The federal EV Availability Standard will help save jobs and lives -

The federal EV Availability Standard will help save jobs and lives

September 14, 2025

Electric Mobility Canada (EMC) recognizes the challenges posed by President Trump’s policies and their impact on the automotive sector. That’s why EMC recommended specific solutions […]

Electric Mobility Canada (EMC) recognizes the challenges posed by President Trump’s policies and their impact on the automotive sector. That’s why EMC recommended specific solutions to the federal government to address this challenge. That being said, we also urge the government to recommit to the standard’s mid- and long-term objectives to provide market predictability for the 130,000 Canadians already working in the EV industry.

Facts are facts

Misinformation is clouding the conversation around the EV Availability Standard. Let’s set the record straight:

Since automakers could use EV sales generated in 2024 and 2025 towards the 2026 target, no automaker would have had to sell 20% of EVs in 2026.

There is no financial penalty for non-compliance with the EV Availability Standard. Meaning, a company could sell zero EVs in 2026 or 2027 without incurring any cost.

Those claiming that the regulation represents a $20,000 tax on gas cars are misleading Canadians.

Hybrid vehicles are often seen as a middle-ground, but they’re far from a comprehensive solution, especially given their inconsistent efficiency. While the climate impact of electric vehicles depends on how electricity is produced, the difference can be dramatic: After just 40,000 km, a Honda Civic Hybrid emits 90 times more greenhouse gases (GHG) per kilometer than a Hyundai Ioniq 6 electric in B.C., and an astonishing 365 times more in Quebec.

While subcompact gas cars are known for their fuel efficiency, they’re no longer available to Canadian consumers, making the comparison increasingly irrelevant.

On GHG regulations for light-duty vehicles

Many legacy automakers are urging the Canadian government to abandon its own EV regulations in favour of simply aligning with U.S. standards. However, with the Trump administration actively working to dismantle all federal regulations on EVs, GHG emissions(2), and even fuel economy(3), this would effectively leave Canada with environmental rules for light-duty vehicles at all. The current federal light-duty vehicle regulations to reduce GHGgreenhouse gas emissions from passenger vehicles have been adopted by establishing emission standards and test procedures that are aligned with the federal requirements of the United States(1). As it currently stands, beyond the 2026 model year, the U.S. no longer has any regulation.

This folly is setting the U.S. back 50 years and will make the United States even more of a laggard in technology and innovation in the world energy transition. If Canada follows Trump, that’s also where we are headed.

Clear benefits of the EV Availability Standard

While many seem to focus solely on job losses in the legacy automotive industry, the reality is very different when we look at the whole picture. For instance, opponents to the Standard never utter a word about job creation in the EV industry, health benefits nor positive environmental impacts. Canadians deserve to know these important facts:

Job creation: A 2025 EY report(4) estimates that at least 130,000 Canadians already work in the EV industry. With the Standard in place, this number could soar to 600,000 by 2035. Without it, job growth could plummet to just 360,000.

Public health: Traffic related air pollution caused 1,200 premature deaths and $9.5 billion in healthcare expenses in 2015, per Health Canada(5). A 2023 report by The Atmospheric Fund(6) (TAF) projects that the Standard could help prevent approximately 11,000 premature deaths and save $90 billion in healthcare costs by 2050.

Consumer choice: The Standard compels automakers to offer a diverse range of affordable EVs, addressing the current lack of options and meeting Canadians’ needs across price points.

Clear horizon to effectively crowd in capital investments (grid, charging infrastructure, etc.): Without strong regulation, investments in EV manufacturing, infrastructure, R&D, and critical mineral development are at serious risk – just as we’re currently seeing in the United States.

It is deeply irresponsible for anyone in Canada to suggest we should adopt Donald Trump’s approach to science, automotive policy, health or the environment. It’s even more troubling when such suggestions come from supposed industry leaders, implying that Canada should abandon its own policymaking and act merely as a 51st state.

That’s precisely why the EV Availability Standard is essential: It’s a key part of building a cleaner, healthier, and more prosperous Canada.

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