Recently we told you about Transport Canada's sudden shift to give Zenn's low speed electric vehicles a safety mark. Here is how it all happened according to the CBC; After the TV report, which included Transport Canada failing to give a good reason on why they held back the safety mark, Ian Clifford, founder of the ZENN Motor Company, said "hundreds and hundreds of people wrote in and responded to what really was an outrageous situation federally." Even NDP Leader Jack Layton complained of "bureaucratic roadblocks" during a question period in the House of Commons.

Transport Minister Lawrence Cannon, said he was unaware of the situation until the TV report aired. Cannon looked into it and was told no safety mark was issued "because we were still waiting for information." Canon says "now that information has been tabled, the folks have looked at it and so we've issued the certificate." Clifford says he is "pleased and surprised" at receiving the market after a year and half of waiting. Clifford also said officials from Ontario and Quebec even told him they intend to introduce legislation soon on allowing low-speed vehicles on streets. British Columbia is currently the only Canadian province that lets low speed vehicles on the road.

[Source: CBC]

Less than a week ago, we told you about a CBC report with Zenn complaining Transport Canada was not allowing its low speed vehicle to sold in Canada. The report included a regulatory enforcement engineer that explained they were not being allowed to be sold yet because they were going to change the law. Turns outs the idea of ex post facto is still around, so they got a National Safety Mark.

CBC confirmed they received the safety mark and Transport Canada says it's up to individual provinces and territories how to legislate which roads are allowed to be used by the cars. British Columbia is currently the only Canadian province that lets low speed vehicles on the road. So, don't be surprised if you see a Zenn on BC streets soon.

Cheers for the press shinning a light and probably solving this problem! Jeers for the provinces and territories not stepping up with legislation.

[Source: CBC and tipster Mike]

Canadian-based Dynasty electric cars is ending production in Canada and moving over seas. Very soon Canadian-based electric car company Zenn may choose to give up on Canada and move production as well. Why? The Canadian dollar reaching parity with the US dollar did not help much (imports from Canada are now much more expensive in the US) but the major reason is Canada's regulatory agency won't let Zenn or Dynasty sell their electric cars in Canada even when they are sold and celebrated all over the world.

CBC News gave Harry Baergen, a senior regulatory enforcement engineer at Transport Canada, a call and asked if Zenn meet regulations. Harry said "They haven't met our requirements yet, no." When asked about the specific regulation Harry said "They've showed us that it meets requirements as an LSV (low-speed vehicle)." So... ah, what's the problem, Harry? Harry says "Our definition is presently being clarified because there is a little bit of a broadness in it."

Zenn's founder Ian Clifford says it's a "different story ... every time" from Transport Canada and they get "road blocks thrown up in front of us every attempt." Ian says it's getting to the point now where we're almost giving up on Canada." Danny Epp, general manager at Dynasty electric cars has already given up saying the company is "not getting any support from the federal level."

Good luck with production overseas Dynasty. You might want to look into Asia and specifically countries like Thailand which has an eco car program. Unlike Canada, Thailand is actually changing laws to support electric car companies. This is another reason electric cars will become common place in Asia before it's normal in the Western world. You can watch the video of the CBC report below the fold.

Update: Dynasty is sold in Canada.

[Source: CBC News]

The Canadian transport ministry is buying electric vehicles converted by Hybrid Technologies, Inc for testing and evaluation. Hybrid Technologies will convert a Chrysler PT Cruiser and a Smart ForTwo to be powered by electric motors and lithium batteries. The cars are part of the Advanced Technology Vehicles Program and they will be tested to evaluate efficiency, emissions and safety of the systems. By using these types of vehicles, the transport ministry is also trying to determine what the barriers are to widespread deployment and also raise awareness of their capabilities.

[Source: Hybrid Technologies]