Half of British Columbians oppose provincial government’s zero-emission vehicle sales mandate
Half of British Columbians oppose the provincial government’s zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) sales mandate requiring 75% ZEV sales by 2035, according to a new Leger poll released today.
The survey identifies vehicle affordability (37%) and a lack of charging infrastructure (13%) as leading barriers to ZEV adoption in the province. One third (32%) of respondents were unaware that the provincial government had eliminated the CleanBC Go Electric vehicle purchase incentive. Three in five (60%) believe there is insufficient public charging infrastructure to support the government’s ZEV sales targets.
“The survey results confirm what we have been saying all along. B.C.’s electric vehicle mandate is out of step with the realities of charging infrastructure and consumer adoption”, said Tim Reuss, President and CEO of the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association (CADA). “Unless the government changes course, it will make the current affordability crisis worse for B.C. families and small businesses.”
“ZEV sales have stalled in B.C. amid persistent affordability challenges and concerns about access to charging infrastructure”, said Brian Kingston President & CEO of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association (CVMA). “This new polling highlights the disconnect between the province’s unworkable ZEV sales mandate and the realities facing consumers. Achieving higher ZEV adoption requires addressing these barriers, not mandating ZEV sales.”
“Automakers are bringing more electrified vehicles to the B.C. market than ever before and will continue to offer the vehicles that B.C. residents demand. But the province’s ZEV mandate serves only to increase costs, reduce choices for B.C. drivers, and is a significant interprovincial trade barrier at a time when tariffs are driving up costs and Canadians should be working together,” said Lucas Malinowski, President and CEO of Global Automakers of Canada (GAC). “The government of British Columbia should instead focus on supporting demand for electrified vehicles and removing the barriers to their adoption.”
The survey, conducted by Leger for the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association, Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association and Global Automakers of Canada, offers insights into British Columbian’s attitudes towards electrification. Leger conducted an online survey of 1,000 B.C. residents aged 18+ between October 9-11, 2026, using their online panel, LEO. Leger’s online panel has approximately 500,000 members nationally and has a retention rate of 90 per cent. A probability sample of the same size would yield a margin of error of +/- 3.1 per cent, 19 times out of 20.
The Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association (CVMA) – cvma.ca
The Global Automakers of Canada (GAC) – globalautomakers.ca
The Canadian Automobile Dealers Association (CADA) – cada.ca
For more information, please contact:
Sajjid Lakhani Lucas Malinowski CVMA
Sajjid@impactcanada.com lmalinowski@globalautomakers.ca info@cvma.ca
Cell:778-387-4647 cell:416-804-1947 Tel:416-364-9333
About the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association
The Canadian Automobile Dealers Association (CADA) is the national association representing new car and truck dealers. Our 3,200 members are represented in nearly every community and collectively employ 178,000 people across the country.
About the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association
The Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association is the industry association that has represented Canada’s leading manufacturers of light and heavy-duty motor vehicles for more than 90 years. Its membership includes Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited, General Motors of Canada Company, and Stellantis (FCA Canada Inc.). Collectively its members operate 5 vehicle assembly plants as well as engine and components plants and have over 1,300 dealerships. 136,000 jobs are directly tied to vehicle assembly in Canada. Direct and indirect jobs associated with vehicle manufacturing are estimated at over 792,000 across Canada.
About the Global Automakers of Canada:
Global Automakers (GAC) is the national industry association representing the Canadian interests of 16 of the world’s most respected automakers. The GAC advocates for sound public policy to support a competitive and sustainable automotive market in Canada. Our members are committed to meeting the mobility needs of Canadians by providing greater consumer choice, offering leading edge safety and environmental technologies and eliminating unnecessary regulatory and trade barriers.