Large Majority of Canadians Still Reluctant to Buy an EV, New Survey Shows

Another survey, another different take on the love-hate relationship between Canadians and electric vehicles.

This one comes from J.D. Power, which polled nearly 3,000 new vehicle shoppers across the country in March and April. Only 11 percent said they are “very likely” to consider an EV for their next purchase, down three percentage points from 2023 and, incredibly, less than half of the 24 percent of U.S. shoppers.

• Also: Canadians’ Lack of EV Knowledge is Baffling, New Survey Shows
• Also: Study Reveals EVs Are Far Less Reliable Than ICE-Powered Cars

That strong sense of resistance is mainly attributable to range anxiety, high purchase prices and the lack of charging infrastructure—always the same top three roadblocks to mass EV adoption.

“Auto manufacturers are staking their futures on EVs and investing massive sums in battery manufacturing facilities in Canada, but the reality is that they are still considerably more expensive than comparable gas-powered vehicles and more education is needed to help shoppers feel comfortable making the transition,” said J.D. Ney, director of the automotive practice at J.D. Power Canada.

He acknowledged that tackling the affordability problem is going to take some time, but also deplored the fact that 52 percent of shoppers in Canada still have never been in an EV, which limits purchase consideration.

According to the J.D. Power survey, 72 percent of Canadians are either “very unlikely” or “somewhat unlikely” to consider an EV for their next vehicle purchase. That is up 5 percentage points from 2023 and up 18 percentage points from 2022.

Unsurprisingly, provinces with incentive programs show the highest consideration rates. Quebec leads the way with 40 percent of new vehicle shoppers indicating interest in EV ownership. B.C. is second with a consideration rate of 33 percent.