EVWire brief: British Columbia is reversing course on its electric-vehicle policy, by dropping its 100% ZEV sales mandate for 2035 and abandoning provincial EV rebates altogether. Energy Minister Adrian Dix says the province will now align with federal targets, citing affordability challenges, stalled EV adoption, and tariff-driven price increases as key factors behind the shift.
British Columbia is stepping back from its long-standing role as Canada’s most aggressive EV policy leader, announcing that it will scrap its 100% zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) sales mandate for 2035 and permanently end provincial rebates for electric-vehicle buyers.
Energy Minister Adrian Dix said B.C.’s previous mandates (90% ZEV sales by 2030 and 100% by 2035) were no longer “realistic” under current market conditions. The province’s EV rebate program, paused in May, is now officially discontinued, with Dix confirming that any future consumer incentives must come from Ottawa.
“The rebate programs were never intended to be permanent,” Dix noted, adding that rising costs and evolving federal policies required a reset.
Prime Minister Mark Carney paused Canada’s 2026 ZEV mandate rollout in September, launching a federal review expected to deliver updated national targets this winter. Dix said B.C. will rewrite its own mandate once the federal changes are finalized - as Dix believes, they should not only be aligned, but the same.
Dix placed part of the blame for weakened EV affordability on the federal government’s “considerable tariffs” on Chinese-built electric vehicles, saying Ottawa’s trade policy has pushed consumer prices higher. Dix concluded that dealing with the complicated relationship overseas will be left to the federal government.
Blair Qualey, CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC, called the update a “helpful interim step” but said the mandate review must directly address affordability issues.
Opposition MLA Hon Chan argued that the earlier ZEV mandates were never achievable and warned that EV sales could drop “by double-digits” without rebates. He said the prolonged uncertainty will create challenges for dealers and consumers.
SOURCE: Toronto Star
