What is the Electric Vehicle Availability Standard and why does Canada need one? - Clean Energy Canada

The Electric Vehicle (EV) Availability Standard is a Canadian policy designed to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission vehicles by requiring automakers to sell an increasing share of EVs in Canada. Initially set to begin with a 20% target for the 2026 model year and aiming for 100% by 2035, the standard incentivizes manufacturers to offer a broader and more affordable range of EV models in the Canadian market. This policy is currently paused for review, delaying the 2026 target. The standard aims to ensure Canadians have access to the latest EV models—sometimes even before U.S. consumers—and to lower average EV prices by encouraging more supply of affordable options. Evidence from jurisdictions with similar EV sales regulations, such as Quebec and British Columbia, shows these policies lead to higher EV adoption rates and earlier availability of new EV models. For example, in 2024, EVs accounted for a significantly larger share of new vehicle sales in these provinces compared to others without such regulations. Glob