British Columbia has decided to discontinue a rebate initiative for electric vehicles that was put on hold six months ago and is abandoning a requirement that all new vehicles sold in the province must be zero-emission by 2035. Energy Minister Adrian Dix is transferring responsibility for setting goals, providing financial incentives, and addressing the issue of high electric vehicle prices to the federal government.
Dix mentioned that the previously set targets of 100% sales by 2035 and a 90% target for 2030 are no longer deemed feasible. He stated that the rebate programs were not meant to be permanent and are now seen as a federal responsibility. The provincial rebate scheme, which previously offered up to $4,000 for buyers of battery-electric vehicles before its suspension in May, will not be reinstated.
Dix informed the press in Victoria that the NDP government plans to introduce legislation next year to align British Columbia’s mandates with forthcoming targets from the federal government. He emphasized the importance of setting achievable targets that require effort to reach, rather than setting unrealistic expectations.
Federal officials have indicated their intention to unveil proposed revisions to the electric vehicle sales mandate this winter, aligning with British Columbia’s previous targets. The pause on the 2026 rollout of the EV mandate was initiated by Prime Minister Mark Carney on September 5, leading to a comprehensive review.
Dix expressed the belief that harmonizing British Columbia’s mandate with Ottawa’s would lead to greater efficiency. He also pointed out that Ottawa’s imposition of significant tariffs on electric vehicles manufactured in China has contributed to inflated prices. Dix emphasized the need for the federal government to address these challenges in its relationship with China.
While the specific new targets have not yet been established, Dix assured that all automakers are on track to meet a 26% sales goal for 2026. He emphasized the importance of ensuring access to electric vehicles for British Columbians and announced forthcoming regulatory changes to support EV sales.
Despite the discontinuation of provincial rebates, Dix assured that the government would implement significant regulatory adjustments to aid EV sales. These measures include expanding the range of vehicles eligible for a zero-emission-vehicle credit program and introducing incentives for automakers that facilitate improved access to financing for EV buyers.
Hon Chan, B.C. Conservative critic for climate solutions and climate readiness, expressed concerns over the achievability of the EV mandates and raised issues regarding the impact on consumers and car dealers. The announcement by Dix has led to uncertainty among car dealers awaiting further details.
Dix’s announcements come after Energy Futures, an energy think-tank, released government documents questioning the feasibility of achieving the 90% sales target by 2030. The documents highlighted challenges in EV adoption in B.C., citing factors such as affordability issues, gaps in charging infrastructure, and policy changes.
The introduction of the zero-emission mandate in British Columbia in 2019 aimed to reduce emissions by 40% by 2030 as part of the CleanBC program. EV sales accounted for 22.4% of all light-duty vehicle sales in the province in 2024, showcasing growth from previous years but also a decline from 2023.
