Wheels of Progress: An Ecological Economic Assessment of Quebec's Sustainable Mobility Plan

The shift from combustion to electric vehicles is currently at the top of many political agendas for energy transitions and emissions reductions. Plenty of critical research, however, suggests that the role e-mobility might play in a transition or even a transformation depends heavily on the framework conditions. The Canadian province of Quebec rolled out an ambitious plan not just for a shift to e-mobility, but also for embedding the necessary production within its very own ‘industrial ecosystem’ from lithium mining to hydroelectricity generation. This study critically evaluates Quebec’s sustainable mobility plans to achieve complete electrification of transportation and to establish a self-sufficient “electric battery production ecosystem”. Through the approach of quantitative storytelling, we consider the biophysical feasibility and the environmental viability of this plan. Our results suggest that while Quebec’s hydroelectric production capacity is substantial, it may not be sufficient to meet demand peaks. And mineral requirements are likely to exceed both Quebec’s cumulative production capacity and proven reserves and to be associated with significant environmental impact. In order to substantially reduce emissions from mobility, there may be more effective options: Just by banning light trucks, including SUVs, resource consumption and emissions could be significantly reduced.