B.C. to scrap requirement that all new vehicles be zero

Six years ago, B.C. became the first jurisdiction in the world to legislate zero-emission vehicle sales targets.

Two years ago, it accelerated those targets, mandating that 100 per cent of new, light-duty vehicles sold had to be zero-emission by 2035.

On Tuesday, the province acknowledged it is nowhere close to meeting that goal.

Energy Minister Adrian Dix told reporters he will be introducing legislation next spring to modify those targets and bring them in line with the reality that electric vehicle sales are falling across North America, including in B.C.

“People will know that those current targets, which are at 90 per cent by 2030, and 100 per cent by 2035, are no longer realistic,” he said, blaming the federal government’s ending of its rebate program and the policies of U.S. Pre