Leading automotive industry associations are urging the provincial government of British Columbia to pause and review its zero-emissions vehicle sales mandate.
Citing a new forecast from DesRosiers Automotive Consultants, the associations said in a news release that B.C.’s target of 90 per cent ZEV sales by 2030 is not achievable — particularly during a period of significant trade disruptions brought on by tariffs.
“We have new evidence that suggests the government’s ZEV sales targets (Zero Emission Vehicles Act) — that were set in at a time very different from the challenges we are currently facing — will not be achieved,” said David Adams, President and CEO of the Global Automakers of Canada, in a statement.
He added that prudence dictates that the B.C. government pause its program and work collaboratively with the auto industry to review and assess how they can continue to spur EV adoption “while avoiding an affordability crisis and knock-on job losses for British Columbians.”
Tim Reuss, President and CEO of the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association, also weighed in. He said BC Premier David Eby has mentioned that he does not want people to have to choose between affordability and climate action.
“Any EV regulation must align consumer demand, adequate charging infrastructure and purchase incentives in order to be successful: none of those currently exist at the level required in order to support the numbers contemplated by the EV mandates,” said Reuss at a press event Wednesday on the opening of media preview day at the Vancouver International Auto Show.
“If B.C. wants to remain at the forefront of the transition towards zero-emission vehicles, it must adjust, update and recalibrate its original plans to take into account the changed market realities,” said Reuss to reporters at the show.
At the Vancouver press event, Brian Kingston, President and CEO of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers Association (CVMA) said: “The provincial government has established the most aggressive EV mandate in North America,” said Kingston, adding that the province requires 90 per cent EV sales by 2030. Given ongoing affordability challenges, lack of charging infrastructure and other market forces: “The province will not come close to the mandated target for 2030,” said Kingston.
Kingston said “at best” EV sales in B.C. could reach approx. 57% by 2030, and that’s if no tariffs are put in place.
The only way automakers could comply is to restrict the sales of ICE vehicles or pay huge penalties as high as $20,000 on each vehicle sold. “New vehicle sales in this province will flatline and that will have serious consequences for jobs at dealerships across this province,” said Kingston.
Further emphasizing Reuss’ comments, the GAC’s David Adams said B.C.’s EV mandate is putting vehicle ownership out of reach for its consumers and inflicting damage on the economy at the worst possible time.
“The mandate must be paused and recalibrated to reflect real-world demand for EVs,” he said. “Failing to act now will worsen the affordability crisis and put tens of thousands of jobs in the province at risk.”
The associations said in the news release that they look forward to working collaboratively with the Government of British Columbia on helping consumers in the province access more EVs, and in supporting the industry’s competitiveness in the province.
