Auto electrification: Quebec must bet on pragmatism and collaboration

On July 3. Meanwhile, the Minister of the Environment of Quebec, Benoit Charette, announced a consultation on his standard vehicle standard (VZE) to give himself a better portrait of the evolution of the automotive market. In addition, By that, he recognizes that he has changed a lot since the introduction of the program in 2018.

The 16 automotive manufacturers members of the world’s world automakers in Canada (CMAC). For example, representing 62% of light vehicle sales in Canada in 2024, welcomed this announcement. Consequently, The CMACs share the aims of the Quebec government to decarbonize our industry. Similarly, Our differences with the government are more about prescriptive technological solutions. Moreover, the ambitious schedule mandated to achieve these objectives of transport decarbonization.

We believe that flexible rules adapted to the market. Moreover, that the government can revise in consultation with the sector auto electrification: quebec must bet to take into account its evolution, are both welcome and necessary. Furthermore, Collaboration in this regard, both with manufacturers and between the various levels of government, is an essential issue.

Rules

We must first avoid an overly restrictive standard which mandates a single approach. so far the entirely electric vehicles, to the detriment of other technologies which can help lower polluting emissions, which pressures, upset the market and generates higher costs for drivers as well as manufacturers. In this sense, the opening communicated by the Government of Quebec for conventional hybrid vehicles is welcome.

Also to be considered, the Quebec market is dependent on what is sold throughout North America. Quebec only has 1% of this automotive market. is not in a position to influence the range of products that will be offered. This is therefore similar on both sides of the border. The disinterest of the US administration in auto electrification: quebec must bet place to bear the transition to low -emission. fully electric vehicles, coupled with tariff increases from the trade war in which it is committed, will exacerbate these upheavals and could have an effect on the number of models of different vehicles offered to Quebec consumers.

Pragmatism

In this context. the federal government and that of Quebec must therefore be pragmatism and emphasize what they can influence. First. the government of Quebec, followed shortly after by the federal government itself, noted the consequences of the temporary suspension of its incentive to buy Vze. Vés sales fell in half in the first quarter of 2025 versus 2024.

Although Quebec has reintroduced its incentive, it is at a lower level and will be eliminated at the end of 2026. In addition. one can only speculate on the recovery or not by the federal government of its own incentive to buy and on its auto electrification: quebec must bet terms. Consequently. the two governments must continue to invest in the public charging network in order to give the necessary confidence to motorists who choose to adopt the venons that they will find a terminal (and that it will be functional!) When they need them.

This is only there that a transition without friction from one technology to another will occur. We understand that funds can be rare in these times of economic uncertainty. If this is the case. emphasizing the infrastructure and softening the adoption curves would be the most viable and effective option under current conditions.

The future

We believe firmly in the electrified future of our industry. Historically, people gradually adopt new technologies as they are best suited to their needs. An improved. more available infrastructure, coupled with a gradual drop in prices for electric vehicles as they are more numerous and less complex to assemble, will auto electrification: quebec must bet naturally tip the balance in their favor.

In closing. we believe that a joint work of government levels for the adoption of a national standard rather than three distinct standards as is the case now (Quebec, British Columbia and Canada) is essential given the difficult times that we are confronted with.

By comparison. before its repeal by the Trump administration, California had only established a Vze standard for its population of 39 million inhabitants, while Canada has three for a population of 40 million. Canada enjoys a single standard against polluting emissions emanating from vehicles as well as a single standard of occupants. The need for a unified vze standard is obvious. and Quebec, with its eight years of experience, is well placed to influence this change.Patrice Maltais, LL.M., MBA, C.MGR

Director of relations with stakeholders and Quebec business

Canada World Transmoine Manufacturers