ZENN, the car of the future that we need NOW
While this constitutes part of the problem the majority is from factories bent on consumerism.
Dear ZENN Enthusiast,
Thank you for your interest in ZENN
Motor Company and your request for additional information regarding the ZENN’s
status in Canada. There are certainly numerous regulatory challenges at both the
federal and provincial level in bringing the ZENN to Canada. We have assembled
all the information we have available regarding the ZENN’s legal status and have
detailed it for you below.
THE ZENN’s FEDERAL STATUS
Federal
On November 2, 2007, Transport Canada confirmed to ZENN Motor Company that its
100 percent electric, Zero-Emission, No-Noise (“ZENN”) vehicle meets and/or
exceeds all standards of Canada’s low-speed vehicle class.
The National Safety Mark is a requirement for any vehicle sold in Canada and
confirms that any vehicle bearing this mark meets or exceeds the standards set
forth by Transport Canada.
The issuance of the National Safety Mark is the first step of many to bring the
ZENN to market in Canada. None of the ten provinces and three territories has
formal low-speed vehicle legislation in place. ZENN Motor Company will continue
to work with the provinces to educate and support the development of low-speed
vehicle legislation to provide consumers with a vehicle choice that drastically
reduces their carbon footprint and contributes to a much more sustainable way of
living.
On December 22, 2007, only 50 days after granting the ZENN the National Safety
Mark (clearing the way for ZENN to sell in the provinces that enact low-speed
vehicle legislation) Transport Canada announced plans to revise the definition
of low-speed vehicles.
The proposed revision to definition of Low-Speed Vehicles (LSVs) is as follows:
“low-speed vehicle” means a vehicle, other than a restricted-use motorcycle or a
vehicle imported temporarily for special purposes, that is designed for
use primarily on streets and roads where access and the use of other classes of
vehicles are controlled by law or agreement”
The following excerpt from the Canada Gazette clarifies their position:
"... During consultations, companies and associations promoting LSVs noted
concern with the portion of the proposed definition that clarifies the intended
use of LSVs. THESE COMPANIES AND ASSOCIATIONS SUGGEST THAT THEY WOULD LIKE TO
SEE THE LSV AVAILABLE AS COMMUTER VEHICLES SHARING THE ROADS WITH OTHER CLASSES
OF VEHICLES. NEITHER THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA NOR THE PROVINCES AND TERRITORIES
THAT HAVE COMMENTED SHARE THIS POINT OF VIEW. GIVEN THE FACT THAT LSV HAVE NO
SAFETY PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS, OCCUPANT SAFETY WOULD BE COMPROMISED IF THEY
WERE TO TRAVEL IN MIXED TRAFFIC WITH OTHER FULL-SIZE PASSENGER VEHICLES..."
There are other recommendations, including the addition of small trucks to the
definition and improvements for increased visibility of LSVs that ZENN Motor
Company agrees are reasonable and fully supports.
For a detailed description of the proposed changes, please
click here to link to the copy of the Canada Gazette.
What does this mean?
This revised definition puts the provinces in a very difficult position. Should
they decide to be leaders in promoting socially responsible alternative
transportation and enact low-speed vehicle legislation, they do so in direct
opposition to the definition and usage recommendations as defined by Transport
Canada.
Let us be clear: Transport Canada defines vehicle classes and their associated
safety requirements. They have no jurisdiction in defining on-road usage.The
provinces are wholly responsible for establishing on-road regulations for
vehicles. By taking the unusual step of establishing usage parameters in the
definition of low-speed vehicles, it undermines the provinces’ jurisdiction in
determining appropriate usage. If a province were to draft on-road regulations
for low-speed vehicles permitting their operation on public roads, these
regulations would run in contradiction to the usage parameters as (unusually)
laid out by Transport Canada.
Basically, what Transport Canada is proposing is that the ZENN, and vehicles
like it, NOT operate on 50 KPH and slower public roads such as in downtown
Victoria, Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto. The ZENN and other LSVs would be
forced to only operate on closed, private roads such as parks, university
campuses and military bases.
What are the consequences to such a revision?</ br>
THE ZENN’s PROVINCIAL STATUS
Alberta
ZENN Motor Company is not aware of any interest by the provincial government of
Alberta to initiate low-speed vehicle legislation or to examine the viability of
LSVs as part of their transportation mix.
British Columbia
British Columbia currently has slow-moving vehicle legislation in place
requiring all low-speed vehicles like the ZENN to be affixed with flashing
lights and warning signage.
