Quebec Backs Off Full Ban on New Gas-Powered Cars in 2035
Quebec Environment Minister Bernard Drainville said on Friday the province will soften its ban on new gas-powered vehicles that is slated to come into effect in 2035.
Instead of 100 percent electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, Quebec now aims for these zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) to account for 90 percent of sales.
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"Trump has essentially blown up all policies aimed at electrifying the auto market in the United States," Drainville said.
He added that it’s too early to tell how big of an impact today’s announcement will have on Quebec's commitment to reduce greenhouse gases.
Representatives of the auto industry were quick to react.
“We appreciate the Quebec government's willingness to demonstrate flexibility in its application of the ZEV mandate,” Global Automakers of Canada said in a statement. “We continue to call on the federal government, along with Quebec and British Columbia, to work together so that the industry ultimately has to follow a single ZEV mandate, supported by concrete and sustained measures to expand the charging network, and to be creative in finding other ways, monetary or otherwise, to motivate drivers to adopt electrified vehicles.
In a somewhat surprising move, EV advocacy group Electric Mobility Canada also recognized that recent market disruptions have created challenges for Quebec’s automotive sector.
“Adjusting ZEV targets to reflect current market realities demonstrates a pragmatic approach, while maintaining medium- and long-term ambition,” EMC President and CEO Daniel Breton said.
Earlier this month, the Canadian government in Ottawa also decided to backtrack on ZEV sales mandates as the auto industry is hit hard by the trade war with the U.S.
Starting in 2026, 20% of automakers’ sales in Canada were to be ZEVs. However, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that he is delaying this regulation while a 60-day review is being conducted.