Quebec’s subsidy program for electric vehicles to be temporarily suspended in 2025

The financial assistance program ‘Roulez vert’ for purchasing an electric vehicle will be suspended next year in Quebec.

The Environment Ministry made the announcement on Tuesday, after the Quebec government passed a bill on Monday that prohibits the sale of certain gas-powered vehicles by 2035.

There will be reductions to the subsidy program starting Jan. 1, but it will then be temporarily suspended as of Feb. 1.

As of Sept. 30, 2024, more than 335,000 electric vehicles were on the roads in Quebec – making up 33 per cent of all electric vehicles in Canada.

“In the third quarter of 2024, light electric vehicles represented 32.8 per cent of the market share in Quebec, the best ratio in North America and one of the best in the West and the world,” reads a press release. “Due to the significant demand managed by Roulez vert in recent months, the program will be temporarily suspended as of February.”

Subsidies for fully electric vehicles will drop from $7,000 (2024) to $4,000 (2025) before lowering to $2,000 (2026) – with the program set to end in 2027.

Quebec’s ban on gas-powered vehicles is part of the province’s plan to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and will take place in two phases.

The rules, adopted Monday, applies to all “light-duty” vehicles, which the province describes as cars, light trucks, pickup trucks, and most SUVs.

Starting on Jan. 31, 2034, it will be prohibited to advertise the sale of a 2035 or later light combustion model vehicle, whether it’s new or used, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid models.

Then, as of Dec. 31, 2035, selling and leasing new light combustion vehicles with a 2034 and earlier model will be banned.

The sale of combustion engines will also be prohibited, except to replace a defective engine in a car already on the road in Quebec.

There are exceptions for vehicles including those used by emergency services and rental companies.

Also, light combustion vehicles already registered in Quebec can continue to be driven and resold.

However, the new law does not apply to motorcycles, mopeds, and off-road vehicles, like snowmobiles, ATVs, and heavy vehicles.

The regulation applies to all internal combustion engine vehicles that weigh 4,536 kilograms or less when they are filled with the maximum load they can carry safely, including cargo and passengers.

The CAQ government set a goal of having two million EVs on Quebec roads by 2030.