Most Canadians think the Trudeau government’s plan to ban gas-fueled cars by 2035 is unrealistic.
A recent poll commissioned by the Montreal Economic Institute and Ipsos showed that two-thirds of Canadians, 66%, said the timeline for the government ban on the sale of conventional vehicles by 2035 was not realistic.
Ipsos conducted the poll between Sept. 18 and Sept. 22, 2024, and asked 1,190 Canadian adults, statistically weighted to represent Canada’s demographics based on census parameters. According to Ipsos, the poll has a margin of error of 3.3% 19 times out of 20.
Over half, 55%, disagreed with the mandate that all new cars sold at that time should be electric and zero-emission vehicles. However, 40% agreed with the plan.
Among those, 14% said they strongly agreed with the plan, while 32% said they strongly disagreed with the mandate.
Those 55 years and older were the most likely to disagree with the plan, with 69% opposition.
Canadians aged 18-34 years old were the most likely to support a ban on the sale of gas fueled vehicles, with 55% in that age range saying they agree with the government.
A small fraction reported having an EV themselves. One in ten, 9%, said they owned an electric car currently. Out of those who don’t own an electric vehicle, less than a quarter said their next vehicle would be electric.
Cost was a significant factor in EV purchaser hesitancy. Seven in ten, 70%, said they were worried about the cost of EVs compared to other models.
Most respondents said they were concerned with Canada’s lack of EV charging infrastructure when weighing the possibility of getting an EV. Two-thirds, 66%, said there was a lack of infrastructure and that EVs are not adapted to Canada’s cold climate.
Some also cited concerns over the autonomy of the vehicles with just under half, 46% saying the limited autonomy of the vehicles were enough for them not to purchase an EV.
The same poll found that Canadians were more likely to not want to pay extra taxes to fight climate change. 43% of Canadians said they couldn’t or wouldn’t pay any more in taxes to help fight climate change.
A recent Leger 360 poll commissioned by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, yielded similar results regarding Canada’s feeling on the government’s proposed vehicle ban. It found that 59% disagreed with the national ban on the sale of gas, diesel and hybrid vehicles by 2035.
The Trudeau government has spent more than $50 billion in taxpayer funds on corporate welfare investments in the EV market.
When the government announced its plans to ban the sale of gasoline, hybrid and diesel vehicles by 2035, Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault claimed the Electric Vehicle Availability Standard will “encourage automakers” to phase out the gas-reliant vehicles.
The regulations will affect light-duty vehicles such as passenger cars, SUVs and light trucks.