Most Canadians plan to buy an electrified vehicle, study shows

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If you’re like the majority of Canadians, your next new vehicle is likely going to have some form of electrification. A new survey by KPMG found that 68 per cent of those who plan to buy within the next five years are going to opt for either a battery-electric or hybrid vehicle.

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Even so, the lack of widespread charging infrastructure, battery life and range, and the cost of electrified vehicles remain concerns for shoppers.

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“Our poll research illustrates huge consumer demand in Canada for electric vehicles, putting the onus on manufacturers and governments alike to shift gear, not only to meet the expected surge in EV sales, but to invest heavily in the necessary infrastructure,” said Peter Hatges, partner, national sector leader automotive for KPMG in Canada.

Not surprisingly, the two provinces that add their own “green” rebates to the existing federal ones scored highest in terms of potential EV buyers, with 77 per cent of respondents in British Columbia, and 75 per cent in Quebec, saying they are in the market for an EV. Alberta came in at 54 per cent; the Prairies at 48 per cent; and Atlantic Canada at 55 per cent.

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Men are more likely to want an EV than women, at 73 per cent vs 62 per cent. Respondents aged 18 to 44 were highest in their quest for EVs, at 79 per cent, while those 45 and older made up 58 per cent of the EV-inclined.

As for price, 42 per cent are willing to spend between $30,000 and $49,999; while 20 per cent would go up to $74,999. At the other end, 31 per cent wanted their vehicles to cost less than $30,000. Among those already thinking about an EV, such factors as environmental issues and lower operating costs were primary motivators, but among all those surveyed, 70 per cent would only consider an EV if they got tax or automaker rebates and incentives.

The majority had strong feelings about recharging, with 83 per cent saying automakers should be investing in national charging infrastructure; and 89 per cent saying EV chargers should be installed at “every gas station,” as well as at shopping malls and grocery stores.

As to the vehicles being considered, Toyota was ahead with 23 per cent of shoppers, while Tesla was at 19 per cent, and Honda at 9 per cent. Men were more inclined to choose Tesla, while women overall wanted their electrified vehicles from Toyota.