Canada has its first zero-emission vehicle supply chain alliance – Accelerate

Twenty key players from across Canada’s zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) landscape launched Canada’s first ZEV supply chain alliance – Accelerate. Through Accelerate, members will collaborate, strategize and advocate for priorities to support the accelerated development of a ZEV supply chain in Canada.

With the global push towards net-zero, the transition to ZEVs is increasing. There is an ongoing worldwide adoption of aggressive ZEV sales targets. With a good supply chain, Canada will be positioned to be a leader in the new global auto industry. Accelerate’s mission is to ensure Canada capitalizes on this opportunity.

“We’re in a race to become a global ZEV leader,” said Moe Kabbara, acting executive director, Accelerate. “Accelerating Canada’s ZEV supply chain comes down to competitiveness and jobs. Acting now to create this alliance and to position ourselves for success in the rapidly changing automotive sector will ensure we not only retain existing jobs in Canada but also add new ones.”

Accelerate will provide critical support as markets transition towards ZEV technology. It will aid in creating a proper strategy to help Canada’s ZEV transition.

“As we continue to decarbonize our transportation sector, having a unified vision for all Canadian players in the industry is very important. Initiatives like Accelerate will allow us to strengthen our domestic supply chain and contribute to a successful green economy while lowering costs, creating benefits for EV manufacturers in every category, including heavy-duty OEMs like Lion. Now is the time to act if Canada wants to be a global leader in electrification and we are happy to be on board with the alliance,” said Patrick Gervais, vice-president of marketing and communications at Lion Electric and chair of Accelerate.

Accelerate will develop an industrial roadmap to build out the supply chain, engage in policy advocacy and enable collaboration among ZEV players. This will help attract investment, secure public support and create a talent pipeline to power the emerging supply chain.

“Canada’s ZEV shift presents a historic opportunity to grow our auto industry and create a larger stable of good, union jobs. But this transition won’t come easy and will require strategic planning and active government policy, all across the new supply chain. Accelerate will play a critical role in identifying these opportunities and advocating for new investment to maximize the benefit for workers and the economy,” said Jerry Dias, national president of Unifor.

Accelerate will actively add new members along the supply chain to the alliance. A priority for the alliance is creating an industrial roadmap for building Canada’s ZEV vehicle and infrastructure supply chains. Several major ZEV industry players have already joined the alliance.