The Canadian government is on the verge of implementing a ground-breaking regulation that will require all new vehicles sold in the country to be zero-emissions by 2035. Known as the Electric Vehicle Availability Standard, this regulation aims to gradually phase out the sale of new combustion vehicles, according to reports from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and the Toronto Star. While the federal government is yet to officially announce the standard, sources indicate that it will be made public in the coming days.
Under the proposed rules, zero-emissions vehicles, which include battery electric, hydrogen, and plug-in electric vehicles, will need to account for 20% of all new car sales by 2026. This will increase to 60% by 2030 and reach 100% by 2035, effectively signaling the end of new combustion vehicle sales. The Canadian government is determined to ensure a smooth transition towards electric vehicles and address concerns over supply shortages in the country. The reports suggest that measures will be put in place to ensure a sufficient number of electric cars, trucks, and SUVs are made available to Canadian consumers.
To incentivize automakers in this transition, they will have the opportunity to earn credits by bringing more electric vehicles to the market ahead of the target dates and by investing in EV-charging infrastructure. These credits will allow manufacturers to demonstrate their commitment to the regulation while simultaneously accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles across Canada.
While the specifics of the Electric Vehicle Availability Standard are yet to be disclosed, it is anticipated that the Canadian government's strategy will align with similar approaches taken by other countries. The United Kingdom adopted an electric vehicle sales mandate in September 2021, which includes a target of 100% of new sales being electric vehicles by 2035. Furthermore, several states in the United States, including California and New York, have also implemented electric vehicle sales mandates.
This move by the Canadian government aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Electric vehicles offer a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional combustion engine vehicles by producing zero tailpipe emissions. Transitioning to electric vehicles on a large scale will contribute significantly to Canada's goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
The announcement of the Electric Vehicle Availability Standard is eagerly anticipated, as it marks a significant milestone in Canada's transition to a cleaner and more sustainable transportation sector. By setting clear targets for zero-emissions vehicle sales, the country is signaling its commitment to a greener future and positioning itself at the forefront of the global electric vehicle market.