The Quebec government will prohibit the sale of new or used 2035-model vehicles powered by internal combustion engines beginning January 1, 2034, the government announced in a statement yesterday, according to Canadian media.
The ban will extend to hybrid and plug-in hybrid models. By December 31, 2035, it will be illegal to sell or lease any new gasoline-powered vehicles from the 2034 model year or earlier, if they fall within the rule’s scope.
The regulation targets “light-duty” vehicles, which include cars, light trucks, pickups, and most SUVs. However, it exempts mopeds, motorcycles, emergency vehicles, and those used by short-term rental companies. Vehicles already registered in Quebec before the cutoff will be grandfathered and able to remain on the roads and be resold.
Quebec’s government says the regulatory action furthers its goal of “electrifying the transportation sector,” which currently generates 43% of the province’s greenhouse gas emissions. Officials believe the new rules will help drive significant reductions in such emissions.
The ban applies to vehicles weighing 4,536 kilograms or less when fully loaded with passengers and cargo.