Québec, October 26, 2016 – A zero-emission vehicle standard will soon be a reality in Québec. Bill 104, aimed at increasing the number of zero-emission motor vehicles in Québec in order to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) and other pollutant emissions, was unanimously adopted today by the National Assembly. The Minister of Sustainable Development, the Environment and the Fight against Climate Change, David Heurtel, made the announcement in front of the Tourny Fountain in Québec City, where a few affordable rechargeable hybrid vehicle and fully electric vehicle models were on display. The definitive text of the Act specifies that vehicles that are reconditioned by automakers and registered in Québec for the first time will be eligible for credits if they meet prescribed regulatory conditions.

In Minister Heurtel’s view, by enabling Québec consumers to have access to a broader range of plug-in vehicles, the new Act will give further impetus to electric vehicle purchases in Québec. The inclusion of vehicles that are reconditioned by automakers and registered in Québec for the first time in the list of targeted vehicles will ensure the availability of lower-cost vehicles, thereby giving all Quebecers, especially low-income households, an opportunity to participate in greening Québec’s car population through a purchase that is in keeping with their values, while at the same time promoting responsible consumption.

“We have just adopted one of the toughest bills in North America, and we did so unanimously,” Minister Heurtel was pleased to note. It is a huge step toward achieving Québec’s environmental and economic objectives. This act is fully in line with our vision of a Québec that has fast-tracked into the economy of the 21st century – a modern, prosperous and low-carbon economy. Promoting transportation electrification means investing in the future of our businesses and our children’s future,” Minister Heurtel proudly stated.

Québec has now joined the ten U.S. states, including California and several northeastern states, representing one third of the American market, that have already adopted ZEV standards. Their experience demonstrates that the ZEV offer has increased and has resulted in a drop in prices for this type of vehicle.

Transportation electrification: a priority

Today’s announcement is in consonance with the 2013-2020 Climate Change Action Plan (2013-2020 CCAP) and the 2015-2020 Transportation Electrification Action Plan (2015-2020 TEAP). The ZEV standard is therefore part of a series of measures being implemented by the government to reduce GHGs in the transportation sector, which is responsible for 43% of Québec’s emissions.

Through the Green Fund, whose revenue derives mainly from the carbon market, and the 2013-2020 CCAP, the Québec government offers consumers who decide to purchase an electric vehicle a rebate of up to $8,000. The government also offers grants for the purchase and installation of charging stations, both at home and at work. These measures, together with the ZEV standards, reserved lanes and other incentives, will help achieve the objective of the 2015-2020 TEAP, i.e., having 100,000 electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids on Quebec’s roads by 2020.

“By focusing on transportation electrification, Québec will be able to build on its clean energy and become a world leader in the use of electric-powered transport. In taking innovative action, we are positioning ourselves as forerunners in terms of sustainable mobility,” stressed the Minister of Transport, Sustainable Mobility and Transportation Electrification, Laurent Lessard.

“The energy policy we unveiled last spring focuses on concrete actions to foster the transition to a low-carbon footprint economy. Today’s announcement, combined with other measures already underway, such as the Drive Electric and Branché au travail (Plug at work) programs, the deployment of a charging station network across Québec and the implementation of a multi-fuel service station pilot project, proves that our government wants to provide itself with the means to achieve this transition,” added the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Pierre Arcand.

Now that the Bill has been adopted, a draft regulation for automakers will be tabled shortly for public consultation.

“With its plan to electrify transportation, Québec is once again demonstrating leadership, vision and daring. This is how, together, we are preparing the way of the future and continuing our shift to a modern economy based on innovation and decarbonization. In this way, we will ensure the best quality of life for our children. Let's do it for them!” concluded Minister Heurtel.

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Emilie Simard
Press Officer
Office of the Minister of Sustainable Development, the Environment and the Fight against Climate Change
Tel.: 418 521-3911

Media Relations
Ministère du Développement durable,
de l’Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques
Tel.: 418 521-3991