From Electric Vehicle Society.
Is EV interest in Canada finally turning a corner?
New research from AutoTrader.ca shows that 49% of Canadians would now consider buying an electric vehicle — the first increase in EV purchase consideration since the study began in 2022.
In this episode of Canada Talks Electric Cars, Kimberly Nicholson, Director of Research at AutoTrader.ca, breaks down what may be driving the rebound: affordability, EV incentives, charging infrastructure, regional differences, and the potential disruption from Chinese EV brands such as BYD.
We also discuss why hybrids and plug-in hybrids may be acting as a stepping stone toward full EV adoption, what is still holding buyers back, how used EVs are changing the market, and what Canadian shoppers actually recognize when it comes to EV brands.
See the full EV research and shop electric vehicles at AutoTrader.ca:https://www.autotrader.ca
TIMESTAMPS / CHAPTERS
00:00 – Canada’s EV Interest Rebounds to 49%
00:35 – Meet Kimberly Nicholson & AutoTrader.ca Research Methodology
02:53 – 4 Key Themes: Momentum, Affordability, Infrastructure & Chinese EVs
04:28 – The 2025 EV Slowdown: Registrations Drop 33%
05:10 – Signs of an EV Rebound: Policy, Tariffs & Trade Shifts
05:54 – Regional Differences in EV Interest Across Canada
07:47 – New vs. Used EVs and Depreciation
08:59 – Hybrids & Plug-In Hybrids as a Gateway to EVs
10:30 – Why Canadians Want — or Don’t Want — an EV
12:48 – Government Rebates & Incentives Build Buyer Confidence
14:28 – True Cost of EV Ownership: Cheaper Than Expected
16:03 – Charging Infrastructure & Government Investment
19:27 – Chinese EV Competition and the Canadian Market
19:59 – Brand Awareness: Tesla, Toyota & the Rise of BYD
26:20 – Can Chinese EV Brands Break Through in Canada?2
8:57 – Closing Thoughts & Wrap-Up
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
Why EV purchase consideration is rising in Canada for the first time since 2022
The biggest affordability barriers between gas vehicles and EVs
How rebates, incentives, and charging infrastructure shape buyer confidence
Why hybrids and plug-in hybrids may be a stepping stone to EV adoption
How Chinese EV brands like BYD could affect the Canadian electric vehicle market
What AutoTrader.ca marketplace data reveals about Canadian vehicle shoppers
Guest:Kimberly NicholsonDirector of Research, AutoTrader.ca
Host:Tim BurrowsCanada Talks Electric Cars / Electric Vehicle Society
Presented by the Electric Vehicle Society.
Learn more about EV Society:https://evsociety.ca
Subscribe for more expert EV conversations:https://www.youtube.com/@ElectricVehicleSociety
What do you think is the biggest thing holding EV buyers back right now? Let us know in the comments.
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