A recent survey by Pollution Probe reveals that Canadian electric vehicle (EV) owners are overwhelmingly satisfied with their EVs, with a striking 86 percent stating they would buy another EV in the future. This positive sentiment highlights the growing acceptance and enthusiasm for electric mobility across Canada. However, the survey also underscores the critical role that access to public charging plays in EV purchase decisions, with 74 percent of respondents citing it as a significant factor.
The survey, which gathered insights from over 2,000 EV owners across Canada, highlights the varying charging needs and experiences based on home charging access. Owners with home charging tend to use public DC fast chargers primarily for long trips, while those without home charging rely heavily on public Level 2 chargers for daily use. This disparity underscores the need for a robust and accessible public charging infrastructure to support all EV owners, particularly those living in multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs) where home charging installation can be challenging.
Regional differences in charging satisfaction were also evident, with Quebec leading the way in public charging availability. However, many EV owners across Canada reported challenges in finding available charging stations, often requiring them to take indirect routes. The survey also highlighted frustrations with inconsistent pricing and payment methods, with a significant portion of owners subscribed to multiple charging networks. Standardization of payment systems and a shift towards energy-based billing (kWh) were among the key recommendations to improve the charging experience.
To further support EV adoption, the report recommends increasing the deployment of DC fast chargers along major travel routes and expanding Level 2 charging options in urban areas. Incentivizing home charging installation in MURBs and implementing retrofit programs were also suggested to address the needs of residents without easy access to home charging. By addressing these charging infrastructure gaps and improving the overall charging experience, Canada can further accelerate its transition to electric mobility and ensure that EV ownership remains a positive and convenient experience for all.