Canada Boosts EV Infrastructure Funding While Seeking Tougher Tailpipe Emission Rules

The federal government announced a new automotive strategy to replace the scrapped Electric Vehicle Availability Standard. The strategy includes the development of stronger tailpipe emission standards aimed at increasing electric‑vehicle sales to 75 % of new cars by 2035, a target below Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s earlier 100 % goal. Officials say the proposed standards would set legal limits on pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, but the detailed rules have not yet been released, leaving manufacturers and the market in a policy vacuum.

On the same day, Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin revealed $10.9 million for 22 electric‑vehicle infrastructure and education projects across Canada. The funding will support the installation of nearly 400 chargers through nine projects under the Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program and provide around $2 million for 13 awareness initiatives. The investments are presented as part of a broader push to leverage Canada’s clean electricity grid, expand the national charging network, and position the country as a leader in vehicle electrification and battery supply chains.