By 2026, twenty per cent of new vehicles sold in Canada must be zero emission vehicles, if the proposed regulations aren’t amended. That’s according to the federal government’s announcement today, with the target to reach 60 per cent of sales by 2030 and 100 per cent by 2035.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Julie Dabrusin, says Canadians are looking to buy electric and there are wait lists across the country. She says, “This regulated sales target is about making sure that Canadians have access to the vehicles they want.” GM’s plant in Ingersoll, Ontario converted to making EVs recently, with funding from both the Ontario and federal governments and the first vehicles rolled off the line earlier this month. In addition to making sure there are more electric vehicles available on the market, Dabrusin says the government is funding 85,000 chargers across the country. That’s in addition to the charging stations supported by the provincial governments and the private sector.

Dabrusin notes that evidence from other jurisdictions, including Quebec, British Columbia and California indicates that when there are sales targets in place, combined with supportive investments, it accelerates the transition to clean cars and trucks. You can submit your feedback on the proposed regulations, with the final regulations to be published next year after a 75 day consultation period.