B.C. to redraw EV sales mandate, scrapping goal of 100 per cent by 2035

British Columbia's energy minister, Adrian Dix, announced a significant reduction in the province's electric vehicle sales targets, effectively discarding the ambitious goal of achieving 100% zero-emission vehicle sales by 2035. Dix cited the previous targets as unrealistic and indicated that the government plans to introduce new legislation next year to revise these goals. The specific new targets remain undetermined while the province reviews its CleanBC climate plan. Concurrently, federal officials are also considering changes to their electric vehicle sales mandate, originally requiring zero-emission sales of 20% next year and escalating to 100% by 2035. Earlier this month, Prime Minister Mark Carney paused the planned 2026 rollout of the EV mandate, initiating a review process.

Dix pointed out that the B. C. government is waiting for Ottawa's review to conclude, underscoring the importance of having aligned provincial and federal targets. The changes come amid a growing recognition of the challenges associated with transitioning to electric vehicles. These revisions are likely to have significant implications for the province's climate strategy and the automotive market.