Mar 26, 2026
For many Canadians, the shift to electric vehicles (EV) is starting to feel less like an inevitability, as concerns over practicality and overall cost persist.
That’s according to a new report from EY Canada, which suggests the country’s transition to EVs is entering a more cautious phase, with 30% of potential buyers saying they’ve delayed or reconsidered a purchase.
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“Canada's EV story hasn't stalled — rather it's becoming more pragmatic. Consumers still care about fuel costs and the environment, but they’re asking harder questions about affordability, charging reliability and the day-to-day experience,” said Jennifer Rogers, automotive and transportation leader at EY Canada, in a statement.
Cost and charging concerns slowing EV momentum
According to the report, the demand for EVs has not necessarily waned, but the level of scrutiny from consumers is on the rise.
Among Canadians leaning away from EVs, 32% point to the upfront purchase price as a key barrier, while 28% cite concerns around public charging quality and compatibility.
Even for those still considering an EV, the ownership experience is raising doubts. The EY Canada EV report also found:
- 38% say finding a charging station can be difficult
- 32% are concerned about the cost of charging
- 31% report long wait times
For EV owners, home charging is often far from straightforward. Installation costs, electrical upgrades and higher utility bills are all part of the equation, making the switch feel more complex than it might have a few years ago, now that the novelty has somewhat worn off.
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Gas and hybrid vehicles regain ground
That overall hesitation is showing up in shifting consumer preferences.
The report from EY shows interest in traditional gas-powered vehicles has climbed to 58%, up from 44% last year, while preference for fully electric vehicles has dropped from 15% to just 7%.
The report shows that hybrids are emerging as a middle ground. About 17% of Canadians say they prefer hybrid vehicles, offering better fuel efficiency without the need to rely entirely on charging infrastructure.
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At the same time, the reasons people consider EVs haven’t gone away. Fuel costs remain the top motivator, cited by 53% of respondents, while 47% point to environmental concerns, both up from a year ago.
In other words, the interest is still there, but many consumers appear to be waiting for the practical side of EV ownership to catch up.
Practical considerations shaping buying decisions
That more measured mindset is also shaping how Canadians shop for vehicles.
Most buyers now start their research online, but the final decision still tends to happen in person. In the survey, 37% of EV buyers and 41% of gas vehicle buyers say they wouldn’t purchase without a test drive, underscoring the continued importance of the dealership experience.
Online purchasing is gaining traction, however, with 27% saying they would consider buying a vehicle digitally, though many still prefer a hybrid approach that combines online research with in-person evaluation.
There’s a similar pattern when it comes to in-car technology. Drivers are generally open to features that improve safety, navigation and maintenance, but remain cautious about more advanced automation. Most respondents said they are comfortable with partial automation only, while concerns about safety and system reliability remain common.
The overall result is an evident shift in tone around EV adoption. Rather than rushing toward a fully electric future, many Canadians are weighing the trade-offs more carefully — and, for now, sticking with what feels practical.
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Steven Brennan is a freelance finance writer based in Vancouver, BC. He holds a BA and an MA from Maynooth University, Ireland. His work regularly appears at Canadian Mortgage Trends, Lowest Rates, Loans Canada and other Canadian and US brands, while also working as a ghostwriter for financial influencers.
