Gen Z Goes Electric is funded by the Fraser Basin Council, Emotive BC program. This project delivers education about electric vehicles to BC’s next generation of drivers via GTEC’s unique AI based application.
GTEC Generation Z Outreach Project
The next generation of drivers now 15-18 years old will be pivotal in the overall awareness and adoption of EVs in the province. The objectives of GTEC’s Generation Z Outreach project are to:
- Find out the extent to which this generation is aware of EVs, their advantages, availability, cost and significance in reducing carbon emissions.
- Provide initial accessible, interactive information about EV’s.
Method
Working in conjunction with 5 geographically dispersed school districts across the province GTEC will administer a 12-15 item online questionnaire to 30-100 students per school and an associated A.I. based, interactive app that delivers action oriented information about EVs.
The Generation Z Outreach project will also make available a plug-and-play Zoom generated video of a panel discussion by EV experts especially designed for Generation Z viewers.
GTEC’s work on the project will be guided by a paid youth consultant.
The GTEC Project Team
Led by educator, social architect and board chair, Arden Henley the GTEC Gen Z Goes Electric team includes:
- Mary Kean: GTEC board member, retired family therapist and educator
- Norman Sam: GTEC board member, co-founder of wellness and technology organizations
- Abhay Gupta: Economist and technology Entrepreneur
- Truman Spring: Former District Principal of Student Support Services SD 57 and Associate Director of the City University in Canada MEd Leadership
Long Term
Gen Z Goes Electric could also be viewed as a pilot project that could be further refined and disseminated Canada wide with the sponsorship of unions, corporations and foundations.
Funding
Emotive BC is a program supported by the BC government and delivered by the Fraser Basin Council. Emotive BC’s goal is to increase public knowledge and enhance adoption of electric vehicles (EVs).
Electrification of Transportation
Up to 25% of carbon emissions in BC originate from the use of Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles. The electrification of vehicles offers a promising, zero carbon alternative and one that has been increasingly supported by subsidies from the BC government.
The BC government has just released another $26.5 million and made changes to its popular CEVforBC rebate program to meet ongoing demand and in response to economic recovery from the COVID pandemic.
In the first nine months of 2019, EV sales were 9% of all light-duty vehicle sales in the province, up from 4% in 2018. In fact, EV sales in B.C. are the highest per capita in all of North America, exceeding Quebec (7%) and California (8%). But we need to do much more.