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ARTICLE · 20 OCTOBER 2025

Quebec Throttles Back On Its ZEV Sales Mandate

McMillan LLP
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On September 26, 2025, the Quebec government announced that it will no longer enforce its ban on the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles beginning starting 2035.

CanadaTransport
Timothy Cullen
Timothy Cullen
Talia Gordner
Talia Gordner
Adelaide Egan
Adelaide Egan
Mariam Aly (Summer Law Student)
Mariam Aly (Summer Law Student)
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On September 26, 2025, the Quebec government announced that it will no longer enforce its ban on the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles beginning starting 2035.1 The province has set a revised target requiring that 90 percent of new vehicle sales by 2035 be electric or plug-in hybrid ("PHEV"), easing back from the original 100 percent zero-emission vehicle ("ZEV") mandate.2

This decision reflects the evolving tariff uncertainties between Canada and the United States and seeks to avoid unduly harming the economy or penalizing Quebec businesses and workers.3 The update also follows consultations held over the summer with major automakers and dealership representatives, who expressed concerns about the long-term viability of their operations under the previous ZEV mandate.4

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The foregoing provides only an overview and does not constitute legal advice. Readers are cautioned against making any decisions based on this material alone. Rather, specific legal advice should be obtained.

© McMillan LLP 2025

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