OTTAWA Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to unveil new policies aimed at accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in Canada. This announcement, anticipated today, marks a significant shift in the government's approach to promoting electric mobility in the country.
According to sources within the government and industry, who remain unnamed due to the sensitivity of the details, the new strategy will eliminate the previously proposed electric vehicle sales mandate. This mandate was designed to require that 20 percent of all new vehicles sold in Canada be electric starting in 2026, increasing to 60 percent by 2030 and eventually reaching 100 percent by 2035. However, following growing pressure from provincial governments and automobile manufacturers, Carney chose to pause this initiative last fall, initiating a comprehensive review that has led to today’s announcement.
In addition to scrapping the sales mandate, Carney is expected to reinstate a popular rebate program for electric vehicle purchases that had been suspended the previous year due to budgetary constraints. This program, which provided financial incentives for consumers to buy electric cars, had seen significant uptake before it ran out of funding.
Moreover, the Prime Minister's announcement is also likely to include the establishment of a new Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund, which is projected to amount to $1.5 billion. This fund aims to bolster the infrastructure necessary to support the growing number of electric vehicles on Canadian roads, addressing one of the key barriers to EV adoption: the availability of charging stations.
The announcement comes at a critical time for Canada’s push towards greener transportation solutions. The decision to amend the electric vehicle sales mandate reflects a more flexible approach responding to the concerns raised by various stakeholders, while the reinstatement of rebates and the introduction of an infrastructure fund signify a renewed commitment to fostering the electric vehicle market.
This report comes as part of ongoing efforts to create a more sustainable transportation sector in Canada, tapping into the increasing public interest in environmentally friendly vehicles. As various measures are put in place to facilitate the transition to electric mobility, it is evident that the Canadian government is recalibrating its strategy to better align with industry capabilities and consumer interests.
Ultimately, today’s announcement by Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to significantly impact the future of electric vehicles in Canada, fostering an environment conducive to growth in the EV sector while addressing the pressing concerns surrounding emissions and sustainability.
