As the provincial government prepares to table its 2026 Budget, the New Car Dealers Association of BC (NCDA) says it will be looking for clear commitments that improve affordability, provide certainty around the province’s zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) framework, and deliver meaningful investment in charging infrastructure to support continued EV adoption across British Columbia.
The Association says the province’s decision to align its ZEV policy with recent federal changes is a constructive step that can help bring greater clarity and predictability for consumers and the automotive sector. With legislation expected this spring and a renewed focus on charging infrastructure rather than new provincial purchase rebates, the NCDA says Budget 2026 is an important opportunity to demonstrate how these policy shifts will translate into practical, market-ready outcomes that reflect current conditions and the needs of British Columbians.
As a sector that contributes more than $17 billion to British Columbia’s economy and supports approximately 30,000 jobs in communities throughout the province, the NCDA says clear and consistent policy signals are essential to helping consumers make informed purchasing decisions and maintaining a stable, competitive marketplace.
With the province signalling a renewed focus on expanding charging infrastructure, the NCDA says it will be looking for a meaningful and sustained commitment in Budget 2026, as charging networks will play a critical role in supporting EV adoption across urban, suburban, and rural communities.
“As the Prime Minister emphasized last week, investment in EV charging infrastructure is critical to addressing consumer range anxiety and making EV charging as routine as refuelling a conventional vehicle,” said Blair Qualey, President and CEO of the NCDA.
The NCDA says additional policy decisions should also reflect current market conditions, affordability realities, and the practical needs of British Columbians.
B.C.’s so-called luxury vehicle tax threshold of $55,000 has not been adjusted for years and no longer reflects today’s vehicle market. The average price of a new vehicle now exceeds $66,000, largely due to advances in safety, emissions, and technology – not luxury features. As a result, many family SUVs, vans, and pickup trucks that British Columbians rely on for daily life are being taxed as “luxury” purchases.
“This tax has effectively become a vehicle purchase tax on working families,” said Qualey. “If government is intent on maintaining a luxury tax, it should be narrowly targeted at truly high-end purchases – not the vehicles families depend on every day.”
The NCDA recommends eliminating the tax or, at minimum, modernizing it to reflect current market realities.
The automotive sector also faces a projected shortfall of 20,000 workers over the next decade, particularly among technicians trained in advanced diagnostics and EV systems. The NCDA is calling on the province to use Budget 2026 to:
• Expand funding for automotive trades and EV-specific training
• Increase seats in post-secondary automotive programs
• Partner with dealers and institutions to expand regional training access
“Workforce shortages are already limiting service capacity and driving up costs,” said Qualey. “Targeted investments in training support affordability, strengthen the labour market, and build long-term economic resilience.”
The NCDA says Budget 2026 represents an opportunity for government to clearly outline how provincial EV targets will align with federal changes, reinforce investments in charging infrastructure, and address broader affordability pressures in the vehicle market.
“Clear policy signals help consumers plan, businesses invest, and re-establish BC’s leadership in clean transportation,” added Qualey.
