That was the federal rule, but it is being repealed. In August 2026 Ottawa formally proposed removing the 100%-by-2035 EV sales requirement and replacing it with a policy direction targeting 75% EV sales by 2035 and 90% by 2040.
The 2023 regulation set 20% ZEVs for 2026, 60% for 2030 and 100% for 2035. Canada Gazette Part I on August 15, 2026 proposed repealing those requirements and replacing the policy direction.
That was the federal rule, but it is being repealed. In August 2026 Ottawa formally proposed removing the 100%-by-2035 EV sales requirement and replacing it with a policy direction targeting 75% EV sales by 2035 and 90% by 2040.
The Electric Vehicle Availability Standard really did set a 100% ZEV requirement for model-year 2035 and later vehicles.
It is now outdated to present that 100%-by-2035 requirement as settled current policy without mentioning the 2026 repeal process and replacement strategy.
The EV mandate has been used by both supporters and opponents as a shorthand for Canada's climate policy. The rules have now materially changed, so old talking points can become misinformation simply by becoming outdated.
Canada
NAR-20260906-012
Fact check: Is Canada still requiring 100% of new light-duty vehicles to be zero-emission by 2035? What the evidence actually establishes in Canada.
Is Canada still requiring 100% of new light-duty vehicles to be zero-emission by 2035? Canada fact check evidence
Short answer
That was the federal rule, but it is being repealed. In August 2026 Ottawa formally proposed removing the 100%-by-2035 EV sales requirement and replacing it with a policy direction targeting 75% EV sales by 2035 and 90% by 2040.
What's true
The Electric Vehicle Availability Standard really did set a 100% ZEV requirement for model-year 2035 and later vehicles.
What's wrong or missing
It is now outdated to present that 100%-by-2035 requirement as settled current policy without mentioning the 2026 repeal process and replacement strategy.
What the evidence shows
The 2023 regulation set 20% ZEVs for 2026, 60% for 2030 and 100% for 2035. Canada Gazette Part I on August 15, 2026 proposed repealing those requirements and replacing the policy direction.
Why it matters to Canadians
The EV mandate has been used by both supporters and opponents as a shorthand for Canada's climate policy. The rules have now materially changed, so old talking points can become misinformation simply by becoming outdated.
Key evidence or evidence note
The factual baseline prioritizes primary government, regulatory, institutional and peer-reviewed sources. Circulation evidence is kept separate from evidence establishing the verdict.
Review status
Confidence: High · Last reviewed: September 6, 2026 · Narrative ID: NAR-20260906-012