Electric vehicles are gaining ground in Canadians' purchase intentions. However, a strong minority of potential EV buyers might be ready to wait it out until more Chinese models are available, or else until carmakers offer up a broader selection of electric pickups.
Those are the takeaways from a survey conducted by Abacus Data for Clean Energy Canada.
First, the increase in interest, which isn’t large. In total, 48 percent of respondents say they are inclined to choose an electric vehicle for their next purchase, compared to 45 percent in previous surveys. An inclination is not a guarantee, however. Will those consumers be visiting a dealership any time soon?
The promise of Chinese EVs inciting patience in buyers
Among respondents open to buying an electric vehicle, 42 percent indicate that they could wait until more Chinese models become available. Meanwhile, 37 percent feel that the selection of electric pickups remains too limited.
It’s worth repeating that those percentages apply specifically to consumers already interested in electric vehicles, and not the general population of consumers. They do not mean that four out of ten Canadians plan to buy a Chinese vehicle. Rather, the results show that the anticipated evolution of market offerings plays a role in the decision-making process for a portion of buyers. Especially if those buyers have been hearing about how affordable the new offerings are.
The survey also doesn’t reveal how many will actually choose to postpone their EV purchase, nor how long they’d be willing to wait.
Pricing still a question mark
The survey also highlights a gap in price awareness. Among potential buyers, so excluding those are certain they’ll be a gas-engine or electric vehicle, 60 percent are at least somewhat aware of new electric models priced between $30,000 and $40,000; only 20 percent say they are very aware of them. That figure drops to 52 percent and 14 percent for used electric vehicles between $20,000 and $30,000.
These results measure awareness of specific price ranges, however, and not a household's ability to finance a purchase.
There’s an app for that – but should consumers be forced to use it?
Regarding charging, 69 percent of Canadians support the idea of requiring public charging stations to accept credit or debit card payments without needing an app. The question noted that this capability is required in certain markets, particularly in Europe.
The survey was conducted online from September 18 to 23, 2026, among 2,762 Canadian adults. Results were weighted according to demographic characteristics. They provide a snapshot of intentions and perceptions at the time of the survey without constituting a sales forecast.