Canada has announced a major shift in its automotive industry, setting a new goal to achieve 100 percent sales of zero-emission vehicles by 2035. This is five years earlier than its previous target of 2040.
The policy, known as the “Electric Vehicle Availability Standard,” includes targets unveiled last December. It requires automakers to increase the supply and availability of zero-emission vehicles, such as battery electric, plug-in hybrid, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, in the Canadian market.
The move is part of Canada’s broader commitment to fight climate change and create a more prosperous economy. The transportation sector accounts for one-quarter of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions. By 2050, Canada has committed that its economy will either emit no greenhouse gas emissions or offset this heat-trapping pollution driving climate change by other measures.
However, the transition to zero-emission vehicles is not without challenges. Automakers have expressed concerns about the ambitious goal, citing the higher cost of electric vehicles (EVs) and the patchwork nature of the charging infrastructure. Hyundai Canada, for instance, issued a statement reacting to the new regulations. It said that it supports the government’s vision, but also urged for more investments in charging stations.
The Canadian government, however, remains committed to the transition, stating that it will pursue a combination of investments and regulations to help Canadians and industry transition to achieve the 100 percent zero-emission vehicle sales by 2035.
The government has already poured at least $600 million into a rebate program that offers consumers a break when they buy new electric vehicles. The program is expected to be expanded to include more categories of vehicles, including used ones. However, federal officials have warned that the rebates alone won’t be enough to reach the federal government’s first target of zero emissions cars making up 10 percent of sales by 2025.
The government is also working with the United States on fuel efficiency and consulting with stakeholders on new regulatory measures. This collaboration aims to support a strong and unified North American automotive sector transition towards zero-emission vehicles. It is part of Canada’s broader commitment to align with the most ambitious light-duty vehicle greenhouse gas emission regulations in the United States.
The move towards zero-emission vehicles is undoubtedly ambitious. As Transport Minister Omar Alghabra said, “Let me just say, our target is ambitious, undoubtedly, but it is a must. We believe that it’s doable. It needs determination, it needs focus, it needs effort.”
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