Rigorous Review Of Zero-Emission Vehicle Regulations Along With Necessary Changes Required Says Auto Industry

Recently the Ministry of Sustainable Development, the Environment, and the Fight Against Climate Change issued regulations in support of Bill 104 – An Act to increase the number of zero-emission motor vehicles in Québec in order to reduce greenhouse gas and other pollutant emissions. 

"We respect the right of the Government of Québec to introduce such legislation and we respect and support the ultimate intent of the legislation and accompanying regulations – the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from light-duty vehicle transportation.  However, the members of the Global Automakers of Canada disagree with the premise that Bill 104 will dramatically increase the introduction of zero-emission vehicles.  Rather, in the face of limited demand for ZEVs in Quebec, Bill 104 will distort the market in ways that may not only harm Quebec consumers and automobile dealers, but also set back the goal of achieving the larger objective of significant carbon emissions reductions in Quebec," said David Adams, President of the Global Automakers of Canada.

"We are very concerned that even with the most flexible supply-side regulations – which these are not – Québec cannot meet its objectives without dramatically accelerating both investment in, and deployment of, new and expanded ZEV-focused charging and refueling infrastructure," added Adams. "Further, it is absolutely essential that the government maintain competitive incentives for the long-term to spur consumer demand," said Adams.

The automotive industry has supplied recommendations to the government in the pre-consultations leading up to the release of the regulations that have not been reflected in the regulations.

"It is one thing for the government to have disregarded the advice and recommendations provided by the industry, but it is completely disingenuous to then make the regulations that much more stringent than originally contemplated by the government," noted Adams. "Without significant changes being implemented as a result of the public commentary period on the regulations, this piece of legislation risks becoming nothing more than a tax on new vehicles."  The members of Global Automakers of Canada will continue to work with the Government of Quebec but we need constructive dialogue which has not happened despite our best efforts.  We still possess the desire and conviction to improve the draft regulations and recommend approaches to increase market demand in the province.

The regulations supporting Bill 104 are out for consultation for a 45-day comment period. Bill 104 attempts to address the supply of zero-emission vehicles (battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and fuel cell electric vehicles). The automotive industry has always responded to consumer demand for vehicles of any type and currently the demand for zero-emission vehicles in Quebec – while growing – still represents just 1% of vehicle sales in Quebec.