British Columbian’s are concerned with the provincial government’s regulation requiring 100% zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) sales by 2035, according to a new poll from Leger released today. The survey found that half of B.C. residents oppose the provincial government’s plan to require 90% ZEV sales by 2030 and 100% sales by 2035. Four-in-ten respondents would not consider a ZEV for their next vehicle purchase, citing concerns with price, a lack of charging infrastructure and vehicle ranges.
“The drastic BC electric vehicle mandate is not supported by the public or common sense. The risk of forcing the 100 percent transitions to ZEVs too fast and too soon is that consumers will simply hang on to old higher emitting vehicles while costs and affordability will spiral out of control”, said Huw Williams national spokesperson for the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association of CADA.
“The provincial government has the most aggressive electric vehicle sales regulations in North America”, said Brian Kingston, President & CEO of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association (CVMA). “The sales targets are not achievable based on current market conditions and the supports available to consumers. The result of the regulation will be less vehicle choice and higher prices for British Columbians”.
“Whether it is moving to zero emission vehicles or transitioning other elements of society away from fossil fuels 57% of British Columbians are concerned about the availability, reliability and cost of electricity according to the survey results,” said David Adams, President and CEO of Global Automakers of Canada (GAC). “Such concerns, in turn, led 79% of those same respondents to consider something other that an electric car for their next vehicle purchase. These results are disconcerting,” added Adams.
The survey, conducted by Leger for the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association, Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association and Global Automakers of Canada, offers insights into British Columbian’s attitudes towards electrification. The findings are based on an online survey of 1002 B.C. residents completed between September 27-29, 2024.
According to the poll, seven-in-ten respondents were not aware that manufacturers may not be able to provide consumers a gasoline powered vehicle until enough ZEVs are sold or they face a penalty.
The Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association (CVMA) – cvma.ca
The Global Automakers of Canada (GAC) – globalautomakers.ca
The Canadian Automobile Dealers Association (CADA) – cada.ca
About the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association
The Canadian Automobile Dealers Association (CADA) is the national association representing new car and truck dealers. Our 3,200 members are represented in nearly every community and collectively employ 178,000 people across the country.
About the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association
The Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association is the industry association that has represented Canada’s leading manufacturers of light and heavy-duty motor vehicles for more than 90 years. Its membership includes Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited, General Motors of Canada Company, and Stellantis (FCA Canada Inc.). Collectively its members operate 5 vehicle assembly plants as well as engine and components plants and have over 1,300 dealerships. 136,000 jobs are directly tied to vehicle assembly in Canada. Direct and indirect jobs associated with vehicle manufacturing are estimated at over 792,000 across Canada.
About the Global Automakers of Canada: Global Automakers (GAC) is the national industry association representing the Canadian interests of 16 of the world’s most respected automakers. The GAC advocates for sound public policy to support a competitive and sustainable automotive market in Canada. Our members are committed to meeting the mobility needs of Canadians by providing greater consumer choice, offering leading edge safety and environmental technologies and eliminating unnecessary regulatory and trade barriers.
