The Quebec government has executed a major policy pivot, announcing a comprehensive overhaul of its Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate. Citing severe automotive supply chain disruptions and shifting international trade dynamics, the provincial government is abandoning its strict ban on new internal combustion engine (ICE) passenger vehicle sales for 2035, lowering the final target to 80 percent.

Environment Minister Pascale Déry confirmed the legislative adjustments will be formally published in the Official Gazette on June 23 for public consultation.

Beyond the revised 2035 ceiling, the multi-year compliance trajectory has been drastically scaled back to reduce short-term market pressure on automotive networks. The compliance target for 2027 drops from 45 percent to 30 percent. The most significant policy rollback occurs in the pivotal milestone year of 2030, where the mandatory ZEV sales quota is being cut from 85 percent down to 51 percent.

To support long-distance transit realities, non-plug-in hybrid vehicles will temporarily qualify for compliance credits, though pure battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) with extended driving ranges will continue to generate the highest credit weight.

The sudden regulatory easing arrives despite rapid local adoption, with new electric vehicle registrations surging 160 percent over the past year. “When the price of gasoline reaches such a level, it is Quebec families, workers, and businesses that directly suffer the consequences,” noted Minister Pascale Déry, emphasizing that the mandate remains a critical tool to secure vehicle inventory from global carmakers.

“That said, we have listened to the automotive manufacturers; specific adjustments were necessary to account for their current operational hurdles. We are adopting a balanced and pragmatic approach that maintains the standard while easing it in a way that respects the reality on the ground and across our regions.”

Administrative drafts of the updated regulations are immediately accessible for structural review and industry feedback across the automotive, dealership, and aftermarket sectors.