A recent survey of Quebecers’ attitudes towards zero-emission vehicles found that 40% of respondents would not consider a ZEV for their next vehicle, as concerns over pricing, vehicle range, and a lack of charging infrastructure remain.
The survey was conducted by Leger for the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association (CADA), Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association, (CVMA), and the Global Automakers of Canada (GAC). It highlights serious challenges with Québec’s regulation requiring 100% ZEV sales by 2035, along with its pullback of incentives.
In a statement, President & CEO of CADA Tim Reuss said government consumer support “must match the aggressive targets to a measurable and effective policy plan.”
Ian Sam Yue Chi, President of the Corporation des concessionnaires d’automobiles du Québec (CCAQ), said the transition cannot succeed without clear support and appropriate incentives for consumers — which the provincial government will phase out completely. According to the poll, 60% of respondents are opposed to Québec’s plan to get rid of the provincial EV purchase incentive — Roulez Vert.
“If the government wants to meet its goals, it must ensure that the infrastructure and incentives are in place to facilitate the adoption of ZEVs by all Quebecers,” said Yue Chi in a statement.
Additional data from the poll reveals three-quarters of respondents believe there is not enough public charging infrastructure in the province to support the ZEV sales regulation targets. And 52% are opposed to Québec’s plan to ban the sale of gas-powered vehicles by 2035. More than 25% are strongly opposed.
“While governments are free to establish whatever laws and regulations, they see fit, it is incumbent upon governments then to support the compliance with those laws and regulations and in this case that means establishing realistic, achievable targets, maintaining purchase incentives until cost parity is achieved, and building out the infrastructure to support consumer adoption,” said David Adams, President & CEO of the GAC, in a statement.
The report’s findings are based on an online survey of 1,005 Quebecers and was completed between July 19-21, 2024.
