EVs aren’t being forced on Canadians — if anything, they’re being withheld from them - Clean Energy Canada

The article from Clean Energy Canada challenges the narrative that governments are forcing Canadians to buy electric vehicles (EVs), presenting evidence that many Canadians are actually eager to adopt EVs. A recent Abacus Data survey shows that 45% of Canadians intend to purchase an EV as their next vehicle, with higher interest in urban areas and among younger demographics. Despite this demand, Canada risks falling behind global EV adoption trends due to market barriers, including a pause in national and provincial EV incentives and restrictive trade policies. A key factor limiting EV availability and affordability in Canada is the country’s protectionist stance, particularly its 100% tariff on Chinese EVs, implemented to align with U.S. policies. This tariff contrasts with Europe’s more moderate approach and has effectively blocked many lower-cost, high-quality EV models from entering the Canadian market. The article argues that openness to Chinese automakers fosters competition and innovation, benefiting consumers and accelerating EV adoption. Additionally, harmonizing vehicle approval standards with Europe could expand consumer choice by allowing popular models like the Renault 5 to enter Canada. Public opinion supports reducing tariffs and increasing EV options, with many Canadians favoring lower or no tariffs on Chinese EVs and broader market access. The article emphasizes that protecting Canadian manufacturing jobs remains important, but a balanced approach is needed—one that opens the market to more competition while investing in domestic industry and maintaining fair regulations. Measures such as price caps on EV rebates or bonus incentives for affordable EVs could further enhance accessibility. Overall, the piece highlights that Canadians are not being forced into EVs; rather, they are being underserved by a closed market that limits access to affordable and diverse electric vehicles.