The Quebec government has revised its electric vehicle objectives, shifting from the original goal of achieving 100% zero-emission vehicle sales by 2035 to aiming for 80% sales of fully electric and hybrid vehicles. This adjustment follows a previous reduction in the EV target to 90% last year, which had not been formally adopted at that time.
Environment Minister Pascale Déry recently announced this regulatory change, attributing it to ongoing challenges in the supply chain, difficulties in accessing essential materials, and global trade issues affecting the automotive sector. Consequently, the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles will continue to be permissible in Quebec beyond the initially proposed 2035 deadline.
Déry emphasized that the decision is intended to support local automakers and described it as a “balanced approach” that considers the practical circumstances both locally and regionally. Earlier in the year, Ontario Premier Doug Ford urged Quebec and British Columbia to abandon their targets, arguing that they were undermining Canada’s competitiveness.
Furthermore, the federal government has scrapped its EV sales mandate in favor of implementing more stringent emissions standards for the automotive industry. Notably, the road transportation sector remains the primary contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in Quebec, accounting for 33% of the province’s total emissions.
Moreover, Quebec has also extended its commitment to reducing emissions by 37.5% below 1990 levels by 2030 to now aim for achieving this target by 2035 instead.