A new Clean Energy Canada survey shows strong support for opening up Canada’s vehicle market and easing tariffs on EVs

The majority of Canadians want a more open vehicle market and support changes to improve electric vehicle affordability, finds a new national survey conducted by Abacus Data for Clean Energy Canada

The survey results come amid growing debate over Canada’s 100 per cent tariff on Chinese EVs. While the federal government argues the move protects domestic auto manufacturing, only 19 per cent of Canadians support the steep tariff.

In contrast, 53 per cent say they would prefer a more balanced approach that protects industry while improving affordability, similar to Europe’s trade strategy. Another 29 per cent support eliminating the tariff altogether to avoid potential trade retaliation and bring down EV prices.

Support for the 100 per cent tariff is also weak across political lines, with backing ranging from just 15 per cent among NDP voters to 23 per cent among Conservatives.

Accessing more brands, models

In addition to tariff concerns, 70 per cent of Canadians support allowing the sale of any vehicle that has passed safety and environmental standards in Europe. A move like this would open the market to more brands, including smaller, more affordable EVs not currently available in Canada.

Just 10 per cent oppose the idea.

Other regulatory issues were also put to the 2,585 Canadians who responded to the survey from June 2 to 5, 2025.

When asked about tailpipe emission standards (which require automakers to improve fuel efficiency year over year) 58 per cent agreed that Canada should uphold these standards, while 18 per cent do not.

In the U.S., the American tailpipe emission standard was put in place by the former Biden administration. The current Trump administration is in the process of weakening it.

Sticker shock barrier

While support for EVs remains strong, interest has declined since 2022.

Today, 45 per cent of Canadians say they are likely to choose an EV as their next vehicle, representing a 13-point drop from 2022. However, enthusiasm remains high in Quebec (55 per cent) and British Columbia (53 per cent), and especially among younger Canadians aged 18–29 (57 per cent) and 30-44 (52 per cent).

Urban areas show even greater interest. In another survey conducted between November 2024 and January 2025 (also by Abacus Data on behalf of Clean Energy Canada) 69 per cent of Metro Vancouver residents said they would prefer buying an EV.

Meanwhile, 55 per cent of respondents in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area agreed. That number rose to 62 per cent when respondents were shown EV facts and benefits. The survey notes that this “suggests a degree of persuadability.”

“The question for governments should not be whether Canadians want to go electric,” says Trevor Melanson, director of communications for Clean Energy Canada, in a press statement.

“The question is how do we lower the barriers preventing them from doing so. And the biggest barrier, by far, is sticker price. The world has high-quality, lower-cost electric cars, and it’s clear that Canadians would like to get their hands on them.”