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BC Postpones 100% EV Sales Target to 2045 Amid Supply Chain Constraints

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  //automotive-transportation.news-articles.net/co .. arget-to-2045-amid-supply-chain-constraints.html
  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Wednesday, November 26th 2025 at 22:16 GMT by Toronto Star

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British Columbia Revises its Electric‑Vehicle Sales Mandate, Postponing the 2035 Goal

In a move that has drawn both praise and criticism from the auto industry, the British Columbian government announced on Thursday that it will redraw its electric‑vehicle (EV) sales mandate, scrapping the ambitious 100‑percent EV sales target by 2035. The decision marks a significant shift in the province’s climate strategy and reflects growing concerns about supply constraints, consumer affordability, and the economic impact on a sector that has already experienced significant upheaval due to the pandemic and a global semiconductor shortage.

What the New Mandate Looks Like

Under the original mandate, which was announced in 2022, all new passenger vehicles sold in BC would have to be zero‑emission vehicles (ZEVs) by the end of 2035. The plan was hailed as a bold step toward climate neutrality and a template for other provinces. However, Premier David Eby and his cabinet concluded that the deadline was unrealistic in light of current market conditions.

The revised mandate shifts the 100‑percent target to 2045 and introduces interim checkpoints: 80 % of new passenger vehicle sales must be EVs by 2030, and 95 % by 2035. While still ambitious, the timeline is seen as more attainable and allows manufacturers time to expand battery production, improve charging infrastructure, and reduce the upfront cost of EVs.

The province also clarified that the new requirement applies only to passenger vehicles, not commercial fleets or heavy trucks. The policy will be reviewed every five years, enabling the government to adjust the targets as technology, supply chains, and market dynamics evolve.

Why the Change?

Premier Eby cited a “host of realities” that made the original target untenable:

1. Supply Chain Bottlenecks
   The global EV battery supply has been under strain since the pandemic. Manufacturers are still catching up to a surge in demand from China, Europe, and the United States. With raw materials such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel facing price volatility, the industry is unable to deliver the volume of batteries required to meet a 2035 deadline.

2. Consumer Affordability
   The price gap between EVs and internal‑combustion vehicles (ICVs) remains significant in Canada. Even with federal incentives, many Canadians still perceive EVs as “premium” products. The mandate could drive up the cost of new cars, potentially stalling sales and eroding consumer confidence.

3. Economic Impact on Automakers
   Canadian auto plants have already endured layoffs and reduced production volumes. A sudden shift to 100 % EV sales could exacerbate labor market disruptions and jeopardize the viability of domestic manufacturing hubs.

4. Infrastructure Readiness
   While BC has a robust charging network in urban centers, rural and remote communities still face limited access. Meeting a 2035 mandate would require rapid expansion of charging infrastructure, which entails significant capital investment.

“We want to accelerate the transition to clean transportation, but we also need to be realistic about the supply chain and the costs to our customers.” Premier Eby told reporters. “The new targets allow us to push for a cleaner future while ensuring that our auto industry can remain competitive and that Canadians aren’t left paying a premium for a technology that is still maturing.”

Industry and Public Reactions

The auto‑manufacturing lobby has been quick to voice concerns. The Canadian Automotive Alliance (CAA) warned that the new mandate could “create an uneven playing field for Canadian manufacturers and could delay the entry of Canadian-built EVs into the market.” They urged the government to align provincial policy with federal incentives and supply‑chain strategies.

Conversely, environmental groups applauded the shift as a “step in the right direction.” BC Green Party MLA Chris Gauthier remarked, “We’re still committed to a zero‑emission vehicle future, but the timeline must be achievable so that BC can meet its climate targets without sacrificing the livelihood of workers in the auto sector.”

How the New Target Fits into the Broader Climate Framework

BC’s revised mandate is part of a broader suite of climate policies that have been implemented over the past decade. The province’s Climate Change and Emission Management Act (CCEMA) mandates the phase‑out of gasoline‑powered vehicles by 2035, while the Clean Energy Strategy targets a 70 % reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 relative to 2005 levels.

At the federal level, the Canadian Infrastructure Bank announced a $1.4 billion investment in EV charging infrastructure in 2023, and the federal Fuel‑Efficiency Plan includes $4.5 billion in rebates for EV purchases and battery recycling initiatives. These policies create a complementary ecosystem that supports the provincial mandate, but the provincial timeline must remain in sync with the availability of federal support.

Potential Impacts on Consumers and the Economy

• Price Dynamics
  If the supply chain continues to tighten, the cost of batteries could remain high, leading to a sustained premium on EVs. However, as economies of scale increase and battery technology improves, prices are expected to decline, potentially making EVs more competitive by 2035.

• Employment
  While some auto‑manufacturing jobs may be lost due to the shift from ICVs to EVs, new roles in battery assembly, software development, and charging infrastructure installation are likely to emerge. The province will need to invest in workforce retraining programs to mitigate job displacement.

• Environmental Benefits
  Even with a 2045 target, the cumulative reduction in tailpipe emissions could be significant. Studies suggest that a gradual shift to EVs can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80 % compared to the status quo by 2050, depending on the electricity mix.

What to Watch Next

• Five‑Year Reviews
  The mandate’s five‑year review cycle will be closely monitored. If battery supply improves faster than anticipated, the government could accelerate the timeline. Conversely, prolonged supply constraints may prompt a further delay.

• Infrastructure Rollout
  The province’s commitment to expanding charging stations in both urban and rural areas will be critical. Upcoming budgets will need to address funding for public charging hubs, incentive programs for home chargers, and interoperability standards across the province.

• Auto‑Manufacturing Partnerships
  BC’s policy team is reportedly engaging with manufacturers such as Tesla, GM, and Volvo, which have announced plans to build Canadian plants. A coordinated approach could align production timelines with the revised mandate, ensuring a smoother transition.

Bottom Line

British Columbia’s decision to redraw its EV sales mandate signals a pragmatic adjustment to the realities of supply, demand, and consumer economics. While the 100‑percent EV target has been postponed to 2045, the province remains firmly committed to a cleaner transportation future. The new targets represent a more balanced approach that seeks to reconcile ambitious climate goals with the practicalities of an evolving automotive landscape. As the province rolls out its updated policy, stakeholders—from consumers and auto manufacturers to environmental advocates—will watch closely to see how the new timeline shapes Canada’s journey toward a zero‑emission future.