Legislation is coming next spring to rethink B.C.’s effort to drive a major consumer switch to zero-emission vehicles.

The stringent targets that were set several years ago by both federal and provincial governments are now considered unreachable, due to changes in the market and dramatic U.S. policy shifts that have created huge instability.

Energy Minister Adrian Dix signalled Tuesday he will introduce a bill in the spring to adjust B.C.’s strategy and align it with federal policy, which is also in the midst of a rethink.

The targets set in B.C. law require a graduated increase in the percentage of new light duty vehicle sales that must be electric. The final goal is 100 per cent by 2035, meaning the sale of new gas-powered light vehicles would be outlawed by that point.

An interim target calls for 26 per cent of new light duty vehicles to be zero emission vehicles by 2026, with penalties on the auto industry for non-compliance. The current percentage is about 20, and the market share has been dropping over the course of the year........

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