What do Canadian EV drivers think

For a second time, CAA conducted the largest-ever survey of Canadian EV drivers.

We surveyed 16,041 Canadian EV drivers to understand their preferences and experiences with electric vehicles.

Scroll down to learn about the main findings of the fall 2024 study.

Ownership Satisfaction

thumbs up icon

87% of EV drivers are likely to buy again

When asked if EV owners would buy another EV in the future, 87% said they are likely to repurchase an electric vehicle.

 

Trophy Icon

Better fuel costs for EV Owners

More than 90% of EV owners said the cost of fueling their EV is much better, and 79% said the cost of maintenance is much better than their previous gas-powered vehicles. 

EV repurchase intent by region

Across the region, repurchase intent is high among all EV drivers. 

Driving Patterns among owners

41% of Canadians say they drive more kilometers each day than what a single charge would be able to power. In reality, EV drivers reported that most of their travel time was within 100km from their home, a distance significantly less than the average range of an EV, which is over 400km7. 

When asked, BEV drivers indicated that they travel an average of 398 kilometers per week, while PHEV drivers traveled approximately 322 kilometers. 

The majority of trips for both BEV and PHEV drivers are relatively short, typically staying within 10 kilometers of home. This pattern reflects the convenience of electric driving for routine commutes and local errands. 

Top concerns about owning an electric vehicle

Major concerns include battery range in extreme cold weather, charging locations and range anxiety.

Low satisfaction with public DC fast charging locations

Only 31% of EV drivers were completely satisfied with the availability of public DC fast charging locations.

Fast charging remains limited, especially in less urban provinces, posing a challenge for EV drivers in these areas.

Cost and frequency of replacing tires

A third of EV drivers indicated their gas vehicle requires less frequent tire changes and the replacements are cheaper. 

 

Problems with battery range in cold weather

67% said lower battery range in extreme cold weather has been a problem since owning an EV.

Want to learn more about EVs?

CAA’s EV Buyer's Guide has easy-to-understand information on the critical elements of EV ownership.
Get more information on cost and charging and use our EV finder to help find the right EV for your lifestyle.

Visit now

Charging Behaviour

In general, more than 80 percent of charging is done at home.

BEV:

When asked about their charging behaviours, 66% of BEV drivers say they primarily use Level 2 chargers at home.  

Fun fact: This is a 13% increase from 2022, highlighting the convenience and growing adoption of home charging solutions. 

PHEV:

46% of PHEV drivers primarily rely on Level 1 home charging, utilizing standard household outlets for their charging needs.

Interested in ownership costs?

Calculate the costs of owning a gas, hybrid, or electric vehicle with CAA’s Driving Costs calculator.

Calculate now

The "Home Charging" Challenge

(i. Percentage of ev drivers in each type of dwelling. A percentage of ev drivers that rent v.s own their home)

People who live in multi-unit dwellings (like apartments or condominiums) represent a much smaller percentage of EV adopters in Canada than those who live in single family homes.

Similarly, renters are much less likely to be EV drivers, compared to those who own their homes.

Multi-unit dwellings often have communal, open parking areas where it is difficult to reliably place electrical outlets (especially higher-power 208-240V outlets) or to hardwire chargers. Renters, on the other hand, often need landlord approval to install a charger, and many drivers are unwilling to pay to install a charger in a home they do not own.

 

Cost of owning an EV

Owners of both BEVs and PHEVs find the cost of owning an EV is well worth it.

electric vehicle icon

The cost of installing a home charging station

costs calculator icon

Cost of insurance

Cost of EV maintenance or repair

lightbulb icon

Home electricity cost from charging

Want to read more?

The full PlugShare report, including additional data tables and source information can be downloaded below.

Download Report