Despite the industry-wide push to leave behind ICE-powered vehicles, a new study has found that Canadian consumers aren’t ready jump into the EV market just yet.
According to the J.D. Power Canada Electric Vehicle Consideration (EVC) Study, 66 percent of Canadians are either “very unlikely” or “somewhat unlikely” to consider an EV for their next vehicles purchase. Furthermore, EV consideration in Canada dropped from 47 percent in 2022 to 34 percent in 2023, significantly lagging behind U.S. levels.
“Despite current legislation that is pushing hard for EV adoption, consumers in Canada are still not sold on the idea of automotive electrification,” J.D. Power Canada Automotive Practice Director J.D. Ney said in a prepared statement. “Growing concerns about affordability and infrastructure (both from charging and electrical grid perspectives), have caused a significant decline in the number of consumers who see themselves in the market for an EV anytime soon. Despite a lower consideration rate year over year and a widening consideration gap to automobile shoppers in the U.S., there is still a committed group – 34 percent – of consumers in Canada who say they are likely to consider an EV in the next 24 months.”
There were several key findings in this Canadian EV consideration study, including:
- Electric vehicle consideration declined 13 percent year-over-year
- Range anxiety, purchase price, and charging infrastructure are the most prevalent worries
- A lack of consumer exposure hampers EV adoption
- Consideration varies widely by geography
As some background on the annual Canada Electric Vehicle Consideration Study, J.D. Power research’s overall EV consideration by looking at factors like geography, demographics, vehicle experience and use, lifestyle, and psychographics. The 2023 rendition of this study measured responses from 4,488 consumers, and was fielded from April 2023 to May 2023.
“Against this backdrop, it is going to take significant investment and close collaboration between manufacturers and lawmakers to address issues of overall affordability, capability and infrastructure before Canada can reach its national and provincial EV sales targets,” Ney added.
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Comments
Canadians can get a very nice AWD CUV for 30,000 USD, or they can choose to get an equivalent EV at $45,000-$65,000. Federal incentives for EVs are only $3700 USD, and the colder climate means range will be reduced on roadtrips.
And the distance between cities is described in hours not miles, which makes it hard to have adequate range, especially in the winter which often goes below -20°C. The infrastructure isn’t set up for anyone that travels on any road other than a select few.
Not to mention the cost of living has gone through the roof in the last few years, who has spare money for the premium an EV costs?
Both great points. I didn’t notice it in the article, but I wonder how much of the decline could be attributed to lack of inventory and/or choices. In California, it seems like about the only EV you can get with no or little waiting is the Tesla. GM has dropped the ball huge on this front.
I agree, and the EV vehicle that many Canadians would buy, the Bolt and Bolt EUV are being discontinued !!.
While the new ‘Nox may fill some of the market on the lower price point, The Bolt and EUV were also in demand in Canada for their size.
When the the Bolts are discontinued , the Equinox replacement is considerably larger
Clearly gm sees Canada as a dispensable market
It’s not at all related to inventory. Tesla had more new vehicles available than GM last year. Weather and distance between cities are the major factors. It often goes below -30C here and looking to travel 3 to 6 hours to reach the next city doesn’t work for EV’s.
…..and you hope you can find a charger when you get there. Will it even charge in frigid temperatures?
“Against this backdrop, it is going to take significant investment and close collaboration between manufacturers and lawmakers to address issues of overall affordability, capability and infrastructure before Canada can reach its national and provincial EV sales targets,” Ney added.
*Or, maybe try building an ev that works in Northern climates and price it less than an ice vehicle, instead of legislating that Canadians buy one*
As Canada’s share of global greenhouse gas is at a 120 year low at just 1.5%…..higher EV usage in Canada will do nothing to lower carbon dioxide……except push taxpayers to the edge.
Except these last 2 months where the war on rhe logging industry, in the name of climate change for that matter, has propelled canada up to rhe 1# position for carbon polution.
Great job climatist!!!
Don’t worry, if you don’t want a EV, the Govt. will find ways to force you into one. EV’s are part of their agenda and you WILL comply. Look what they did with the arm jab, and they won.
The government didn’t win with the arm jab at our house and others.
LOLOLOLOLOL
I put the blame on the manufacturers. They aren’t doing the pushing. EVs are out of sight, hence out of mind. I asked my Chevy dealer about a bolt a year or so ago. They said they only ever sold two, and that was at the city’s request, but now sent inquiries to another dealer across town who had the training.
Sure bigger incentives might help but first we have to have them available, and see advertising for them.
It’s not at all related to inventory. Tesla had more new vehicles available on the dealer’s local lot than any GM last year. Weather and distance between cities are the major factors. It often goes below -30C here and looking to travel 3 to 6 hours to reach the next city doesn’t work for EV’s.
A 50% drop in range at -25 degrees is a definite factor for many in Canada, unless you live in the big cities and just drive locally.
Why is GM only going to build chevy Colorado and Canyons with 4 cyls I have a 2020 canyon with a V6 and it’s just a great little truck and gets 23/25 MPG ON HIGHWAY another GM mistake just like stopping Camaros…. GM will just make other truck and cars sell more very scary GM used to be the leader sad story
Camaros are discontinued because they don’t sell and GM needs to put the resources where they can hope to make money.
Canada should look to Norway. Similar climate and large distances to travel. They made a massive investment in infrastructure and renewable energy. Now they have the highest EV market in the world at a little over 50%. Infrastructure and supply is the key. Tesla figured that out early. Canadians will adopt when it makes sense to do so. I am one of the ones who would like to adopt but I’m going to go hybrid for now.
Oslo’s climate is less than half as severe as inland western Canada and not as cold as even Toronto or Montreal where EV’s certainly make more sense. Until EV’s have reliable 400+ miles/650+ km range in -30C they will not be considered as a sole vehicle for most people in my region, only as an expensive city/local use second vehicle, used perhaps more frequently but unable to fulfill all transportation needs.
Comparing Norway and Canada only works for latitude, definitely not climate or distances.
I agree that while Oslo is relatively warm half of Norway is inside the Arctic circle and inland temps are -20C during the day similar to here on the prairies in western Canada. The point I was trying to make is that they have solved the problem by having enough charging infrastructure to allow for road trips anywhere in the country, including in the far north. Most charging is done at home but still need to charge when away from home.
Norway has a population density of 14 per square km. Canada is just 2.6.
You could fit 31 Norways into Canada, so obviously charging infrastructure outside of major cities will be an issue.
Norways GDP is also 50% higher than Canada, despite their small population, so they are comparatively more wealthy.
I think the real issue is that a place like Norway has the political will to make it happen, and here in western Canada that doesn’t exist. In fact here in SK you have to pay a penalty to drive an EV as the govt wants to recoup lost revenue for not collecting from the gas pump. Of course they could get that revenue from a charging station but I’m not sure they have figured that out yet. This is the govt we’re talking about. 😁😁
I’m sorry but l find evs to quite ,boring and a real environmental disaster. I can’t find them ever being a legacy. Maybe just acid mounds sitting in a field.
Environmental disaster hey? Unlike internal combustion engines though right?