Statement from Sam Hersh, Clean Transportation Program Manager
Ottawa | Traditional, unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg People – The decision to scrap the Electric Vehicle Availability Standard (EVAS) is a huge setback — not only to Canada’s climate policy, but the auto sector as a whole. While the rest of the world advances on EV manufacturing, affordability and availability, Canada continues to lag behind, dragged by big automakers that prioritize SUVs and other gas cars with big profit margins. This may be framed as short-term relief for automakers, but it will lead to long-term pain and put the industry on an inevitable path to decline.
Rather than maintaining the EVAS, the government is choosing to rely on a promise to strengthen greenhouse gas emission regulations. This approach to regulations is fundamentally weaker than a binding EV sales standard. They give automakers flexibility in how and how quickly they comply. Though it is nice to see that the government still has targets for EV adoption, it’s unlikely that these targets will be fulfilled simply by strengthening emission standards.
Today’s announcement includes some positive measures, such as the return of meaningful consumer incentives and significant new investments in charging infrastructure. However incentives alone cannot replace a standard that ensures automakers bring affordable EV models to Canada at volume. Modeling done by Environmental Defence and others has shown that the best and most effective way to spur the growth of the EV charging network across the country is to make EVs more available and affordable through EVAS.
In an economic and trade environment where the U.S. continues to threaten global stability with mounting tariffs, Canada must take decisive action to protect its auto sector. The best way to retain and grow auto manufacturing jobs is to join the rest of the world in the electric vehicle transition — which is exactly what EVAS would have achieved.
This move is yet another step backward on climate policy and ambition from the federal government.
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.
- In September 2025, the government paused the 2026 targets for the Standard and issued a consultation period.
- Fuel regulations, even when well designed, are fundamentally weaker than EV standards. They aim to make gasoline vehicles slightly more efficient, not to replace them.
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
