Canadian EV interest is rebounding in 2026: study

A survey has revealed that EV purchase intent within Canada is rebounding for the first time since 2022.

The survey, conducted by AutoTrader, found that nearly half of non-EV owners (49 per cent) say they would consider an EV, which is the first year-over-year increase since 2022 (42 per cent last year, 46 per cent in 2024, 56 per cent in 2023, and 68 per cent in 2022). AutoTrader also noted that the provinces with the strongest pre-existing interest in EVs also saw the largest increases in potential ownership.

B.C. had the largest increase, jumping to 60 per cent interest in EV ownership from 49 per cent last year, while Ontario came in at 50 per cent, up from 42 per cent in 2025. Combined statistics from Manitoba and Saskatchewan (53 per cent, up from 41 per cent in 2025) also show significant growth.

In fact, Manitoba and Saskatchewan’s increase (+12 per cent) was the largest growth in the country, beating out British Columbia and Ontario. Interestingly, the only province to see no growth at all was Alberta, which remained at 46 per cent.

According to the survey, the three main factors driving this recent uptick in interest are affordability (with fuel prices a key factor), the growing used-EV market, and awareness of recent EV-related policies (such as rebates).

To add to that, AutoTrader noted that the average price of a new vehicle has dropped year-over-year (YOY), with EVs seeing the largest decline.  The average EV price has gone down by 6 per cent YOY, and the average price of a battery electric vehicle (BEV) has gone down by 10.6 per cent YOY. Used cars haven’t seen as big of a price decrease, but even then, EVs (down 2.1 per cent YOY) and hybrids (down 2.6 per cent YOY) lead the way in terms of being the least expensive.

As mentioned earlier, much of the recent upward trend in EVs is due to current politics and the gas price spike. In fact, almost all (89 per cent) of survey respondents cited fuel savings and efficiency as the main reasons for considering an EV. Even my mom recently purchased her first EV, a Honda CRV Hybrid, to make her decently short commute more efficient.

With all of this, along with the recent EV incentive implemented by the Canadian government, I wouldn’t be surprised if later statistics show a rise in EV sales.