After a slow year for electric vehicle (EV) sales, higher gas prices and new government incentives are encouraging more Canadians to make the switch.
Statistics Canada says EV sales increased from 8,672 in January to more than 21,000 in March. Overall, EV sales during the first four months of 2026 were up 20.8 per cent compared to the same period last year.
Industry experts say many consumers are choosing EVs because they can save money on fuel. The federal government also reintroduced incentives earlier this year, offering up to $5,000 off fully electric vehicles and up to $2,500 off hybrids.
Dealers report that rising gas prices have led to more interest in EVs, especially among drivers looking to reduce their monthly fuel costs. A recent J.D. Power survey found that 34 per cent of new-car shoppers are considering an EV as their next vehicle, up from 28 per cent a year ago.
Experts say affordability remains the biggest factor driving EV sales, and some Canadians are also interested in lower-cost electric vehicles from Chinese automakers if they become available in Canada.
