The Quebec government has revised its electric vehicle objectives, adjusting the initial goal of achieving 100% zero-emission vehicle sales by 2035 to aiming for 80% fully electric and hybrid vehicles instead. This decision follows a previous reduction in the EV target to 90% last year, which had not been formally implemented. Environment Minister Pascale Déry disclosed the regulatory modification on Thursday, attributing it to ongoing challenges in the supply chain, difficulties in obtaining essential materials, and international trade obstacles affecting the automotive industry.
As a result of this change, the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles will continue to be permissible in the province past the original 2035 deadline. Déry stated that this adjustment is intended to support local automakers, describing it as a “balanced approach” that considers “the reality on the ground and in our regions.”
Earlier this year, Ontario Premier Doug Ford urged Quebec and British Columbia to lower their targets, arguing that these objectives were diminishing Canada’s competitiveness. The federal government also shifted its focus from EV sales mandates to enforcing stricter emissions standards for the automotive sector.
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 commitment to reducing emissions by 37.5% below 1990 levels by 2030 to a new target year of 2035.