Transportation of immobile electric vehicles will be permitted on board BC Ferries beginning later this month, however any damage to the vehicle cannot impact its frame or battery integrity. (Image Credit: File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

immobile vehicles

‘There was just no nuance:’ Gabriola advocates praise BC Ferries change on damaged EVs

May 9, 2026 | 5:48 AM

GABRIOLA ISLAND — A change in procedure from BC Ferries is being welcomed by drivers of electric vehicles on island communities.

Beginning Tuesday, May 19, electric vehicles needing to be towed or carried on board a BC Ferries vessel will be able to travel, provided the damage to the vehicle “does not compromise the vehicle’s frame or battery integrity.”

Currently, any defect with an EV which immobilizes it means it cannot be transported on board, leaving those in communities like Gabriola Island without a lot of options.

“Our revised policy recognizes the challenges they face while at the same time ensures that we comply with laws and regulations and continue to keep our focus on the safety of all our passengers and crew while travelling with BC Ferries,” Darren Johnston, BC Ferries vice president of marine operations, said in a statement.

Concerns over battery-related fires saw BC Ferries take a cautious approach regarding the transport of damaged electric vehicles.

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It’s a move being welcomed by the chair of the Gabriola Island Ferry Advisory Committee, Steven Earle, along with the Gabriola Transportation Society, who lobbied BC Ferries for the change.

“There was just no nuance to their position,” Earle told NanaimoNewsNOW.” “You might have some other issue, like brakes or something, and still you couldn’t tow it on to a ferry. We wrote a position paper on this, and explained how most other ferry operators around the world are doing it differently, they’re being a little bit more reasonable. ”

Adoption of electric vehicles has been steady on Gabriola Island, with Earle estimating a similar percentage on island compared to Nanaimo.

However, the restrictions held adoption back, Earle said.

“It was putting a damper on people’s enthusiasm for EVs, people that live on islands like ours were worried that they wouldn’t get it off or would have to pay thousands of dollars to get it off if there was a small problem that couldn’t be fixed here.”

Full details on transporting immobile electric vehicles is available on the BC Ferries website.

Electric vehicles with no damage, which can drive on and off a vessel under their own power have been able to board BC Ferries with no issue and are not impacted by this change.

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by NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

‘There was just no nuance:’ Gabriola advocates praise BC Ferries change on damaged EVs

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