The Quebec government has revised its electric vehicle targets, shifting from its initial aim of achieving 100 percent zero-emission vehicle sales by 2035 to a new goal of 80 percent for fully electric and hybrid vehicles. This adjustment follows a previous reduction in the EV target to 90 percent last year, which had not been formally implemented.
Environment Minister Pascale Déry disclosed the regulatory change, attributing it to ongoing challenges in the supply chain, difficulties in obtaining critical materials, and international trade obstacles affecting the automotive sector. Consequently, the updated target means that the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles will continue to be permitted in the province beyond the original 2035 deadline.
Déry emphasized that the decision aims to support local automakers and represents a “balanced approach” that considers the practical circumstances in different regions. Earlier this year, Ontario Premier Doug Ford had urged Quebec and British Columbia to lower their targets, arguing that such 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 auto industry. Notably, the road transportation sector remains Quebec’s largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 33 percent of the province’s total emissions.
In addition to the adjustment in EV targets, Quebec has also postponed its commitment to reduce emissions by 37.5 percent below 1990 levels to 2035, extending the timeline for achieving this environmental goal.