B.C. Ferries will no longer allow tow trucks with non-operational EVs on board

B.C. Ferries says it's clarifying its internal policies to no longer allow tow trucks carrying non-operational electric vehicles (EVs) on board its vessels.

Transport Canada has had a policy on the books since 2014 that mandates damaged or defective vehicle batteries be removed and transported separately from the vehicles themselves on board ferries.

It comes amid growing concerns of the fire risk associated with vehicles' lithium-ion batteries, especially as they see growing adoption across B.C.

Now, the province's ferry authority says it's giving staff better guidance when it comes to EVs that aren't fit to be driven.

While EVs that are still functional are able to go on board ferries, those that are damaged or not operational aren't being allowed.

"EVs can still travel with us," said a B.C. Ferries spokesperson on Monday. "The updates are about safety and clarity, not restrictions on everyday drivers."

A tow truck operator on the Gulf Islands — which are particularly reliant on B.C. Ferries, when it comes to accessing major services — says he was caught off guard by the clarified internal policies.

Jonathan Vipond, the owner of Salt Spring Island Towing, said that simple repairs to EVs can be done on the island, but more elaborate repairs would need to be done by a dealership that's a ferry ride away.

"Currently, at this point, we have one option of possibly putting them on a landing craft and barging them off the island, but we really don't have a major solution at this point," Vipond said.

That option would cost upwards of $1,000, an amount that would have to be paid by the vehicle owner, and Vipond said there were two EVs stuck on the island already amid the clarified policies.

In its statement, B.C. Ferries says that it's seeking clarification from regulators on whether safe options to transport non-operational EVs can be introduced.

In addition to non-functioning EVs, the ferry authority says that charging EVs isn't allowed on terminals or on board, and there aren't charging stations in those locations anyway.

Requirement since 2014

Transport Canada says that no safety incidents regarding EVs on commercial marine vehicles have been reported to them.

It said that the transport of a damaged battery or a vehicle can be arranged through alternative means, like a commercial cargo or barge operator.

"Damaged or malfunctioning lithium batteries may pose a serious fire hazard, which is an even greater risk to safety in the confined vehicle space of a roll-on/roll-off ferry," a Transport Canada spokesperson wrote in a statement.

The regulations regarding transporting EV batteries are particularly relevant given increasing EV adoption across the country, with fire chiefs telling CBC News they're having to adapt to the particular risks associated with EV fires.