Canada is planning to end gas-powered vehicle sales in the next 12 years and transition to only selling electric vehicles.
On Tuesday, Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault announced the New Electric Vehicle Availability Standard in an effort to increase the supply of clean, zero-emission vehicles available to Canadians across the country.
The standard aims to achieve a national target of 100 per cent zero-emission vehicle sales by 2035.
“Interim targets of at least 20 percent of all sales by 2026, and at least 60 percent by 2030, will channel supply to Canadian markets instead of going abroad, reducing customer wait times and making sure Canadians have access to the latest affordable and technologically advanced vehicles that are coming to the market in the next few years,” the government said in a news release on Tuesday.
In the last quarter alone, one out of every eight new cars sold across Canada was a zero-emission vehicle, according to the government. British Columbia and Quebec, which have similar standards in place, have an even higher number of electric vehicles at one in five sales.
“Putting in place an Electric Vehicle Availability Standard fulfills a major climate commitment from our climate plan. Getting more electric vehicles on the road is another example of how we are taking climate action while helping make life more affordable,” Guilbeault said in a statement.
The government predicts that switching to electric vehicles will save owners $36.7 billion in energy costs, since electricity costs are much lower than gasoline prices.
Phasing in 100 per cent electric vehicle sales by 2035 is projected to reduce over 360 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, avoiding almost $100 billion in global damages, the government says.
In addition, electric vehicles also help to reduce harmful air pollution. Health Canada says that emissions from on-road vehicles contribute to an estimated 1,200 premature deaths and millions of cases of non-fatal health outcomes every year, at a total estimated economic cost of $9.5 billion annually.
“The air quality benefits of switching to electric vehicles will be particularly important for the 40 percent of Canadians who live near busy roads and highways and are exposed to high levels of pollution,” the government says.
“As more and more zero-emission vehicles hit Canadian roads, we can expect less pollution from traffic in our communities. This will have immediate health benefits that will keep growing over time. By reducing air pollution from on-road vehicles, we can reduce health risks for Canadians of all ages,” Minister of Health Mark Holland said in a statement.
Not only are electric vehicles better for the environment, they’re a more affordable option over the long run, according to the government.
Recharging costs can be as little as $10 per 400kms, resulting in an average cost of $48,943 for an electric vehicle hatchback over a 10-year span, compared to $82,515 for a gas-powered alternative. The government adds that Canada is investing $1.2 billion to build 84,500 chargers across the country by 2029.
The government says the New Electric Vehicle Availability Standard was informed by extensive engagement over the last two years and implements a phased-in approach to gradually switch to a 100 per cent zero-emission future.
REACTION FROM CANADIANS
Soon after the announcement was made, Canadians were quick to react online with mixed emotions. Some think the move is a step in the right direction towards reducing greenhouse gases.
“Game changer and about time Canada joins other nations in capitalizing on zero emission vehicles and their technology!,” one user on X wrote.
“It’s good environmental policy, but the government must start the process now with Canada’s power companies to install EV home chargers in every household at no cost to the homeowner – it’s the only way this policy will work, otherwise people WILL NOT make the change to electric,” another said.
Whereas others think it’s an impractical goal and that Canadians should have the choice in what they choose to drive.
You know this is impractical and will not happen. Just stop,” a user on X said.
“Government mandates are wrong. Manufacturers need to build compelling EVs. The Canadian Government is making another mistake,” another user said.
