Québec zero-emission mandate targets heavy-duty vehicles
The Québec government is set to expand its zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) sales mandate to include heavy-duty vehicles, aiming to reinforce its commitment to greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets. This follows the province’s existing ZEV mandate for light-duty vehicles, implemented in 2018.
Under Bill 81, the proposed ZEV mandate targets heavy motor vehicles with a gross weight rating over 4,536 kg. Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) selling or leasing over 50 heavy motor vehicles annually in Québec will need to accumulate credits under a new system specifically designed for this category. The details of credit accumulation and compliance conditions will be determined by subsequent regulations.
Key provisions in Bill 81 include:
- A broader credit system to incentivise the adoption of heavy-duty ZEVs, with penalties for non-compliance.
- Alignment of heavy-duty ZEV mandates with Québec’s “Plan for a Green Economy 2030,” focusing on reducing GHG emissions across the transportation sector.
- Authority for the government to introduce financial incentives to assist businesses in offsetting costs related to electric trucks and charging infrastructure.
- Additionally, the bill proposes enhanced regulations for public infrastructure deployment to support ZEV adoption, with a focus on expanding Québec’s already robust charging network.
The National Assembly is set to review Bill 81 in early 2025. If passed, it will mark a significant milestone, making Québec the first Canadian province to legislate ZEV sales mandates for heavy vehicles. This initiative reflects international trends, echoing California’s Advanced Clean Trucks Regulation and similar standards in other U.S. states.
