Quebec will award half credits to gasoline-hybrids under its revised ZEV mandate.
Slower EV adoption led to regulatory changes benefiting models like the RAV4 Hybrid.
Province signals possible future reduction of stringent ZEV sales targets.
We’ll admit it here: We’re proud of our Quebec government and its updated vision. What’s up? Quebec will broaden its zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate to include hybrid vehicles, easing automaker compliance obligations under its stringent clean vehicle program.
The province announced on July 3 that it will now award a half credit under its ZEV credit system to conventional gasoline-hybrid vehicles (HEVs). Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) with an electric range of more than 80 kilometres will earn a full credit, putting them on par with battery-electric vehicles (BEVs). Previously, HEVs received no credits, while PHEVs with a range of over 80 kilometres were granted only half.
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Quebec’s ZEV standard, first implemented in 2018, requires an increasing share of light-duty vehicle sales to qualify as zero-emission. The current targets mandate 32.5% by model year 2026, 85% by 2030 and full compliance by 2035. The policy uses a credit-based structure, allowing manufacturers to meet obligations through sales or by purchasing credits from other automakers.
Environment Minister Benoit Charette said the adjustments were necessary given “new market realities.” ZEV adoption reached nearly 40% of new vehicle registrations in the fourth quarter of 2024 but dropped sharply to 13.2% in the first quarter this year. The decline followed changes to Quebec’s Roulez Vert incentive program and the conclusion of the federal Incentives for Zero-Emissions Vehicles program.
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The revised rules will broaden the range of qualifying vehicles, allowing models like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (nearly all Toyota models), Honda CR-V Hybrid, Kia Sportage Hybrid, and Ford Maverick and Escape Hybrid, among others, to partially satisfy manufacturer obligations. Automakers that still fall short of their targets can continue to purchase credits from others to remain in compliance with regulations.
The Quebec government also indicated that some of its future ZEV targets may be revised downward, though no new figures were provided.
As far as enlightened and forward-thinking ZEV programs go, Quebec’s should probably be copied by other regions globally.
Source: Automotive News
