Statement from Sam Hersh, Clean Transportation Program Manager
Ottawa | Traditional, unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg People – The U.S. retreat from clean-car rules only underscores even more why Canada must hold firm on a strong Electric Vehicle Availability Standard (EVAS). The move from President Trump won’t make EVs or gas cars cheaper — it only saves money for big automakers. Meanwhile, relaxing these rules will increase pollution by allowing more inefficient vehicles on the road and force consumers to pay more in fuel and maintenance.
Canada has already committed billions to build a domestic EV industry. Flinching on our progress now would jeopardize that momentum, put Canadian auto jobs at risk, and deprive Canadians of access to cleaner, more affordable vehicles.
For decades, Canada has aligned its vehicle emissions rules with the U.S. by adopting American fuel-economy standards “by reference.” With Washington now rolling back its rules, it is clear that automatic alignment no longer works. Letting U.S. decisions dictate our progress would only weaken climate action, slow EV adoption, and undermine billions invested in Canada’s growing EV industry. The EVAS is our chance to set policy based on Canadian needs, not U.S. backsliding, and to ensure automakers deliver the EV supply Canadians are demanding.
Background:
- In 2023, Canada introduced the Electric Vehicle Availability Standard, requiring automakers to increase the share of EVs they sell and fully phase out new gas powered cars by 2035.
- The policy would cut 135 million tonnes of pollution, lower EV prices by about 20%, and expand charging infrastructure by ensuring a steady, reliable EV supply.
- The standard is meant to fix issues like long wait times, limited inventory and high prices to give consumers more choice and move EVs away from being isolated to just the luxury market.
- In September 2025, as a result of pressure from the auto industry and American tariffs, the government paused the 2026 targets for the Standard and issued a consultation period.
- During this pause, auto industry lobbyists are pushing aggressively to weaken the standard, having lobbied the government 150 times alone in October.
ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENCE (environmentaldefence.ca): Environmental Defence is a leading Canadian environmental advocacy organization that works with government, industry and individuals to defend clean water, a safe climate and healthy communities.
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For more information or to request an interview, please contact:
Lauren Thomas, Environmental Defence, media@environmentaldefence.ca
