Zero-Emission Vehicles Act

The Province of British Columbia passed the Zero-Emission Vehicles Act (ZEV Act) on May 30, 2019. The ZEV Act requires automakers to meet an escalating annual percentage of new light-duty ZEV sales and leases, reaching: 10% of light-duty vehicle sales by 2025, 30% by 2030 and 100% by 2040.

The legislation is intended to ensure a greater availability of ZEVs at more affordable prices in B.C., as well as, provide a regulatory backstop to ensure the Province’s greenhouse gas reduction targets are met. With the passage of the legislation, B.C. joined a growing number of jurisdictions with ZEV standards, including Quebec, California, and nine other U.S. states, and became the first jurisdiction in the world to legislate a 100% ZEV sales target.

ZEV Regulation

While the ZEV Act provides the overarching framework for the ZEV standard in the province, some of the more technical components are prescribed by regulation. The ZEV Regulation is now in place outlining how B.C. will make the switch to 100% light-duty electric vehicle sales by 2040.

The ZEV Regulation sets phased-in annual targets and other compliance requirements, ensuring automakers increase the number of EVs that they sell in B.C. to meet consumer demand.

The ZEV Regulation was informed by engagement and consultation with stakeholders, including the auto industry, local governments, and environmental non-governmental organizations (ENGOs). Following comments received during consultation, a technical review of the ZEV Regulation will be held at regular intervals to review market trends, receive input from stakeholders, and allow for any necessary adjustments to the ZEV Regulation.

For more information about B.C.'s ZEV Act and Regulation, please see the B.C. Zero-Emission Vehicles Act & Regulation Guidance Document (PDF 469.6 KB) which provides an overview.

Medium- and Heavy-Duty Zero-Emission Vehicles

 As committed to in the Province’s CleanBC Roadmap to 2030, the Province is seeking input on ZEV requirements for medium- and heavy-duty (MHD) vehicles in the B.C.  A consultation paper has been prepared for technical stakeholders to review and provide input on by June 27, 2023.  Please note that the consultation paper that was originally linked (dated May 16, 2023) has been revised slightly and a new May 19, 2023 version is now linked above for input.

ZEV Act Reporting Tool

The Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation has developed an online ZEV Reporting System which regulated parties use to demonstrate their compliance with the ZEV Act and Regulation.

ZEV Advisory Council

A ZEV Advisory Council will be established to provide input into the Ministry's EV programming and policies including the ZEV Regulation. The ZEV Advisory Council will be comprised of industry, ENGOs, local governments, First Nations, infrastructure providers and academics.