The latest announcements mark a significant shift for the B.C. government and are of note for the aftermarket. As recently at last May, B.C. was all-in on EVs, with Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions, hosting an “EV drive and ride” event on the Parliament Buildings grounds.

British Columbia — Canada’s leader in electric-vehicle adoption—is resetting its targets. For the automotive aftermarket, particularly jobbers and distributors who depend on clear signals about future parts and service demand, the province’s shift marks an important inflection point.

The B.C. government has confirmed it is updating its Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) framework, with legislative amendments coming in spring 2026. The stated goal: maintain long-term EV momentum while addressing affordability, lagging consumer enthusiasm, and uneven uptake across rural and urban regions.

“B.C. currently leads Canada in EV targets, and we are proud to be a North American leader in EV adoption, with more than 210,000 ZEVs on provincial roads,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions. “We have more than 7,000 public charging stations throughout the province and are on track to meet our target of 10,000 by 2030.”

The upcoming legislation will recalibrate sales requirements, aligning them with current economic and market realities. The province also emphasized that federal-provincial alignment is essential as Ottawa undergoes its own review of national ZEV regulations. “There should not be different targets in B.C. and Canada,” the province noted, signalling the possibility of a single harmonized national mandate.

For the automotive supply chain—where inventory planning depends heavily on fleet composition—the move offers both relief and new uncertainty. Industry groups say the province’s willingness to adjust targets reflects a more realistic read on today’s market.

Blair Qualey, president and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of B.C., called the announcement “helpful interim steps that provide short-term relief for consumers and dealers.” He added that addressing affordability—including the fate of provincial rebate support—must be central to next spring’s legislative overhaul. “We look forward to engaging constructively to help shape a practical, achievable framework that reflects real-world needs.”

Affordability, slowing adoption, and constrained supply
The province acknowledged that while automakers are currently on track to meet 2026 targets, several pressures are reshaping consumer behaviour:

• High vehicle prices, particularly for EVs
• Slowing consumer adoption after several years of rapid growth
• Global supply-chain disruptions
• U.S. tariffs affecting battery and vehicle availability
• Uncertain federal direction on national ZEV requirements

These factors mean that some OEMs may need more time to comply. B.C. confirmed automakers may use a one-year grace period—without penalties—while the new framework takes shape.

Two immediate regulatory changes
To bridge the gap until 2026, the province is implementing two near-term measures aimed at increasing choice and reducing cost:

1. Expanded ZEV credit eligibility
   • More plug-in hybrids and electric models will now qualify for credits.
   • Range requirements for PHEVs and BEVs are being relaxed, which is expected to support adoption in rural and remote communities where range anxiety remains a key barrier.
2. New ZEV Affordability Program (2026)
   Automakers will earn additional credits by:
   • Lowering EV prices
   • Offering zero- or low-interest financing
   • Providing home or public charging equipment
   • Investing in B.C. charging infrastructure

Daniel Breton, president and CEO of Electric Mobility Canada, praised the province’s direction. “We support the B.C. government’s pragmatic approach of both keeping and adjusting its ZEV sales regulation as it ensures that B.C. consumers have access to a growing number of affordable EVs,” he said. “We will collaborate with the B.C. government to ensure its success.”

Somewhat predictably, Global Automakers of Canada president and CEO David Adams, says the moves don’t go far enough:

“We look forward to continued dialogue with the B.C. government, but without addressing the highly aggressive targets under the legislation vehicle manufacturers will remain in the position where consumer demand will not meet the targets. The sale of zero emission vehicles has dramatically cooled with the removal of both federal and provincial incentives – down 43% nationally at the end of September compared to September 2024,” said David Adams, President & CEO.

“We need pragmatic, coordinated action by not only the B.C. government but also with the Quebec and the federal governments to ensure that if there are to be ZEV mandates in Canada, that there is only one as the industry also struggles to deal with the complexities arising from tariffs, retaliatory tariffs and supply chain challenges,” added Adams.

What the Aftermarket Should Be Watching
B.C.’s evolving mandate underscores several realities:

• A mixed fleet is here to stay longer than anticipated. ICE, hybrid, PHEV, and BEV models will coexist through the 2030s, complicating stocking strategies.
• Rural–urban divergence will widen. PHEVs will remain key for large parts of B.C., influencing brake, thermal, and electrical parts demand.
• Distributor support will become more important. As model mix shifts and inventory requirements widen, jobbers will increasingly look to national suppliers for forecasting support, training, and EV-specific product lines.
• Training and diagnostic tooling remain crucial. EV and hybrid systems require investment—but profit potential exists for those who prepare early.

B.C.’s policy reset doesn’t slow the long-term shift toward electrification—but it acknowledges the complexity of getting there. For the aftermarket, the message is clear: prepare for multiple drivetrains, shifting timelines, and a decade of dual-platform servicing.