Canada is moving ahead with plans to scrap the electric vehicle (EV) sales mandate, even though the stricter emissions regulations intended to replace it are still months away from being finalized.
The federal government published proposed regulations in the Canada Gazette on August 15 that would repeal the Electric Vehicle Availability Standard.
However, the EV sales mandate still exists, at least for now. A 75-day public consultation will be open until October 29, after which the regulations could take effect once formally registered.
The rules currently call for zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) to represent at least 20% of new 2026 light-duty vehicles offered for sale, increasing to 60% in 2030 and 100% by 2035.
Prime Minister Mark Carney first announced plans to replace the EV mandate in February, arguing that tougher fleet-wide emissions standards could provide automakers with more flexibility while still encouraging EV adoption.
The government says its new approach is intended to put Canada on a path toward EVs representing 75% of new vehicle sales by 2035 and 90% by 2040.
The repeal comes as Canadian EV sales remain well below the government’s long-term targets, accounting for roughly 10% of total vehicle sales during the first four months of 2026.
Always get the latest - make Drive Tesla your preferred source on Google
Are you buying a Tesla? If you enjoy our content and we helped in your decision, use our referral link to get three months of Full Self-Driving (FSD).Drive Tesla uses affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through them, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support.
