Considering Automotive School? What to Know about Canada’s EV Sales Quotas
In furtherance of the country’s net-zero goals, Canada aspires to have zero-emission vehicles account for 50% of all new car sales in the country by 2030. And recent polls indicate that Canadians are on board with that plan. However, while there’s a healthy demand for EVs across parts of the country, prospective customers have been put off by a significant shortage of supply.
Realizing that there may be economical as well as ecological penalties for the non-electrification of vehicle fleets, the government of Canada has set EV sales quotas for manufacturers to meet by 2026. If you are considering automotive school and a career in the industry, it is important to know about these quotas and how they will impact the industry in the coming years. Learn all about them here.
Why Are EV Sales Quotas Necessary?
The two provinces with existing provincial sales mandates have had the fastest growth in electric car sales over the past few years. Sales quotas for electric vehicles were first implemented in Quebec in 2018 and in British Columbia in 2020. Few dealers outside of British Columbia and Quebec have access to electric cars, and the wait time can exceed six months. It gets worse because of supply-chain constraints affecting the entire auto sector.
Canada hopes that by implementing and enforcing nationwide sales quotas similar to the ones in place in these provinces, more Canadians will have access to EVs, leading to a dramatic increase in the sales of EVs around the country.
Canada’s EV Sales Quotas Explained
The Canadian government has set a target of 20% of all new light-duty vehicles sold in Canada to be zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) by 2026. The quota would then be extended to 60% by 2030 and 100% by 2035. To reach this target, the government has implemented a ZEV credit system for manufacturers. This system allows manufacturers to earn credits for each ZEV they sell and can be used to offset the sale of non-ZEV vehicles. On the flip side, manufacturers and importers who fail to reach the quotas may be penalized.
It is essential to understand that these quotas are not only beneficial for the environment but also have economic benefits. The Canadian government hopes that increasing the number of EVs on the road will create jobs and stimulate economic growth in the industry. Additionally, these quotas will lead to more innovation and competition in the EV market.
As a student in automotive school, it is important to know that this quota will have a significant impact on the industry. With the increasing demand for EVs, there will be a greater need for technicians and mechanics who are trained to work on these vehicles. There will also be a growing demand for EV charging infrastructure and maintenance.
What Canada’s EV Sales Quotas Mean for Students in Automotive Training
The Canadian government’s EV sales quotas will significantly impact the automotive industry in the coming years. As a future auto mechanic pursuing automotive training, it is important to be aware of these quotas and how they will impact the industry.
The demand for EVs will lead to more job opportunities and a greater need for technicians and mechanics trained to work on these vehicles. Therefore, preparing for a career in the industry is a smart move. With the ongoing shift to a more sustainable future, the industry will evolve and grow in exciting ways.
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