The Canadian government has announced a significant delay in its electric vehicle (EV) sales mandate. Prime Minister Mark Carney revealed on Friday that automakers will no longer be required to ensure that 20% of their sales consist of zero-emission vehicles, including fully electric and hybrid models, by 2026. This target has been postponed by a year, and the entire program, which aims for 60% of sales to be zero-emission by 2030 and 100% by 2035, will undergo a review in the coming months.

The announcement has raised concerns among environmental advocates and industry experts. Stephen Guilbeault, the former Minister of Environment and Climate Change, expressed disappointment over the decision, which he views as a setback for Canada’s climate goals. Critics argue that the original EV mandate was overly ambitious, particularly given the current limitations in Canada’s electricity supply. For instance, British Columbia would need to generate an additional 9,700 gigawatt hours of electricity to meet the 2035 target, potentially requiring the province to double its entire electrical output.

The feasibility of achieving such a target within the government’s timeline has been questioned. Experts suggest that significant investments in infrastructure, such as hydroelectric dams and nuclear power plants, would be necessary to support a fully electric vehicle market. However, the likelihood of these projects being completed by 2035 is seen as unrealistic.

In addition to infrastructure challenges, the EV mandate faces hurdles related to consumer demand and profitability for automakers. Many manufacturers are struggling to make EVs profitable. For example, Ford has projected a loss of $5.5 billion in 2025 for its EV and software division. Volkswagen has reported decreased profitability due to its increased EV sales, while General Motors is only breaking even.

The current market dynamics indicate that consumers are hesitant to switch to electric vehicles. Many view EVs as less functional and versatile compared to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. The higher costs associated with EVs further deter potential buyers, especially amid ongoing affordability concerns.

As the government reviews the EV sales mandate, the future of Canada’s electric vehicle strategy remains uncertain. Critics argue that the mandate was unrealistic from the start and that a market-driven approach may be more effective in promoting the adoption of electric vehicles.