daily · Electrification

Canadian EV poll finds price-awareness gaps among potential buyers

Abacus polling commissioned by Clean Energy Canada separates likely from potential EV buyers. Only 20% were very aware of affordable new models; 60% were at least somewhat aware.

By Greener Numbers Editorial Team · Published October 9, 2026 · Updated 10/9/2026

Clean Energy Canada published October 9 results from an Abacus Data online survey of 2,762 Canadian adults conducted September 18-23, 2026. Forty-eight percent said they were inclined to choose an electric vehicle next, compared with 45% in the group's April and 2025 polling. These are stated intentions in Canada, not measured North American sales or firm purchase commitments.

The source distinguishes likely EV buyers from potential EV buyers. Likely buyers are the 48% inclined to go electric. Potential buyers represent 71% of Canadians, excluding people certain to buy either gas or electric. Mixing these groups would change what the percentages describe.

Among likely EV buyers, 42% said they might wait for more Chinese EVs to become available, while 37% said there were too few electric pickup options. The word "might" matters: the survey does not establish that all those respondents have already postponed a purchase or that a particular vehicle will be available on a specified date.

Among potential buyers, 60% were at least somewhat aware of new EVs priced from $30,000 to $40,000, but only 20% were very aware. For used EVs from $20,000 to $30,000, 52% were aware and 14% very aware. Saying only 20% knew affordable new models existed would overstate the information gap.

The source also reports that 69% of potential buyers were generally aware that EVs can be cheaper to own and drive, and 62% knew of a federal $5,000 rebate for eligible new EVs. Those figures measure awareness, not a verified rebate entitlement for a reader or a guaranteed saving on every vehicle. Current program rules and an individual vehicle's costs still need their own check.

The online panel results were weighted to Canada's population by age, gender, education and region. The release gives a margin of error for a comparable probability-based sample, not proof that this opt-in panel has that sampling error. The poll supports a discussion of buyer perceptions and product gaps; it does not show that charging access or total ownership costs no longer matter.

Official source: cleanenergycanada.org ↗