Clean transportation

By electrifying transportation networks and improving how people and goods get where they need to go, Nova Scotia can lower household costs, cut emissions, boost the economy and build a healthier province.

About clean transportation

Clean transportation means moving people and things more efficiently and with fewer emissions.

Examples of clean transportation include:

  • supporting the transition to electric bikes, cars, trucks and commercial fleets with charging stations located throughout the province
  • improving public transit options and electrifying buses and ferries for a greener commute, less congestion and quieter streets
  • establishing walking, cycling and micromobility networks (active transportation) and creating pedestrian-friendly communities
  • exploring new technologies (like hydrogen, biofuels and other smart transportation innovations) to shift to cleaner options

Past government rebate programs helped Nova Scotians adopt new technologies, including:

  • more than 8,800 electric bikes
  • more than 4,800 new battery electric vehicles
  • more than 400 new plug-in hybrid vehicles

Benefits of clean transportation

Clean transportation offers many benefits to Nova Scotia, including:

  • reduced emissions – getting off gasoline lowers emissions and improves local air quality
  • cost savings – electric vehicles, public transit and active transportation reduce household spending on fuel
  • improved health – leads to healthier, more active communities and results in fewer emissions for better air quality
  • economic opportunities – investments in local infrastructure, new business opportunities, job creation and cost savings for businesses and consumers
  • clean energy sources – electric vehicles and e-bikes are greener options especially as Nova Scotia’s electricity grid continues to shift from coal to clean energy sources like wind, solar, and hydro power
  • resilience – electric vehicle batteries have the potential to provide back-up power to homes and buildings during power outages

Nova Scotia's clean transportation advantage

Nova Scotia has a strong foundation for clean transportation:

  • going electric – an expanding network of electric vehicle charging stations makes electric vehicle ownership convenient and accessible province-wide
  • transit investment – significant provincial investments are improving public transit systems, enhancing reliability, accessibility and efficiency
  • growing active transportation infrastructure – active transportation networks are being implemented in communities throughout the province to make it comfortable and convenient to walk or cycle
  • supportive policies – government incentives, programs and supportive policies encourage the transition to electric vehicles, public transit and active transportation

Support and training

Nova Scotia supports clean transportation efforts, including:

  • fleet electrification – financial incentives are available to help businesses, municipalities, First Nations communities and organizations switch to medium and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles through the MHZEV rebate program
  • marine electrification – support for fishing vessel electrification and wharf charging infrastructure through the Fisheries and Aquaculture Energy Efficiency Innovation Fund
  • charging infrastructure – electric vehicle charging networks across the province are expanding through provincial funding, Efficiency Nova Scotia, Nova Scotia Power and other partners
  • public transit upgrades – government has provided funding to help green public transit fleets and infrastructure
  • NextRide – the NextRide campaign helps to promote electric vehicles through public outreach, test driving opportunities and education initiatives across the province
  • active transportation funding – government’s Connect2 Program supports the planning, engineering, design and installation of bike lanes and other active transportation routes and projects
  • community transit investments – government provides support to rural and community-based transit options through Link Nova Scotia

Clean transportation projects

Some examples of clean and active transportation projects supported through Nova Scotia funding and partnerships include:

  • Mill Cove Ferry – The project will introduce a new high-speed ferry service for travel between Bedford and downtown Halifax. It will include 5 electric ferries, 2 net-zero terminals, a bridge to connect buses, cars, pedestrian and cyclists to the Mill Cove Terminal, and a maintenance facility. The project is expected to be completed in 2027-28.
  • Zero Emission Bus – The project is adding more than 200 electric buses to the Halifax Transit fleet, expanding the Ragged Lake Transit Centre and retrofitting the Burnside Transit Centre to achieve a net-zero ready standard.
  • Town of Port Hawkesbury Active Transportation Plan – The project is advancing its plan and paving an active transportation lane, building community-wide active transportation facilities and extending connections within the community. The town is now easily navigable by walking, cycling and expanded public transit. 
  • Town of Yarmouth Active Transportation Master Plan – The project is continuing its plan to build active living trails and sidewalks as part of its. These shared paths are fully accessible and accommodate pedestrian and bicycle traffic, improving access to areas and businesses where no sidewalks were previously available.
  • Nova Scotia Power EV charging network – The project is expanding its electric vehicle fast-charging network in 2025. Once complete, 26 sites and 72 charging ports will be located throughout rural Nova Scotia and near major highways. These new 180 kW fast charging facilities are being added to the already existing network of 12 50kW charging stations.

Contact

Department of Energy

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