The Canadian government is set to pass rules requiring all new vehicles sold in the country to be zero-emissions by 2035, as reported by Reuters on December 17. The rules, known as the Electric Vehicle Availability Standard, aim to phase out the sale of new internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and ensure an adequate supply of electric vehicles (EVs) in Canada. Under the new rules, 20% of all new car sales in 2026 will be zero-emissions vehicles, including battery electric, hydrogen, and plug-in electric vehicles. The percentage will rise to 60% by 2030 and 100% by 2035. In addition, automakers can earn credits for bringing more electric vehicles to market before the regulations take effect in 2026 and for investing in EV-charging infrastructure.

The new rules are poised to shorten the lengthy wait times for EVs, a major factor that has suppressed consumer demand in Canada. About one in eight new vehicles sold in Canada is electric or plug-in hybrid. The sales mandate would pressure automakers to accelerate EV production and contribute to a shift toward sustainable transportation. In addition, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) suggested that while the move would add an anticipated cost of CAD2.5bn in zero-emissions vehicles and chargers to consumers over 25 years, Canadians can expect to save CAD33.9bn in net energy costs. Aside from Canada, the EU, Britain, China, South Korea, and 17 US states have also introduced similar EV sales mandates.

Sources:

https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/canada-announce-all-new-cars-must-be-zero-emissions-by-2035-report-2023-12-17/

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-12-17/canada-to-announce-2035-all-ev-sales-mandate-reports-say?srnd=green

https://electrek.co/2023/12/18/canada-too-wants-to-wait-until-2035-to-ban-ice-vehicles/

https://www.thestar.com/autos/canada-will-require-all-new-cars-to-be-zero-emissions-vehicles-by-2035/article_c950d280-9b84-11ee-a6e3-27345595b216.html