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The City of Kelowna Eco-Pass will now come with an expiry date.
Passes will now be valid for just one year. They will be non-renewable and will only be available for vehicles with plug-in capabilities.
Smart Cars or hybrid vehicles that still have a gasoline component will no longer be eligible for the Eco-Pass.
Council made the decision Monday while also approving the installation of two electric vehicle charging stations in partnership with FortisBC.
The new charging stations will be located in the downtown Kelowna Museum parking lot. Once installed, they will bring to 11 the number of charging stations in the city, but it will be the first downtown.
Others are located at KGH, hotels, car dealerships, wineries and educational institutions. Some are private use only, others are available to the public.
Through the partnership, FortisBC will provide the charging stations and look after installation and existing underground infrastructure. The city will provide the space, ongoing maintenance and power.
The only charge for the user is the cost of the parking stall.
The Eco-Pass program was introduced in 2005 as a way to reward drivers with fuel efficient, environmentally friendly vehicles.
It was intended to last just two years. The program is still going on today.
Initially, there were seven hybrid models available in North America and 43 active Eco-Pass holders.
Today, there are 35 hybrid models and 39 plug-in electric models that qualify for an Eco-Pass and 1,062 active pass holders.
"Staff believe the incentive to promote fuel efficient vehicles has been successful and that an incentive for plug-in electric vehicles should be the new qualification standard as we move forward," said parking manager Dave Duncan.
Council approved the change to plug-in vehicles only, but not without some concerns.
I don't think we're far enough along yet (electric vehicles) that I would want to retire the existing hybrid program entirely. I think we're encouraging good behaviour either way," said Coun. Luke Stack.
"I think the percentage of hybrid vehicles as a total percentage of the whole thing is still not that high. I think it would merit us to continue to promote both."
Coun. Stack and Hodge voted against changing the Eco-Pass program.
The change takes effect March 1.
