Quote:
Originally Posted by YOWetal
In fairness to the government the policies can work together. Even 2035 phase out (Which is 100% not happening) would see a lot of ICE vehicles on the road into the 2040s. A high carbon tax would see those who want or need an ICE still limit how much they use it and of course work together with other carrots and sticks to retire them as early as possible. If we have $6 a litre gas a new EV looks better than your 5 year old Camry in 2039. Of course this is all fantasy land nonsense but there is some logical consistency if you think A) Climate change is THE existential issue of the 2030s and B) what Canada does has any impact whatsoever on the worldwide result.
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The mandate isn't nearly as onerous as everyone whining about it thinks. It's only new sales. Only on Light Duty Vehicles. And includes plug in hybrids. That's about as mild an intervention as ever. The idea that the government is going to show up with a tow truck and confiscate your gas car (or whatever other fearmongering fantasy is running around) is patently ridiculous. Come 2035, easily 60-70% of vehicles on the road will still be ICEVs.
We've also seen what automakers do with no mandates. Long wait times and higher prices for EVs in Canada, while they prioritize markets with mandates or massive subsidies. Heck, we see this inside Canada itself. Compare wait times and retail pricing for the same EV model in Ontario vs Quebec (which imposes a provincial mandate).
Lastly, every $20/t in carbon tax adds 4.4¢/L to gas prices (not including HST). Even if the carbon tax kept going up by $20/t till 2040 (something not currently planned for), you'd be paying 81¢/L in carbon tax. This would make gas about ~$2/L assuming $70/bbl and current taxes and fees. We're not going to be seeing $6/L gas in our lifetime unless Saudi Arabia and Alberta get nuked at the same time.