British Columbia has decided to discontinue its electric vehicle rebate program, which had been paused six months earlier, and is abandoning the requirement that all new vehicles sold in the province must be zero-emission by 2035.
Energy Minister Adrian Dix has shifted the responsibility for setting goals, providing cash incentives, and addressing the high prices of electric vehicles to Ottawa.
Dix mentioned that the previous goal of achieving 100% electric vehicle sales and a 90% target by 2030 were no longer feasible, and he now sees rebates as a federal responsibility.
He emphasized that the rebate programs were not meant to be permanent and were part of a provincial scheme that offered up to $4,000 for buyers of battery-electric vehicles before the program was halted in May.
Dix announced that the NDP government would introduce new legislation next year to align British Columbia’s mandates with forthcoming targets from the federal government.
He emphasized the importance of setting realistic targets that can be achieved through effort, highlighting that the new targets are pending completion of a review under CleanBC and the federal government’s review of its mandates.
Federal officials had initially planned to enforce a zero-emission sales requirement of 20% by next year, escalating to 100% by 2035, but Prime Minister Mark Carney paused the 2026 rollout of the EV mandate and initiated a review in early September.
Dix expressed the belief that harmonizing British Columbia’s mandate with Ottawa’s would lead to more efficient outcomes and acknowledged the role of Ottawa in potentially inflating electric vehicle prices due to tariffs on EVs manufactured in China.
While the specifics of the new mandates are still being determined, Dix mentioned that automakers are on track to meet a 26% sales goal for 2026, with provisions in place for a grace period for automakers who may not meet the targets.
Dix underscored the government’s commitment to making significant regulatory changes to support EV sales, including expanding the range of vehicles eligible for zero-emission vehicle credits and introducing programs to incentivize makers that enhance access to financing for EV buyers.
He also emphasized the importance of building up charging infrastructure, stating that British Columbia aims to reach a target of 10,000 public charging stations by 2030.
The discontinuation of provincial rebates does not signal a lack of support for EV sales, as the government plans to implement measures to assist automakers and consumers in transitioning to electric vehicles.
Hon Chan, B.C. Conservative critic for climate solutions, expressed concerns about the achievability of EV mandates and the potential impact on consumers and car dealers, citing the need for clarity and support in the transition to electric vehicles.
Dix’s announcements come following a report from Energy Futures, which raised doubts about British Columbia’s ability to meet the 90% sales target by 2030, citing challenges such as affordability issues and gaps in charging infrastructure affecting EV adoption in the province.