FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Winnipeg, October 22, 2026 — The Canadian Charging Infrastructure Council (CCIC) is responding to the federal government’s October 21 announcement that light-duty vehicle emission standards will be held at 2026 levels through model year 2029, with annual increases resuming in model year 2030 toward the target of 75% EV sales by 2035 set out in Canada’s Auto Strategy. Here is what it means for EV charging:

1. A Three-Year Pause and a Steeper Climb After 2030 Mean More Headwinds for Charging Capital

Market data show that public fast-charger deployment had already started to slow in 2026, with a 33% drop in ports added in the first three months of 2026 compared to the same period of 2025, amid regulatory uncertainty following the proposed repeal of the EV Availability Standard. Pausing the standards now (1) sends an uncertain signal to investors and project sponsors, making it harder to raise and deploy capital for charging, and (2) leaves just six model years (2030–2035) to cut the fleet standard from 172 to 74 grams per mile, raising doubts that the 2035 target will be met. CCIC notes as well that modelling by leading policy think tanks such as ICCT and the Pembina Institute suggests that a 74 grams per mile standard may not actually deliver 75% EV sales by 2035.

2. $21 Billion in Charging Investment Across Canada at Risk

CCIC analysis shows that a credible pathway to Canada’s 2035 EV sales target is likely to unlock $21 billion by 2035 in charging investment, with 50–65% flowing to Canadian skilled trades, utilities and local suppliers. CCIC analysis suggests that $10 billion of this investment is at risk if investors doubt Canada will reach its targets.

3. Slower Charger Build-Out Undermines Consumer Confidence

Mass-market EV buyers need reliable fast charging (150 kW+) across the country. Canada’s charging industry has consistently invested ahead of EV sales, growing the public fast-charging network by 28% in 2025 alone. Uncertainty over future EV sales now clouds that path, and a slower build-out risks undermining consumer confidence in public charging.

4. A Path Forward

Canada’s charging investment gap can be closed. CCIC is ready to work with the federal government on measures to keep charging investment on track and make sure Canadians everywhere have reliable access to fast charging.

“Canada’s 2035 EV sales target is unchanged, so the climb from 2030 will be even steeper. The critical question now is how Canada ensures enough charging is in place for every Canadian family and business to save money by driving electric,” said Travis Allan, President & CEO, CCIC.

About CCIC: The Canadian Charging Infrastructure Council (CCIC) is an industry association advancing EV charging infrastructure policy in Canada.

Media contact

Travis J. Allan

President & CEO, Canadian Charging Infrastructure Council

ccic.ccir@gmail.com