Clean Energy Canada sees almost half of Canadians would like an electric vehicle, but there are still gaps in EV education

Almost half of Canadians say they’re inclined to buy an electric vehicle, but a sizable share are holding off for Chinese-made models or more choice among electric pickup trucks, a new poll suggests.

The survey by Abacus Data, commissioned by the non-profit policy group Clean Energy Canada, found 48 per cent of respondents would likely purchase an EV as their next vehicle. That’s up three percentage points from 45 per cent in poll done in April by the organization.

The online survey of 2,762 adults was conducted Sept. 18 to 23.

Interest was strongest among younger Canadians, with 67 per cent of those aged 18 to 29 and 58 per cent of those aged 30 to 44 leaning toward an EV.

Among those “likely EV buyers,” 42 per cent said they might wait for more Chinese EVs to become available, while 37 per cent said there are too few electric pickup options. Clean Energy Canada said those barriers were twice as common among EV-inclined Canadians, suggesting they could be affecting current sales.

Gaps in EV education

The poll also pointed to gaps in education and knowledge about EVs.

Among the 71 per cent of respondents classed as potential EV buyers (excluding those certain to buy a gas-powered or electric vehicle), 69 per cent were generally aware that EVs are cheaper to own and drive.

Sixty-two per cent knew about the federal government’s $5,000 rebate on eligible new EVs.

Pricing questions

Awareness of recent price improvements was even lower. While 60 per cent said they were at least somewhat aware of new EV models priced between $30,000 and $40,000, only 20 per cent were very aware of them.

Fifty-two per cent of those respondents know there are used EVs priced between $20,000 and $30,000 available, while just 14 per cent were very aware.

Upfront price consistently ranks as the biggest barrier to buying an EV, Clean Energy Canada found, and many Canadians would likely benefit from updated information about the new and used markets.

European influence

Respondents were also asked to consider how closer alignment with Europe would change the mix of vehicles available to them, including brands, models, sizes and EV options. Forty-seven per cent said they would prefer a European-influenced vehicle market, compared with 21 per cent who preferred a U.S.-based one.

On public charging, drivers in Canada often must download specific smartphone apps to pay, while some jurisdictions, including Europe, require chargers to accept credit or debit cards. After being given that information, 69 per cent agreed Canadian chargers should also be required to accept cards, while 12 per cent disagreed. Support rose to 75 per cent among EV-inclined respondents.

2027 could be ‘pivotal’

Trevor Melanson, the group’s director of insights and communications, said European EV sales are surging as U.S. sales lag, while Canada is regaining speed after a slow 2025, largely because federal incentives have returned. Fewer provincial rebates remain, he noted.

With Chinese OEM EVs soon arriving in Canada and Ford releasing a budget electric pickup early next year, Melanson said 2027 “could shape up to be a pivotal year for Canadian EV adoption.”

“Longer term, Canada should consider carefully how it wants its vehicle market to evolve,” he said. “Closer alignment with European vehicle standards would help ensure Canadians have access to the EVs they want – not just the ones Americans buy.”