The EV gap: Canadians want electric but can’t afford the switch
Leger, the Canadian market research and polling firm revealed the results of their survey on Canadians’ opinions of Chinese electric vehicles and Canada–U.S.–China trade dynamics. Using this study,
The national study took place between January 30 to February 2, 2026.
The good news is that Canadians are interested
70% of Canadians who were polled heard of the new agreement with China that will allow a limited number of Chinese electric vehicles to be sold in Canada at a lower tariff rate.
When asked if they support Canada’s decision to allow more Chinese electric vehicles into the market or not, 72% Canadians support it while only 12% oppose the decision.
67% feel it is not realistic that no new gas-powered vehicles will be sold by 2035. Only 37% of Canadians are concerned about Donald Trump’s threat to impose new tariffs on Canadian goods if Canada strengthens trade relations with China.
Cost concerns raised by Canadian consumers
Those polled expressed concerns about other out-of-pocket costs, like insurance and tires. The higher the cost of a vehicle, the higher the insurance premiums would be: EVs are generally more expensive than their gas-powered counterparts.
EVs are heavier than gas-powered cars so, they wear out tires much faster. Replacing those tires could soon cost even more, as ongoing Middle East conflicts are disrupting supply chains.
What the research does not show:
The barriers such as cost, and high insurance premiums are an opportunity for your forecourt. Consumers hesitation in buying an EV can be a chance to reinvent your business and re-imagine your forecourt.
The slow transition to electric vehicles is not a threat to your current gas station’s model. You can read the data on that survey two ways: Canada is slow to adopt, and those who do want to adopt will need more support.
Strategies to develop return customers
Bringing in new customers to your forecourt and developing return customers to your charging stations has another advantage:
Optimize customers’ dwell time as their charge their car with appealing hot food, or seasonal treats. Create package deals for charging stations and snacks: As the car charges up, clients can fuel up with healthy food choices.
Memberships for car washes or other services can create customer loyalty. Bundling offers like food, car wash, and charging is an option that creates incentive to return. Consider incentives like “buy [a predetermined] amount of car washes, get a free one on us!”
Consider offering insurance partnerships for repairs or replacements and loyalty programs for tires.
Whether you adopt EV charging stations now or make plans to install more of them in the future, there are opportunities beyond gas sales for your forecourt.
