Auto industry groups urge B.C. to reconsider EV mandate

Leading automotive industry associations are calling on the British Columbia government to pause and review its electric vehicle mandate, warning that the province’s Zero Emission Vehicles Act (ZEVA) targets are unrealistic and could lead to higher vehicle prices and job losses.

“We have new evidence that suggests the government’s ZEV sales targets — set in a time very different from the challenges we are currently facing — will not be achieved,” said David Adams, president and CEO of Global Automakers of Canada. “Prudence dictates that government pause this program and work collaboratively with industry to review and assess how we can continue to spur EV adoption while avoiding an affordability crisis and knock-on job losses for British Columbians.”

A forecast released by DesRosiers Automotive Consultants found that the province’s goal of 90 per cent ZEV sales by 2030 is unattainable, with the best-case scenario projecting only 57 per cent by that time. Failure to meet the targets could lead to significant financial penalties for manufacturers, limiting the availability of traditional vehicles and driving up costs for consumers.

Tim Reuss, president and CEO of the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association, warned that the current mandate could force British Columbians into difficult financial decisions.

“Premier David Eby himself recently said that he does not want people to have to choose between affordability and climate action, but if the British Columbia EV mandates remain in place in their current form, exactly that will happen,” he said.

Brian Kingston, president and CEO of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association, echoed concerns over affordability and economic impact.

“The province’s EV mandate is putting vehicle ownership out of reach for British Columbians and inflicting damage on the economy at the worst possible time,” he said. “The mandate must be paused and recalibrated to reflect real-world demand for EVs.”

The associations say they are committed to working with the government to expand EV access while supporting the industry’s competitiveness in B.C.

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