A zero-emission vehicle standard will soon be a reality in Quebec. Bill 104, aimed at increasing the number of zero-emission motor vehicles in Quebec in order to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) and other pollutant emissions, was unanimously adopted today by the National Assembly.
Quebec has now joined the ten U.S. states, including California and several northeastern states, representing one third of the American market, that have already adopted ZEV standards. Their experience demonstrates that the ZEV offer has increased and has resulted in a drop in prices for this type of vehicle.
The announcment is in consonance with the 2013-2020 Climate Change Action Plan (2013-2020 CCAP) and the 2015-2020 Transportation Electrification Action Plan (2015-2020 TEAP). The ZEV standard is therefore part of a series of measures being implemented by the government to reduce GHGs in the transportation sector, which is responsible for 43% of Quebec’s emissions.
Through the Green Fund, whose revenue derives mainly from the carbon market, and the 2013-2020 CCAP, the Quebec government offers consumers who decide to purchase an electric vehicle a rebate of up to $8,000. The government also offers grants for the purchase and installation of charging stations, both at home and at work. These measures, together with the ZEV standards, reserved lanes and other incentives, will help achieve the objective of the 2015-2020 TEAP, i.e., having 100,000 electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids on Quebec’s roads by 2020.
Now that the Bill has been adopted, a draft regulation for automakers will be tabled shortly for public consultation.
