The Quebec government has adjusted its electric vehicle ambitions, revising its original target of achieving 100% zero-emission vehicle sales by 2035 to a new goal of 80% for fully electric and hybrid vehicles. This decision follows a previous reduction in the EV target to 90% last year, though it had not been formally adopted at that time.
Environment Minister Pascale Déry revealed this regulatory change on Thursday, attributing it to persistent supply chain challenges, difficulties in sourcing critical materials, and international trade complexities affecting the automotive sector. Consequently, the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles will continue to be permissible in the province beyond the initial 2035 deadline.
Déry emphasized that the adjustment aims to support local automakers and described it as a “balanced approach” that considers “the reality on the ground and in our regions.” Ontario Premier Doug Ford had urged Quebec and British Columbia in March to revise their targets, arguing that the existing goals were detrimental to Canada’s competitiveness.
In a related move, the federal government recently replaced its EV sales mandate with stricter emissions standards for the auto industry earlier this year. Notably, the road transportation sector remains Quebec’s largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 33% of the province’s total emissions.
Additionally, Quebec has extended its timeline for reducing emissions by 37.5% below 1990 levels from 2030 to 2035, marking a step back from its previous commitment.