The Quebec government has adjusted its electric vehicle objectives, revising its initial goal of achieving 100% zero-emission vehicle sales by 2035 to now aiming for 80% of fully electric and hybrid vehicles. This decision follows a previous reduction in the EV target to 90% last year, which had not been formally implemented. Environment Minister Pascale Déry announced this regulatory change, attributing it to ongoing challenges in the supply chain, difficulties in accessing crucial materials, and international trade obstacles faced by the automotive industry.
As a result of this adjustment, the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles will continue to be permissible in Quebec beyond the original 2035 deadline. Déry emphasized that this shift is intended to support local automakers and described it as a “balanced approach” that considers the practical circumstances both locally and regionally. Ontario Premier Doug Ford had previously urged Quebec and British Columbia to reevaluate their targets, suggesting that these goals were undermining Canada’s competitiveness.
Furthermore, the federal government has recently opted to replace its EV sales mandate with stricter emissions standards for the automotive sector. Despite these changes, the road transportation sector remains the primary contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in Quebec, accounting for 33% of the province’s total emissions. Quebec has also extended its timeline for reducing emissions by 37.5% below 1990 levels from 2030 to 2035.