On November 29, 2007, the ministry of Transportation announced plans for a pilot
project for zero-emission vehicles and for formal low-speed (zero-emission)
vehicle legislation that would not require vehicles like the ZENN to be affixed
with flashing lights and warning signage. Further details regarding this pilot
project and the proposed amendments to the Motor Vehicle Act are to be announced
in early 2008.
At this time, ZENN Motor Company is waiting until the regulations surrounding
the pilot project and the new proposed legislation are clear, and conducive to
supporting zero-emission vehicle growth in that province prior to establishing a
retailer network.
To read the News Release from the Ministry of Transportation in British
Columbia, please click here (http://www2.news.gov.bc.ca/news_releases_2005-2009/2007TRAN0054-001543.htm)
Manitoba
The province of Manitoba has indicated interest in low-speed vehicles and is
looking into the viability of their use on public roads. No update regarding
their position has been received at this time.
New Brunswick
ZENN Motor Company is not aware of any interest by the provincial government of
New Brunswick to initiate low-speed vehicle legislation or to examine the
viability of LSVs as part of their transportation mix.
Newfoundland and Labrador
ZENN Motor Company is not aware of any interest by the provincial government of
Newfoundland and Labrador to initiate low-speed vehicle legislation or to
examine the viability of LSVs as part of their transportation mix.
North West Territories
ZENN Motor Company is not aware of any interest by the territorial government of
the North West Territories to initiate low-speed vehicle legislation or to
examine the viability of LSVs as part of their transportation mix.
Nova Scotia
ZENN Motor Company is not aware of any interest by the provincial government of
Nova Scotia to initiate low-speed vehicle legislation or to examine the
viability of LSVs as part of their transportation mix.
Nunavut
ZENN Motor Company is not aware of any interest by the territorial government of
Nunavut to initiate low-speed vehicle legislation or to examine the viability of
LSVs as part of their transportation mix.
Ontario
Representatives of ZENN Motor Company have met with both the Premier and the
Minister of Transportation & Infrastructure regarding the imperative for
low-speed vehicles in Ontario. The province is looking into the viability of
low-speed vehicle use on public roads. No update regarding their position has
been received at this time.
Prince Edward Island
The province is looking into the viability of low-speed vehicle use on public
roads, specifically for use in Charlottetown and Summerside. Firm plans for
low-speed vehicle legislation are at best, months away. For more details, please
click on the link below.
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/prince-edward-island/story/2008/01/21/zenn-mackinley.html?ref=rss
Québec
The province of Quebec has expressed in interest in launching a pilot project
for low-speed vehicles. No specific details have been announced at this time.
Saskatchewan
ZENN Motor Company is not aware of any interest by the provincial government of
Saskatchewan to initiate low-speed vehicle legislation or to examine the
viability of LSVs as part of their transportation mix.
Yukon
ZENN Motor Company is not aware of any interest by the territorial government of
Yukon to initiate low-speed vehicle legislation or to examine the viability of
LSVs as part of their transportation mix.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS REGARDING ZENN IN CANADA
What can I do to help?
Please consider writing to the Premier and Minister of Transportation in your
respective province or territory advising them of the need for low-speed
vehicles as part of your local transportation mix.
We at ZENN Motor Company are often asked “why don't you simply raise the speed
of the ZENN to combat these regulatory changes?” The answer is, unfortunately,
not that simple.
In Canada, there are many vehicle categories including motorcycles, buses,
passenger cars and low-speed vehicles. The ZENN is often compared to passenger
vehicles which are (conventional) highway-capable cars, trucks or SUVs. This is
a bit confusing – as these comparisons are usually all focused around safety.
You wouldn’t expect a motorcycle to be equipped the same way as a bus, despite
the fact that they share the same public roads. The ZENN, as a low-speed
vehicle needs to be thought of this way. Its governed speed of 40 KPH limits
its interactions to those in a low-speed environment only.
There is no such vehicle category for a 50, 60 or even 70 KPH vehicle and as
such – we cannot simply ‘raise the speed.’ We are bound by the regulations of
Transport Canada to sell within the categories they define.
On March 28, 2008, ZENN Motor Company announced plans for their cityZENN, a
fully certified, highway capable vehicle with a top speed of 125 km/h / 80 mph
and a range of 400 kilometres/250 miles. Powered by EEStor, the cityZENN will
be rechargeable in less than 5 minutes, feature operating costs 1/10th of a
typical combustion vehicle and be 100% emission free
Target Launch: Fall 2009
No further specifications, including pricing, have been announced at this time.
Thank you again for your interest in ZENN Motor Company and the ZENN’s status in
Canada. We hope the information provided above has answered your questions.
Please note, replies to this email are directed to an unattended inbox.
Best Regards,
ZENN Motor Company