In a report released Tuesday, Canada’s Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Environment recommended that the federal government implement a new national Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) standard, as part of a huge list that includes 13 recommendations to “encourage the production and sale of ZEVs in Canada,” according to Electric Autonomy.
The move also supports the Canadian government’s goal of making 100% of light-duty passenger vehicle sales zero emissions by 2040.
The standard would essentially require automakers to sell a minimum number of ZEVs throughout their operating markets, with a sliding scale that could change as the country comes closer throughout the years to achieve its 2040 goal. Both British Columbia and Quebec have adopted their own provincial standards, as well as the likes of 11 US states.
Tesla Director of AI ‘Likes’ Tweet Related to FSD Beta for Canada https://t.co/CYjc3lp6bI
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On reaching the country’s emissions goals, the report says, “The Committee heard that Canada will not fulfill the federal sales targets unless it takes additional measures to encourage the adoption of ZEVs.”
The report continues, later saying that the committee “recommends that the Government of Canada work with industry and the provinces and territories to establish a national ZEV standard, while respecting constitutional responsibilities and the deep integration of the North American automotive market.”
While the committee expects a comprehensive response to the report from the federal government, the report also acknowledges the complex trade relationship between Canada and the US, including that it should be considered.
Currently, Canada’s iZEV program offers up to $5,000 CAD rebates towards the purchase of a zero emission vehicle.
Regardless, the US has turned to Canada for many EV battery and mining needs, and the US is currently exporting the whole of Canada’s EVs.
