Quebec Walks Back 2035 gas Car Ban, Sets New 90% Zero-Emission Target
Quebec has considerably revised its electric vehicle (EV) sales targets, abandoning its previous goal of 100% zero-emission vehicle sales by 2035 in favor of a 90% target that now includes rechargeable hybrid vehicles. The move effectively ends the province’s planned prohibition on the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles after 2035.
The shift follows a similar decision by the federal government to suspend its own EV targets and reflects a recalibration of ambitions in light of evolving market conditions and economic considerations. The change impacts automakers, dealerships, and consumers, and will likely affect Quebec’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction goals. Minister Eric Drainville defended the decision, stating the 90% target is “ambitious, but…adapted to the new context,” and signals “we put an end to the wall-mur [en levant l’interdiction].”
This adjustment marks the second time Quebec has lowered its EV sales expectations this year. In July,former Minister Benoit Charette cited “new realities” stemming from trade wars as the reason for an initial reduction.According to the government, the latest revision acknowledges the “new North American context and the government’s desire not to unduly harm the economy or to penalize Quebec companies and workers.”
the revised plan also scales back annual targets for dealerships by 2035. Minister Drainville acknowledged the changes will impact the province’s goal of reducing GHG emissions by 37.5% compared to 1990 levels, but could not provide a specific quantification of the effect.
Meanwhile, Marc Carney announced in early September that vehicle models from 2026 will be exempt from current EV availability standards, triggering a policy review. Current regulations require 20% of new light vehicles sold to be zero-emission in 2026, increasing to 60% in 2030 and 100% in 2035.
