Feds move to repeal EV sales mandate without new stringent emission rules in place

The federal government has announced plans to repeal the electric vehicle sales mandate in Canada, without having more stringent emission standards finalized. The mandate required EVs to make up at least 20% of auto sales by the end of 2024, with the target increasing to 100% by 2035. The government has forecasted that ending the mandate would slow EV adoption, potentially causing $90.3 billion in global climate damages over the next 25 years.

Prime Minister Mark Carney had promised to replace the mandate with more stringent emission standards, but consultations on these new standards are only set to begin in the fall. Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin's office emphasized the importance of getting these regulations right for both the economy and the environment, while acknowledging that climate change has not been a top priority for the current government.