Ottawa Cancels EV Mandate, Unveils $1.5 Billion Investment Fund: Sources

Ottawa is set to unveil significant changes to its electric vehicle (EV) strategy. Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to announce the cancellation of the EV sales mandate. This move will shift the focus toward new vehicle emissions standards while also reviving consumer rebates for EV purchases.

Details of the New National Automotive Strategy

According to unnamed government and industry sources, the announcement will include a $1.5 billion investment fund aimed at enhancing EV infrastructure throughout Canada. This initiative follows a review period initiated by Carney in September, during which the previous mandate was put on hold.

Shift in Focus

• The original EV mandate required automakers to sell a specific percentage of electric vehicles starting this year.
• New proposed regulations will shift towards average fuel efficiency standards for automakers.
• This change aims to reinforce stricter emissions standards for all new vehicles.

Reviving Consumer Incentives

The government also plans to reintroduce a popular incentive program for EV purchases. This program was paused due to exhaustion of its funding, which previously exceeded $3 billion.

• The prior Liberal administration aimed for electric vehicles to represent 20% of all vehicle sales by 2026.
• This goal was set to increase to 100% by the year 2035.

CBC News has already reported on some aspects of this new strategy. The formal announcement will be made shortly, detailing these ambitious changes in Canada’s automotive landscape.