EFC Urges Federal Government to Maintain the EV Availability Standard to Ensure Affordability, Consumer Choice, and Industry Certainty

Electro-Federation Canada (EFC), the national association representing over 230 member companies in the electrical industry, including manufacturers, distributors, and technology providers that power Canada’s electrification infrastructure, is calling on the federal government to maintain the Electric Vehicle (EV) Availability Standard and preserve policies that send strong and consistent signals to consumers, manufacturers, and investors.

At a press conference on Parliament Hill, joined by leaders from across Canada’s clean transportation and energy sectors, Cherith Sinasac, EFC’s Director of Standards and Government Affairs, emphasized the Standard’s role in affordability, consumer choice, and long-term investment.

“More and more Canadians are aware that EVs are cheaper to operate, but affordability remains a key issue,” said Sinasac. “The EV Availability Standard’s most important objective is to provide consumers with real choice by ensuring a gradual and predictable increase in Battery-EV and plug-in hybrid vehicles supplied year after year. Stable policy and clear targets provide certainty to manufacturers and suppliers – certainty that is essential to fostering investment and innovation in Canadian supply chains.”

EFC underscored that the Standard is also critical for building the supporting electrical infrastructure, including charging networks and grid readiness, which will create jobs, drive innovation, and strengthen Canada’s competitiveness.

EFC recommends the following actions to advance Canada’s electrification leadership:

• Maintain the EV Availability Standard as-is, ensuring consumer choice and affordability while providing clear market signals.
• Invest in EV charging infrastructure and grid modernization to keep pace with adoption and strengthen the electrical supply chain.
• Develop a comprehensive Canadian electrification strategy that integrates vehicles, infrastructure, and energy systems to secure a reliable domestic supply chain.

With 73% of Canadians supporting clean vehicle regulations, as confirmed in a recent Abacus Data survey, EFC stresses that Canada must stay the course. Scrapping or weakening the Standard risks slowing EV adoption, undermining supply chain investment, and missing opportunities to build a cleaner, more competitive economy.

EFC and its members remain committed to collaborating with government and partners across the EV ecosystem to ensure that Canada achieves its electrification and climate objectives, while delivering affordable, sustainable choices for Canadians.

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