on Salt Spring Island, posing risks to property and potentially igniting wildfires, while Affleck noted the absence of a known EV recycler on Vancouver Island.

This regulatory shift underscores a broader industry challenge: the need for robust, geographically accessible infrastructure to support the entire lifecycle of electric vehicles, including safe handling and recycling of damaged battery systems. The current policy creates a significant bottleneck for EV owners and service providers in British Columbia, necessitating urgent solutions for the transport, repair, and recycling of compromised electric vehicles.