In early November, the government of Quebec said they will subsidize 30 percent of the additional cost, up to a maximum of $75,000, for the purchase of vehicles running on natural gas in compressed or liquefied form for the freight transportation industry and heavy vehicles.
"The measures announced are important because they will help speed up the use of natural gas as fuel, resulting in an immediate reduction of up to 25 percent in GHG emissions," says Sophie Brochu, president and chief executive officer of Gaz Métro.
The transportation sector is responsible for 42.5 percent of all greenhouse gases emissions (GHGs) in Quebec and trucks, freight trains and ships account for a third of that number, making it a priority area for intervention.
A truck that runs on natural gas emits up to 25 percent fewer GHGs and is up to 40 percent cheaper than diesel.
Some Quebec companies, such as Robert Transport and EBI have already made the switch to natural gas in an attempt to minimize their environmental footprint.