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VICTORIA \u2014 Joanna Kyriazis, director of policy and strategy at Clean Energy Canada, made the following statement in response to <\/em>a proposed update of B.C.\u2019s EV mandate.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt\u2019s good news for British Columbians that the B.C. government is keeping in place its EV mandate, with some adjustments. At a fundamental level, the EV mandate is a policy that works on behalf of British Columbians by ensuring more families have the option to drive a cost-saving EV, making it both a climate measure and an affordability one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe policy has already led to B.C. receiving desirable EV models before other provinces and U.S. states, for example, and encourages automakers to bring more affordable electric cars to the B.C. market in order to keep up with its requirements. B.C.’s historically high EV adoption rate, driven in large part by the EV mandate, has also resulted in a more robust used EV market, making money-saving electric cars more accessible for more British Columbians.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cGiven recent political headwinds, however, a recalibrated policy makes sense. Carmakers are looking for short-term relief and more flexibility to meet their targets while navigating tariffs, and consumers facing high costs of living need more help unlocking the long-term savings EVs provide. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe are particularly pleased to see the introduction of a ZEV Affordability Program in 2026 that will reward automakers with additional credits for lowering vehicle prices, offering zero- or low-interest financing, and helping with charging. While the devil will be in the details, upfront cost continues to be the number one barrier keeping would-be EV buyers from making the switch\u2014even though many consumers know an electric car would save them money in the long run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIndeed, transportation is the second-largest household expenditure<\/a> that Canadians endure, and while housing and grocery-store shrinkflation have been difficult beasts to tame, when it comes to the cost of driving, there actually is something of a silver bullet. And it\u2019s one the rest of the world is rapidly benefiting from as North America drags its anchor. More than one in four cars sold globally<\/a> this year is projected to be electric.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhich is why one particular stipulation in today\u2019s announcement gives us cause for concern. The province\u2019s \u2018strong view\u2019 that B.C. should be no more ambitious than Canada as a whole when it comes to setting adoption targets risks undermining the entire policy. B.C. has always led the charge, alongside Quebec, when it comes to EV adoption. Put simply, the province already has a head start, from more EVs on the road, to a better charging network, to higher public awareness of the benefits of EVs. One should not expect EV adoption in Metro Vancouver\u2014which hit 27% last year<\/a>\u2014to mirror EV adoption in northern Saskatchewan. With some of the cheapest and cleanest electricity in the country, a more temperate climate, and more advanced EV infrastructure already in place, B.C. absolutely should expect and aim for higher EV adoption than Canada on average.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBritish Columbians are already more likely than all Canadians<\/a> to say they intend to get an electric car next, and this is especially the case in the Lower Mainland. Seven in 10 Metro Vancouverites<\/a> are inclined to get an EV as their next car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThis government has kept B.C. drivers in the front seat for many years now, and we\u2019re hopeful that the province still has its priorities straight. Today\u2019s announcement smartly identifies new roads to get there\u2014ones that could benefit automakers and consumers alike\u2014but a single stipulation leaves us wondering whether B.C. will put its foot on the accelerator of its own thoughtfully constructed policy vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cB.C., Quebec, and California have never waited for other provinces or U.S. states to catch up with us before. We shouldn\u2019t start now\u2014just as we\u2019re falling behind the rest of the world.\u201d<\/p>\n