Canadian automakers, represented by the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association (CVMA), met with Prime Minister Mark Carney to express "cautious optimism" about potential changes to Canada's electric vehicle (EV) sales mandate. They argued the industry cannot meet the mandate's targets (20% ZEV sales by 2026, 100% by 2035) due to a "collapse in EV sales" following the suspension of the iZEV rebate program in January. Automakers are urging the government to repeal the mandate or provide clear, immediate plans for consumer incentives, warning that current uncertainty is further damaging sales.
Automakers ‘cautiously optimistic’ on changes to EV sales mandate after meeting with Carney
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Canadian automakers, represented by the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association (CVMA), met with Prime Minister Mark Carney to express "cautious optimism" about potential changes to Canada's electric vehicle (EV) sales mandate. They argued the industry cannot meet the mandate's targets (20% ZEV sales by 2026, 100% by 2035) due to a "collapse in EV sales" following the suspension of the iZEV rebate program in January. Automakers are urging the government to repeal the mandate or provide clear, immediate plans for consumer incentives, warning that current uncertainty is further damaging sales.
Trending- 1 December 2024: EV sales peaked at 18.29%.
- 2 January: iZEV rebate program suspended; EV sales dipped to 11.95%.
- 3 February: EV sales dipped to 6.8%.
- 4 March: EV sales dipped to 6.53%.
- 5 April: EV sales climbed slightly to 7.53%.
- 6 Wednesday: Automakers met with Prime Minister Mark Carney in Ottawa.
- 7 May: Industry Minister Mélanie Joly met with General Motors management and discussed "support programs" for EVs.
- 8 Last month: Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin stated Ottawa is working on bringing back a rebate program.
- 9 Next year (2026): Mandated target of 20% EV sales.
- 10 2035: Mandated target of 100% EV sales.
- Potential changes to Canada's EV sales mandate
- continued decline in EV sales due to lack of incentives and market uncertainty
- significant financial cost if a $5,000 incentive were reintroduced to meet 2026 targets (nearly a billion dollars)
What: Canadian automakers met with Prime Minister Mark Carney to discuss the electric vehicle (EV) sales mandate and the impact of U.S. tariffs, expressing cautious optimism about potential changes to the mandate.
When: Wednesday (meeting with PM); January (iZEV program suspended); April (most recent sales data); December 2024 (EV sales peaked); 2026 (20% EV sales target); 2035 (100% EV sales target).
Where: Ottawa, Canada.
Why: Automakers believe the EV sales mandate targets are unachievable due to a collapse in EV sales after the suspension of the iZEV rebate program and other market forces. They also discussed the impact of U.S. tariffs.
How: CEOs from Ford Canada, Stellantis Canada, GM Canada, and CVMA CEO Brian Kingston met with Prime Minister Mark Carney. They presented their arguments against the mandate and for the reintroduction of clear, timely consumer rebates.