2.1 Supporting at-risk firms
The shift to electrification brings major opportunities that Canada can harness but also poses notable risks. Addressing these risks is crucial in order to both sustain and grow the domestic industrial footprint, including among the auto parts supplier base.
It is widely understood that ZEVs, specifically electric vehicles, contain far fewer complex powertrain parts than traditional gas-powered cars. Conversely, EVs contain more electrical and electronic components than gas-powered cars.27 In a study published through the Future of Canadian Labourforce (FOCAL) initiative, researchers examined 303 component parts connected to gas-powered vehicle engines, drivetrains, exhaust systems, fuel systems, as well as the steering and suspension systems, more than half of them were identified as non-transferrable to BEVs.28 The FOCAL report also identified roughly 16,000 Canadian auto parts jobs in “high impact” workplaces (i.e. those producing parts not transferrable to EVs) accounting for approximately one-fifth of all parts employment in Canada.
| Table 1. Main differences between the ICEV and BEV components and parts | |
|---|---|
| ICEV Components and Systems | BEV Components and Systems |
| Internal Combustion Engine | Electric Traction Motor |
| Cylinder Block & Head | AC Induction Motor (OR) DC Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor |
| Pistons & Connecting Rods | Rotor & Magnets (Only DC) |
| Crankshaft & Flywheel | Stator |
| Valve Train | Cooling Duct |
| Fuel Injection System | Powertrain Thermal Management |
| Air/Fuel Management System | Radiator |
| Spark Ignition System | Radiator Reservoir Tank, Pump & Hose |
| Engine Oil Lubricating System | Inverter / Converter |
| Engine Control Unit - ECU | Electric Drive Module (EDM) |
| Engine Battery & Charger | Power Distribution Unit (PDU) / ECU |
| Engine Cooling System | DC/DC Converter |
| Radiator | Onboard Charger |
| Cooling Fan | Li-ion Battery Pack |
| Radiator Reservoir Tank, Pump & Hose | Li-ion Battery Cell |
| Fuel System | BMS - Battery Management System |
| Fuel Tank | Battery Thermal Management (Pump & Coolant Tank) |
| Fuel Pump | All other pack content |
| Fuel Filter & Line | High Voltage Cables |
| Exhaust System | Charging Cord |
| EGR Valve | Transmission / Gearbox |
| Exhaust Manifold & Pipe | |
| Exhaust Catalytic Converter | |
| Muffler & Tail Pipe | |
| Transmission | |
| Differential | |
Source: Future of Canadian Automotive Labourforce (FOCAL) Trend Report
Expanding the footprint of electric vehicle and parts production in Canada is crucial. The greater the scale of new production capacity, the greater the opportunity for workers to continue plying their skills in this growth industry. However, governments cannot ignore the disruptive effects this transition may have on workers. Adequate protections must be in place to help workers adjust to this changing industry, upgrade skills and secure high-quality auto jobs for years to come.
27 Future of Canadian Automotive Labourforce (FOCAL) Trend Report, The Impact of EV Production on the Automotive Manufacturing Supply Chain: Sources, Methods and Findings (October, 2021): https://www.futureautolabourforce.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/EV-Report-Final-Oct-4.pdf
28 Ibid, see pp. 19-20.
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#13. Launch an auto parts supplier transition support program
The federal government must dedicate resources to undertake a comprehensive risk assessment of Canada’s auto parts industry. This work must be done in partnership with provincial governments and under the oversight of the proposed Ministry of Automotive Supply Chain Development, It is critical for government to understand the country’s supplier vulnerabilities, where these firms are located and develop strategies to support them. Proactively identifying at-risk suppliers and coordinating directly with them around future product plans, advising them of government supports and linking them with new customers as the EV industry grows, will enable governments to manage this transition in a constructive way. By working with unions, governments can also determine the most appropriate training and transitional supports workers need. It is also necessary to make transition supports conditional on firms maintaining both collective bargaining agreements and production in Canada.