The Pembina Institute recently submitted recommendations to the federal government as part of its review of the Electric Vehicle Availability Standard (EVAS). Our modelling shows that a strong, timely EVAS could raise EV adoption to 92% of new vehicles by 2035, cut light-duty vehicle emissions nearly in half and lower median EV prices by 12%, saving Canadian families tens of thousands in fuel and maintenance costs over a decade.
To achieve these benefits, EVAS must stay on schedule, focus on zero-emission vehicles (excluding conventional hybrids) and set ambitious targets of 50% EV sales by 2030 and 90% by 2035. Carefully designed flexibility, such as supporting plug-in hybrids and investments in charging infrastructure, can help automakers transition without weakening the standard.
A credible, well-implemented EVAS ensures more affordable EVs, stronger Canadian jobs, cleaner air and a resilient, globally competitive auto industry. The modelling is clear that timely action and ambition deliver measurable benefits for Canadians now and into the future.
Full modelling and methodology are available in our submissions to the federal government.
