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Automotive manufacturers calling on federal government to support consumer demand for EVs

Canadian automakers say the federal government needs to spur consumer demand for electric vehicles if it wants to be successful with its ambitious new sales mandates.

The federal emissions reduction plan released this week says the government will require 20 per cent of all new light vehicles sold in Canada to be zero-emission by 2026, and 60 per cent by 2030.

The government wants 100 per cent of new vehicles sold to be electric by 2036.

But Canadian automakers say it’s not yet clear if consumers are ready. Only 4.6 per cent of new vehicle registrations in the first quarter of 2021 were for electric vehicles.

Automakers say the federal government will need to improve charging infrastructure and educate consumers about electric vehicles in order to meet its targets.

They say the government will also need to enhance purchase incentives for EVs. Right now, the government offers an incentive of up to $5,000 for the purchase of a new electric vehicle in Canada.