Canadian EV survey reveals 87% buyback rate despite obstacles

A national survey of 16,041 EV owners reveals high confidence in the market despite regional infrastructure issues.

• Canadian EV owners have an 87% repurchase intention rate despite infrastructure and weather issues across regions.

• Rural areas report 35% lower satisfaction rates than urban centers when it comes to charging, highlighting significant infrastructure gaps.

• Home charging dominates with 66% of BEV owners using Level 2 systems, representing 13% year-over-year growth.

A large national survey conducted by the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) of 16,041 Canadian electric vehicle owners reveals high confidence in the market. Despite current infrastructure challenges, 87% of current owners intend to purchase another electric vehicle. The study, conducted across all provinces and territories, provides a detailed overview of charging preferences, satisfaction levels and regional variations across the Canadian EV landscape.

“These results show that people are happy to have purchased an electric vehicle,” analyzes Ian Jack, vice-president of public affairs at the CAA. But we also learn that the experience of EV owners reflects what the general public thinks: charging stations are lacking, especially outside large urban centers, and the fear of ending up with a flat battery in winter is still present. there. »

The rural charging network lags behind urban areas, with satisfaction rates 35% lower.

The survey highlights significant regional disparities when it comes to satisfaction with charging infrastructure. Rural EV owners report a 35% lower satisfaction rate than urban drivers when it comes to the availability of public charging, with particular concerns in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Despite these challenges, battery electric vehicle (BEV) owners drive an average of 398 kilometers per week, compared to 322 kilometers for plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) owners.

Home charging is the primary solution for most EV owners. 66% of BEV owners use Level 2 charging systems at home, an increase of 13% from the previous year. This move towards home charging infrastructure reflects the growing confidence of homeowners and their adaptation to the demands of EV owners.

Cold weather performance remains an important consideration for Canadian EV owners, with 76% of respondents reporting a reduction in range and increased charging times during the winter months. The impact is particularly visible in the Prairie Provinces, where extreme temperatures can significantly affect vehicle performance.

Regional variations in satisfaction with charging infrastructure reveal stark differences across the country. Quebec tops the list for satisfaction with public charging infrastructure at 52%, while the Atlantic provinces show only 9% satisfaction with current infrastructure. Urban areas of British Columbia and Ontario are showing strong charging network development, but rural regions still face significant coverage gaps.

The survey reveals changing charging preferences, with 81% of respondents relying primarily on home charging for their daily needs. Public charging usage patterns show distinct regional variations, with urban areas reporting greater availability of fast charging, but increasing congestion at the most popular locations.

Despite infrastructure challenges, Canadian EV owners are very satisfied with operating costs, with 91% of BEV owners reporting significant savings on fuel and maintenance compared to conventional vehicles. This economic advantage remains a key driver of strong repurchase intent rates across all regions.

Federal EV Incentive Program Ends Suddenly

In a notable development for the Canadian EV market, it was confirmed yesterday that Transport Canada’s Zero Emission Vehicle (iZEV) Incentive Program has ended immediately due to depletion of funds. The program, which offered up to $5,000 in incentives for the purchase of zero-emission vehicles, contributed to the adoption of EVs, which will account for a 14.2% market share during the first three quarters of 2024, compared to 3.1% in 2019.

Applications that have passed the review stage will be honored, but new applications will not be accepted unless additional funding is available. The conclusion of the program leaves potential EV buyers dependent on provincial incentives, which vary widely from region to region: up to $4,000 in Quebec, Manitoba and British Columbia, $5,000 in New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, and $3,000 in Nova Scotia. Newfoundland and Labrador’s program, which offers up to $2,500, will end on March 15, 2025.

It should be noted that this survey was conducted before the announcement of the end of the iZEV program. The strong repurchase intention rate of 87% reported by current EV owners reflects their experience with the federal incentive program in place. Future surveys could provide valuable insight into how eliminating this important financial incentive affects both new EV adoption rates and current owner satisfaction levels, particularly as the market evolves and matures.

Additionally, CAA clubs across the country will conduct winter EV testing between Ottawa and Mont-Tremblant in February, and our team will participate in this evaluation process. This initiative aims to provide future buyers with reliable and current data on loss of autonomy in extreme cold conditions, thus addressing one of the main concerns identified in the survey.