It’s Our Electric Future
Keep a strong, consumer‑focused EV Availability Standard (EVAS)
The Electric Vehicle Availability Standard (EVAS) is already shaping factories, charging infrastructure deployment, electricity production and vehicle deliveries across Canada. Diluting the Standard or adding exemptions would create costly uncertainty, risk stranding investments and make Electric Vehicles less affordable for Canadian families.
A strong, predictable EVAS protects roughly 130,000 Canadian jobs today across manufacturing, mining, charging and services, attracts private investment, and grows EV supply so more Canadians can buy cheaper new and used EVs. It also reduces household operating costs and local air pollution; delivering real savings and health benefits for communities.
A strong, consumer focused Electric Vehicle Availability Standard, without loopholes, helps Canadians access affordable, reliable electric vehicles while protecting jobs and investment. We’re asking decisionmakers to keep the Standard strong, resist new flexibilities for industry that would harm consumer choice, harm air quality and increase Electric Vehicle prices. We call on government to and commit to a steady path toward 80–85% Electric Vehicle Availability Standard availability target by 2032 and beyond.
Why This Matters:
Current economic impact: Electric Vehicle supply and related investments already support ~130,000 Canadian jobs in vehicle assembly, Electric Vehicle factory equipment manufacturing, parts, batteries, charging, grid work and services.
Protect existing manufacturing: Keeping pace with global Electric Vehicle markets is the best way to secure today’s auto jobs and attract new investment.
Secure future investment in mining, manufacturing, infrastructure and electricity production: According to EY, a strong Electric Vehicle Availability Standard will help create 600,000 jobs in the Electric Vehicle Industry by 2035. Without a strong Electric Vehicle Availability Standard and related policies, EY estimates 360,000 jobs, which represents 240,000 less jobs.
Consumer affordability: Newer Electric Vehicles now → larger used Electric Vehicle supply later → lower prices and better access for many Canadians.
Regulatory predictability: A clear, enforceable Electric Vehicle Availability Standard gives companies and investors the pathway needed to build factories, deploy chargers, and scale domestic supply chains.
Clean air and climate change: Electric Vehicle Availability Standard was intended to be one of Canada’s largest contributing policies to reduce emissions.
Why weakening the Standard is harmful:
The government has already weakened the Standard by giving multinational automakers an exemption from their obligations in 2026. Many of these automakers already had banked “credits" to offset their obligations.
Dilution or new flexibilities would undermine investments already underway and risk job losses.
Waiving or lowering the Electric Vehicle targets sends the wrong signal to markets and delays the affordability benefits of Electric Vehicles.
Crediting loopholes for hybrids or expanded exemptions reduce real zero emission vehicle supply and slow progress on health and climate gains.
Myths vs. Facts:
Myth: Electric Vehicle Availability Standard includes a $20,000 penalty.
Fact: There is no $20,000 penalty in the Standard.
Myth: Every automaker faces a 20% 2026 target.
Fact: NO carmaker had to reach 20% Zero Emission Vehicles sales in 2026. Early flexibilities mean effective 2026 shares are closer to ~14-17% - the rollout is gradual.
Myth: Hybrids count as Zero Emission Vehicles.
Fact: Conventional hybrids rely on fossil fuels and are not zero emission vehicles.
Myth: Electric Vehicles are far more expensive than gas cars
Fact: Many of Canada’s most popular Electric Vehicles are already less expensive than what Canadians spend on average for a new car. Increased competition in the market will continue to drive affordability for consumers.