48% of Canadians lean toward an EV for next purchase, poll shows price and selection barriers

A new Abacus Data poll for Clean Energy Canada finds 48% of Canadians now lean toward an electric vehicle for their next purchase, up from 45% in April and in 2025. The survey was conducted online from September 18 to 23, 2026 with 2,762 adults weighted to represent the Canadian population.

Interest by age and wait factors

Interest is highest among 18- to 29-year-olds at 67%. Among those leaning toward electric, 42% said they might wait until more Chinese EVs are available and 37% identified a lack of electric pickup choices as a concern about buying this year.

Price awareness remains limited. In the group not certain about gas or electric, 60% were at least somewhat aware of new EVs costing $30,000 to $40,000, and only 20% were very aware. Awareness of used models priced $20,000 to $30,000 was 52% overall and 14% very aware.

Ownership knowledge and charging preferences

Within the same group, 69% knew electric vehicles are cheaper to own and drive and 62% knew about the $5,000 federal rebate for eligible new vehicles.

For public charging, 69% supported requiring chargers to accept debit or credit payments without an app, rising to 75% among EV-inclined Canadians. Respondents also preferred European automotive influence over U.S. influence, 47% to 21%, after considering effects on brands, models and EV choices.

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