Sales in electric vehicles are on the rise across the country, and major urban centres or cities are not the ones driving the trend.
A recent article published in The Globe and Mail identified Canada’s top ten electric vehicle hot spots, which includes eight census metropolitan areas (CMAs) in Quebec. The list ranks the CMAs by electric vehicle (EV) adoption rate, with Squamish, British Columbia in first position with 6.9 registered new zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) per 1,000 people, followed by Campbellton, Quebec (6.7), Saint-Hyacinthe (6.5), Vancouver (6.5), Cowansville (5.6), and Granby (5.4). Salaberry-de-Valleyfield sits in seventh position with 5.3 new ZEVs per 1,000 people, followed by Sherbrooke (5.2), Victoriaville (4.9), and Drummondville (4.8) to round out the top ten. The national rate remains much lower at 2.3 ZEVs per 1,000 people.
Jeff Turner, mobility director for Dunsky Energy and Climate Advisors, says he is not surprised to see Valleyfield among the top ten. He says areas that ring larger metropolitan cities tend to adopt electric vehicles at a faster rate. He says suburban and rural areas are well suited to ZEVs because proportionally more people own their own homes and are less likely to live in rental buildings or multi-unit buildings where access to parking can be a challenge. He says those not relying on public transit to commute to work are also more likely to benefit from owning an electric vehicle.
Electric vehicle adoption rates will only continue to rise, now that both the federal government and Quebec have announced a full ban on the sale of fuel-powered cars and light-duty trucks by 2035. Federal ZEV sales targets announced last December will require at least 20 per cent of new vehicles sold across the country to be zero emission by 2026, while Quebec has set a goal of 12.5 per cent by 2025. The province is also now offering rebates for the purchase of new and used vehicles, as well as rebates to install home charging systems and charging stations for multi-unit buildings.
The public charging network is also expected to expand significantly. Ottawa has announced plans to increase the number of federally funded chargers across the country to 85,000 by 2027, while provincial and municipal governments and private businesses are also investing in charging infrastructure. As of last July, there were just under 7,620 public chargers for the 151,687 electric vehicles on Quebec roads. A 2022 report by the International Council on Clean Transportation notes, however, that Quebec will require an eight-fold jump in the number of chargers to accommodate its targeted growth in EV sales, up to 45,800 level 2 chargers and 6,300 fast chargers.
Turner says that a major concern when it comes to EV adoption is whether car owners can “benefit from the convenience and affordability of charging at home.” Those who own their own home with a driveway have the necessary leeway to install a charging system. A level 2 charger connects to a 240-volt outlet and can fully charge a battery-powered EV or hybrid vehicle overnight.
Turner admits that range can still be an issue, but improvements to battery autonomy and the fact most people will be charging at home makes EV adoption in rural areas more feasible. “It used to be, can you get to where you need to go, and now it is more whether it is convenient to get where you need to go,” Turner suggests.
Growth in the market
Most recently, the diversification of ZEV or hybrid vehicle types available on the market has started to drive more interest, says Turner, who suggests the upfront costs of buying an EV have also become much more attainable “I have three models and I can’t get enough of them,” says Joey Robidoux, president of the C. J. Kyle Ltée dealership in Huntingdon. The current line of plug-in hybrid models available in Huntingdon includes the Chrysler Pacifica minivan, the Jeep Wrangler 4XE, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4XE; however, Robidoux says that by 2028, all models will be available in gas-powered, plug-in hybrid, or battery-electric options. He suggests a potentially popular model in this area will be the 2025 Dodge Ram REV pick-up truck. “We are getting a lot of requests,” says Robidoux, while admitting it is very hard to keep the electric models in stock on the lot.
“I am a big believer in hybrids,” he says, admitting he needs a bit more convincing on the electric models, citing the limited charging infrastructure in the area and the impacts of climate on the battery. “The new technology is getting better all the time,” he says, noting he is looking forward to the arrival of new models.
“Cars are a big part of our carbon footprint,” says Turner. “There is no transportation option that is not going to have an impact,” he adds, but shifting away from fossil fuels is a critical step. He suggests that a lack of familiarity and awareness around EVs likely results in hesitation when it comes to purchasing a new or used vehicle in rural areas. “People are less aware of how affordable EVs are to run,” he says, noting that while the financial savings are indeed nice, they are also a lot of fun to drive.
Earth Day Forum
Turner will be among the special guests invited to speak during the Earth Day Forum taking place on April 22 at the recreation centre in Ormstown from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. He will be talking about electric vehicles and their benefits and challenges. Other speakers include Salaberry-Suroît MP Claude DeBellefeuille, who will be presenting on citizen engagement, and organic farmer Ian Ward who will discuss farming and climate change. At least 18 social and environmental community organizations will be present, along with hands-on activities and a hot lunch prepared by the 1st Ormstown Scouts.