Getting the Vehicle Emissions Standard Right

How Canada can meet its climate and EV adoption goals

March 11, 2026
Publication
Chandan Bhardwaj
Chandan Bhardwaj
Senior Analyst
Adam Thorn
Adam Thorn
Director, Clean Growth
Backgrounder
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Cover of background document on Canada's vehicle emissions standard

The document outlines options for designing a federal vehicle emissions standard that supports both greenhouse gas reductions and accelerated electric vehicle adoption. It recommends a standard of 40 grams of CO2 equivalent per mile (g/mile) or lower by 2035 to drive a clear transition toward battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) may play a transitional role, but weaker (higher) standards could slow EV uptake, increase reliance on higher-emitting technologies and leave Canada behind global peers such as the European Union. 

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Chandan Bhardwaj
Chandan Bhardwaj
Senior Analyst
Adam Thorn
Adam Thorn
Director, Clean Growth

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