Statement from Sam Hersh, Clean Transportation Program Manager
Ottawa | Traditional, unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg People – The federal government’s decision to officially kill Canada’s Electric Vehicle Availability Standard with no strong replacement policy is outright capitulation. This is yet another gift to auto-industry lobbyists that consumers, workers and the climate are paying for.
The government says it still wants EVs to reach 75 per cent of new vehicle sales by 2035. But it will not get there without quickly implementing strong replacement regulations. Racing to repeal existing requirements while making no effort to replace them leaves us with a regulatory vacuum. This will increase pollution, delay investment and put the 75 per cent target further out of reach.
Environmental Defence will push for Canada to set standards that align with leading European tailpipe emission standards that are strong, enforceable and will position Canada to compete in the expanding global EV transition. These standards cut pollution, lower driving costs and benefit Canadian workers and manufacturers.
Background
- Repealing the standard will not make driving more affordable. The government’s own analysis estimates that repeal would deprive Canadian drivers of nearly $54 billion in energy savings through 2050. Canada should instead lower upfront costs with purchase incentives and convenient charging.
- Repeal also puts Canadian EV jobs and investment at risk. Automakers invest where governments provide clear, durable signals about the future market.
- Abandoning Canada’s requirements creates uncertainty throughout the vehicle-manufacturing supply chain.
- It risks leaving Canada behind as global EV adoption reaches record levels: one in four new cars sold worldwide in 2025 was electric.
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
