Canada has accelerated its requirement for new light duty cars and passenger trucks sales to be zero-emission, ramping up its timeline by five years. The change means Canada’s target now aligns with the United Kingdom and California.
In an announcement made on Tuesday, Transport Canada announced 100% of new car and truck sales in the country will need to be zero-emission by 2035, instead of 2040.
Canada says it wants to have its new 100 percent zero-emission vehicle sales goal and a prosperous net-zero emissions economy by 2050.
The federal government says it “remains committed” to aligning with greenhouse gas emissions regulations with the United States.
“Only bold climate policies lead to bold results. Through measures aimed at accelerating the transition to 100 percent zero-emission vehicles sales, we will continue building a cleaner and more resilient economy, while also creating good jobs and opportunities for all Canadians,” said Omar Alghabra, Minister of Transport, in a statement.
“We will also continue to support the automotive sector, including through our investment of $8 billion to accelerate the industrial transition thanks to the Net Zero Accelerator,” he added.
The Canadian government says it is providing over $460 million to build a coast-to-coast network of electric vehicle fast chargers and electric vehicle chargers. So far, investments will result in 16,500 new electric vehicle chargers, 10 hydrogen stations, and 20 natural gas stations.
The push by the federal government to accelerate its zero-emission vehicles goal bodes well for the likes of Tesla and other automakers.
