British Columbia is overhauling its electric vehicle (EV) strategy, making a significant shift in one of Canada’s most aggressive zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) programs.
The provincial government confirmed this week it will walk back its 100% ZEV sales target for 2035, halt the return of provincial purchase rebates, and instead align future targets with whatever direction the federal government ultimately takes.
The announcement, made by Energy and Climate Solutions Minister Adrian Dix, comes seven years to the day after B.C.’s original ZEV mandate was first introduced.
“B.C. currently leads Canada in EV targets, and we are proud to be a North American leader in EV adoption, with more than 210,000 ZEVs on provincial roads,” Dix said. “We have more than 7,000 public charging stations throughout the province and are on track to meet our target of 10,000 by 2030.”
However, despite this success the province now acknowledges that earlier targets may have outpaced market realities. Dix said the goal of 100% ZEV sales by 2035, and even 90% by 2030, are “no longer realistic,” citing rising vehicle prices, global supply disruptions, and economic pressures.
A major factor behind the policy shift is the federal government’s ongoing review of its own EV mandate. Ottawa paused its national program in September and is expected to announce updated targets in the coming months. B.C. insists provincial and federal rules must match to reduce confusion for both automakers and consumers.
For now, automakers get breathing room. Under existing legislation, manufacturers that fail to meet their annual ZEV requirements can use a one-year grace period without penalty while the province develops revised legislation for spring 2026.
B.C. is also introducing two immediate regulatory changes. The first expands which vehicles qualify for ZEV credits, giving automakers more flexibility and potentially increasing model availability for consumers.
It also relaxes electric-only range requirements for plug-in hybrids, which the province says will help drivers in rural and remote areas where charging access is still limited.
The second change is the upcoming ZEV Affordability Program, launching in 2026. Instead of direct consumer rebates, B.C. will reward automakers with extra credits if they lower EV prices, offer zero- or low-interest financing, support home and public charger installations, or invest directly in charging infrastructure.
The New Car Dealers Association of B.C. welcomed the changes. CEO Blair Qualey said the measures offer “helpful interim steps that provide short-term relief for consumers and dealers,” but stressed affordability must remain central in the upcoming review.
Charging infrastructure, rather than cash incentives, will now be B.C.’s main focus. The province reiterated its commitment to building out its charging network, which currently stands at more than 7,000 public chargers, with a goal of reaching 10,000 by 2030.
