OTTAWA, ON / ACCESSWIRE / May 5, 2021 The most recent poll of Canadian attitudes towards electric vehicles (EVs) finds that more needs to be done to increase consumer demand. The key areas of consumer support needed are consumer EV purchase incentives, expanding accessible EV charging infrastructure and educating Canadians on EV benefits to consumers and the environment.
"With auto manufacturers now spending billions on producing new electric vehicles, including right here in Canada, a more focused and collaborative effort is needed to inspire Canadians to go electric," said Brian Kingston, President & CEO of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association (CVMA).
The survey, conducted by Leger for the CVMA and Global Automakers of Canada (GAC), offers insights into the key barriers to consumer adoption of EVs in Canada. The findings are based on an online survey of over 2,000 Canadians completed between March 19-27, 2021.
"The debate about electric vehicle supply is over," said David Adams, President & CEO of the GAC. "With over 130 new electric vehicles coming to the Canadian market by 2023, we must address the well-known barriers to consumer electric vehicle adoption."
According to the poll, the top reasons Canadians cited for not purchasing an EV are limited driving range (55%), higher purchase price (54%), a lack of public charging infrastructure (47%), and the time required to charge (45%). Concerns with EV inventory at dealerships or a lack of models to suit consumer needs were two of the three least-cited reasons for not purchasing an EV.
Three-quarters of respondents noted concerns with EV driving ranges and lengthy charging time when travelling. Another 57% do not know where or how to access vehicle charging at their home. Addressing consumer concerns with EV ranges and charging infrastructure will be critical to encouraging more Canadians to make the switch.
EV consumer education remains a significant barrier to widespread adoption with only two-in-ten Canadian's feeling they have done sufficient research on EVs. Only 4% of respondents were aware of the number of EVs currently available in Canada (41), and just 38% of consumers are aware that the government has a consumer EV purchase rebate of up to $5,000 available.
An encouraging finding is that there is widespread support for government efforts to help Canadians to purchase EVs. The most popular policies and programs cited include tax (GST/HST) deductions (51%), free access to public charging infrastructure (45%), government consumer EV purchase incentives (45%), preferential EV insurance rates (43%) and free annual registrations for EV owners (39%).
About Us
About the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association
The Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association is the industry association that has represented Canada's leading manufacturers of light and heavy duty motor vehicles for more than 90 years. Its membership includes Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited, General Motors of Canada Company, and Stellantis (FCA Canada Inc.). Collectively its members operate 4 vehicle assembly plants as well as engine and components plants, and have over 1,300 dealerships. 136,000 jobs are directly tied to vehicle assembly in Canada. Direct and indirect jobs associated with vehicle manufacturing are estimated at over 792,000 across Canada.
About Global Automakers of Canada
Global Automakers of Canada (GAC) is the national trade association representing the Canadian interests of 15 of the world's most respected automakers. Our members include: BMW Group Canada Inc, Honda Canada Inc., Hyundai Auto Canada Corp., Jaguar Land Rover Canada ULC, Kia Canada Inc., Maserati Canada Inc., Mazda Canada Inc., Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc., Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada Inc., Nissan Canada Inc., Porsche Cars Canada Ltd., Subaru Canada, Inc., Toyota Canada Inc., Volkswagen Group Canada Inc. and Volvo Car Canada Ltd. Together our members represent more than 25 brands in the Canadian automotive market.
Toyota and Honda, respectively the two largest vehicle manufacturers in Canada, are responsible for more than 50% of Canadian light-duty vehicle production in Canada and directly employ more than 12,000 associates in five vehicle assembly plants and one engine plant. GAC members and their associates employ, directly or indirectly, more than 77,000 Canadians in automotive manufacturing, sales, distribution, parts, service and financing, as well as in head office operations.
CONTACT:
Brian Kingston
President & CEO
bkingston@cvma.ca
613-513-9626
SOURCE: Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association/Global Automakers of Canada
View source version on accesswire.com:
https://www.accesswire.com/644547/New-Survey-Underscores-Need-for-More-Ambitious-Government-Efforts-To-Convince-Canadians-To-Purchase-Electric-Vehicles
