The Province is updating its zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) framework to maintain electric vehicle (EV) momentum.

Legislative changes are also under development that strengthen B.C.’s commitment to cleaner transportation, while ensuring affordability, consumer choice and support for automakers.

“B.C. currently leads Canada in EV targets, and we are proud to be a North American leader in EV adoption, with more than 210,000 ZEVs on provincial roads,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions. “We have more than 7,000 public charging stations throughout the province and are on track to meet our target of 10,000 by 2030.”

To maintain B.C.’s leadership in zero-emission vehicle adoption, the Province intends to introduce legislative updates in spring 2026. These updates will recalibrate B.C.’s targets and will be informed by the CleanBC review and ongoing consultations with consumers and industry.

The federal government is reviewing its national EV plans and targets. It is B.C.’s strong view that there should not be different targets in B.C. and Canada. In the current climate, it is vital for B.C. and Canada to be aligned, and it is B.C.’s view that there should be one clear, harmonized sales target for the country to provide clarity and accelerate adoption. B.C. looks forward to the results of the federal review, which will inform provincial policies.

While automakers are on track to meet provincial 2026 ZEV targets, the Province recognizes that some may face challenges due to factors such as slowing consumer adoption driven by high purchase costs, supply chain disruptions, U.S. tariffs, and unclear federal targets. Automakers unable to meet requirements in a given year may use a one-year grace period without penalty under B.C.’s existing Zero-Emission Vehicles Act as government prepares the 2026 legislative amendments.

Additionally, the Province is introducing two immediate regulatory changes to give automakers more flexibility, lower EV costs and expand charging access.

The first set of changes expands eligibility for ZEV credits, giving consumers more model options and automakers greater flexibility to meet compliance requirements. It also relaxes range requirements for plug-in hybrids and battery-electric vehicles, supporting continued use of plug-in hybrids, especially in rural and remote areas where longer range and fuel flexibility matter.

The second change introduces the ZEV Affordability Program in 2026, rewarding automakers for making EVs more accessible. Additional ZEV credits can be earned by lowering vehicle prices, offering zero- or low-interest financing, providing home and public charging support, or investing in charging infrastructure to improve access for British Columbians.

Together, these measures — the two immediate regulatory changes and the upcoming spring legislation — will expand consumer choice, lower costs and support automakers’ ability to comply until further clarity is reached from the federal government. 

Quotes:

Blair Qualey, president and CEO, New Car Dealers Association of BC –

“Today’s announcement offers helpful interim steps that provide short-term relief for consumers and dealers. We appreciate the provincial government’s recognition of these pressures and its commitment to a comprehensive review of ZEV mandates next spring. For that work to succeed, the result must directly address affordability, including EV rebate support. We look forward to engaging constructively to help shape a practical, achievable framework that reflects real-world needs.”

Daniel Breton, president and CEO, Electric Mobility Canada –

“At Electric Mobility Canada, we support the B.C. government’s pragmatic approach of both keeping and adjusting its ZEV sales regulation as it ensures that B.C. consumers have access to a growing number of affordable EVs. We will collaborate with the B.C. government to ensure its success.”