The backlash against EV mandates — particularly in Canada — isn’t just about cost. It’s a response to a perceived loss of liberty. Consumers feel they are being forced into products they don’t want, can’t afford, or simply don’t trust. Moreover, the EV industry’s closed-system maintenance models limit consumer autonomy. Once a battery fails or a sensor malfunctions, many owners find themselves tethered to manufacturer-approved service centers, with no legal or safe way to seek alternatives. This model resembles planned obsolescence more than environmental stewardship. In this context, Carney’s decision to walk back the 2026 mandate is not a pivot — it’s damage control.