VANCOUVER — British Columbia should maintain strong electric vehicle (EV) sales targets to keep transportation costs affordable, protect jobs and attract investment according to a letter sent to Premier David Eby by the Pembina Institute.
The letter warns that weakening EV sales targets would slow momentum B.C. has built. British Columbians are already benefiting from the province’s clear and consistent EV policies. Strong targets have created market certainty, encouraging automakers to prioritize the B.C. market and invest in vehicle supply, while supporting the expansion of a robust public charging network across the province. As a result, consumers in B.C. have access to more EV models and better charging infrastructure than in many other parts of Canada. Weakening the targets now would slow this momentum and risk reducing benefits for consumers and businesses.
Maintaining strong provincial EV targets also maximizes access to federal funding for EV incentives and infrastructure. Higher local uptake of EVs attracts federal dollars, brings investment directly to British Columbians and supports further growth of the province’s EV sector.
B.C. is currently a national leader in EV adoption, with EVs accounting for 22.5% of new vehicle sales at the end of 2025. The provinces EV sector supports thousands of jobs and significant economic activity, while increasing EV adoption is helping clear the air and protect public health.
The global auto industry is rapidly transitioning to EVs, and jurisdictions are competing for investment, supply chains and jobs tied to this transition. As Canada considers its path forward, B.C. has the opportunity to maintain its leadership. Uncertainty and lower ambition pushes investment and jobs to other jurisdictions that are moving forward with clear and consistent EV policies. Stepping back now would mean losing the consumer benefits, jobs and investments that come with leading the transition.
Read the Pembina Institute’s letter to Premier David Eby and our blog: Strong EV targets mean cleaner air, lower costs and jobs for British Columbians.
Quotes
“Gas prices are unpredictable and they’re not getting any more stable, and EVs protect drivers from those price spikes. Strong EV targets are affordability policy, climate policy and economic policy in one. They help make sure people in B.C. have access to more affordable vehicles and charging, while bringing jobs and investment to the province. Going any other direction means higher transportation costs and dirtier air for British Columbians.”
— Adam Thorn, Director, Clean Growth, Pembina Institute
Quick facts
- B.C. is a national leader in EV adoption. EVs accounted for 22.5% of new vehicle sales in the final quarter of 2025, with more than 220,000 EVs on the road.
- B.C.’s EV sector supports over 8,000 direct jobs across 380+ companies and contributes nearly $1 billion to the provincial economy.
- B.C. has one of Canada’s most extensive public charging networks, including the completed Electric Highway, with fast chargers placed approximately every 150km along major routes across the province. B.C. Hydro now operates over 800 public charging ports at 178 sites.
- Traffic-related air pollution contributes to approximately 160 premature deaths per year in B.C. and $1.3 billion in health costs.
- Meeting B.C.’s EV sales targets is expected to increase electricity demand by only about 2%.
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Contact
Lejla Latifovic
Senior Communications Lead, Pembina Institute
819-639-4185
Background
Letter: Letter to Premier David Eby on maintaining strong zero-emission vehicle targets
Blog: Strong EV targets mean cleaner air, lower costs and jobs for British Columbians
Blog: Diversified EV sector best way to protect Canadian workers
