2030 Energy Strategy

• . • . Undertake an education and awareness campaign to encourage efficient vehicle choice, "Smart Idling", efficient driving practices, and alternative transportation choices. Periodically assess the status of LNG and biofuels for transportation in the NWT context, including availability, price, long-term storage and cold weather stability. Pilot biofuel use in the NWT once the technology is deemed suitably mature for our northern context. Work with the federal government to ensure that renewable fuel standards are applicable to the North. Work with the federal government to continually improve vehicle efficiency standards. HYBRID GASOLINE-ELECTRIC VEHICLE PILOT PROGRAM The GNWT will offer a pilot grant program for the purchase of hybrid gasoline-electric vehicles in communities that are serviced by hydroelectricity. The program will provide a subsidy for eligible vehicles and installation of charging stations. The GNWT and AEA tested a hybrid gasoline-electric vehicle and found that the technology works in our climate and does result in GHG reductions, but has a higher up-front purchase cost. The GNWT will advocate at the national level for higher efficiency standards for road, air and marine transportation. GOVERNMENT LEAD BY EXAMPLE: GOVERNMENT FLEET MANAGEMENT Government will lead by example by undertaking fleet management for its vehicles. Fleet management will increase the efficiency of vehicles within the fleet, and change driving habits. Fleet management includes the following elements: • • Fleet right sizing - dispose of older and larger fuel-inefficient vehicles, improve fleet management to optimize asset life- cycle management, develop fleet utilization standards so the right vehicle is chosen for the task. Assess the percentage of LNG and hybrid vehicles that can be integrated into the government fleet based on application, and maximize these opportunities. • Implement fleet management software to manage and track performance. • Continue training and communications on fuel efficient driving. Pilot the use of auxiliary heaters to reduce idling vehicles. These heaters keep fluids and cabs warm during rest periods in cold weather, allowing vehicles to be turned off rather than idling, greatly reducing vehicle emissions. If successful, the GNWT will offer a grant and education program to assist businesses with the purchase of in-line fuel heaters and auxiliary power heaters for fleet vehicles and heavy duty vehicles. Arctic Energy Alliance Electric Vehicle Pilot Project In 2014, the Arctic Energy Alliance piloted the use of a Chevrolet Volt in Yellowknife to test the vehicle's efficiency and effectiveness, especially in cold weather. The Volt can be charged by plugging into a regular household outlet or with an electric vehicle charging station, which is a specially designed outlet that charges faster. The vehicle also has a gasoline generator to recharge the batteries for long distance travel. The pilot project demonstrates that electric vehicles is reliable and can effectively reduce vehicle emissions in hydro- powered communities, but a subsidy is required for the vehicle to be cost effective given the higher purchase price of the vehicle. 21

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