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Canada will issue new rules this week, requiring all new passenger cars sold in the country to be zero emissions by 2035, according to multiple media reports.
The rules, which Canadian public broadcaster CBC said could be released as soon as Tuesday, will shorten wait times for EVs and ensure enough affordable zero-emission vehicles are available to meet the demand.
According to the regulations, the Electric Vehicle Availability Standard, automakers can earn credits based on how many low- and zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) they sell. They can also earn credits by supporting the buildout of EV charging infrastructure.
Canada wants ZEVs to represent 20% of all new car sales in 2026, 60% in 2030 and 100% in 2035. The new rules will apply to model year 2026.
Brian Kingston, CEO of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association that represents Ford (F), Stellantis (STLA) and General Motors (GM), said the government needs to implement stronger incentives to make zero-emission vehicles more affordable.
“We’re calling on the government to help Canadians make the switch to electric with the supports required,” he said. “Not mandate what Canadians can and cannot buy.”
According to S&P Global Mobility, ZEVs accounted for one in eight new vehicles registered in Canada during Q3. ZEVs are projected to account for 13.5% of new registrations by the end of 2023 and 18.4% of the market by the end of 2024. By 2025, ZEVs are expected to account for a quarter of the Canadian market.
