Latest news with #iZEV
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Tesla registrations down 90 per cent in Quebec in 1st quarter of 2025
Quebec EV buyers' relationship with Tesla is showing signs of souring as sales in the province plummeted in the first quarter of 2025. Only 524 Teslas were registered in Quebec between Jan. 1 and March 31, according to Quebec's auto insurance board, the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec. That's a 90 per cent drop from the previous quarter when 5,097 of the electric automaker's cars were registered in the province, as first reported by Le Devoir. The data, also obtained by CBC News, shows that Tesla registrations in Quebec — Canada's largest EV market, including for Tesla — rose 30 per cent from 2023 to 2024 before nosediving in early 2025. And though CEO Elon Musk and his involvement in the Trump administration has "absolutely" had an impact on sales, says Daniel Breton, president of Electric Mobility Canada, the reasons go beyond a general dislike of the EV company's founder, with tariffs and rebate cutbacks likely contributing to the decline. The federal EV rebate program Incentives for Zero-Emission Vehicles (iZEV) ended March 31, and Quebec's program was paused between Feb. 1 and April 1. Quebec-based EV buyers used to be able to stack the rebates, benefitting from as much as $12,000 off the cost of a new vehicle. "Some dealers told me that … basically the message was, well, wait until April," said Breton, whose group is focused on advocacy for electric transportation. "Because the [provincial] rebate was about to come back." Breton believes more fulsome data for the same time period will show that Tesla isn't the only EV maker to take a hit in Quebec's market. According to preliminary S&P Global data, electric vehicle registrations in Quebec declined 65 per cent. Also hurting sales could be the 25 per cent tariff on U.S.-made EVs, including Tesla, Rivian and Lucid cars, imposed by the federal government in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's levies. "Now that the [Quebec] rebate is back, we'll see what happens with the sales of EVs in general and Tesla in particular," said Breton, who has owned a Model 3 Tesla for four years. "I'm really disappointed in what Elon Musk has been doing for the past year or two. So I hope that they find a way to resolve this," he said. "To me, Elon Musk is really hurting the brand." The combined effect of Musk's politics and tariffs have been felt outside of Quebec, with Tesla sales dropping 49 per cent year-over-year, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association. WATCH | Tesla and Canadian politics: In addition to working for the Trump administration, which has repeatedly threatened Canadian sovereignty and imposed damaging tariffs that have upended financial markets, Musk has made dismissive comments about Canada, including saying on X — the social media platform he owns — that it is "not a real country." He has also faced significant criticism for amplifying and endorsing racist and antisemitic conspiracy theories on X and made a gesture at Trump's inauguration many interpreted as a Nazi salute. And Tesla is also under investigation in Canada after the company claimed to have sold 8,653 vehicles in the last three days of the federal rebate program, which would have amounted to $43 million in rebate claims. That questionable number raised suspicions, leading to the probe by the federal government. Despite some of the current concerns, Anne Picard, a Tesla Model Y owner from Dorval, Que., has owned two Teslas for eight years — and says she wouldn't buy anything else. "I don't have enough trust in [other companies] to give the same level of reliability," she said. She said anyone who can should buy an electric vehicle and believes EV consumers should separate their political convictions from their consumer decisions. "The electric vehicle wouldn't be what it is today if it weren't for Elon Musk," said Picard, who works in IT project management, after parking her Tesla at Montreal's Jean Talon Market. Philippe Bergeron Bélanger, who was charging his electric Audi Q4 in Montreal's Plateau neighbourhood Thursday, said he, too, tries to "leave politics out of my choices," but he won't be replacing his car with a Tesla when its lease is up in a year and a half. Chinese EVs once provided an affordable alternative, Bergeron Bélanger noted, but not since Canada slapped more than 100 per cent tariffs on those cars. "I don't feel like having an awkward debate at family dinners or with friends. Otherwise, [Tesla] probably would have been in my top three," said Bergeron Bélanger, who is a managing partner at an investment firm and says he doesn't agree with Musk's actions but is making the choice more based on how polarizing owning the car itself has become. Picard, on the other hand, believes that will blow over soon — if it hasn't already. "C'est un feu de paille," she said, using a French expression that translates to "straw fire" and is the equivalent of "a flash in the pan." Breton says there's no way to know right now whether the Musk backlash will have lasting effects, saying the next quarter will start to paint a fuller picture.
CBC
6 days ago
- Automotive
- CBC
Tesla registrations down 90 per cent in Quebec in 1st quarter of 2025
Social Sharing Quebec EV buyers' relationship with Tesla is showing signs of souring as sales in the province plummeted in the first quarter of 2025. Only 524 Teslas were registered in Quebec between Jan. 1 and March 31, according to Quebec's auto insurance board, the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec. That's a 90 per cent drop from the previous quarter when 5,097 of the electric automaker's cars were registered in the province, as first reported by Le Devoir. The data, also obtained by CBC News, shows that Tesla registrations in Quebec — Canada's largest EV market, including for Tesla — rose 30 per cent from 2023 to 2024 before nosediving in early 2025. And though CEO Elon Musk and his involvement in the Trump administration has "absolutely" had an impact on sales, says Daniel Breton, president of Electric Mobility Canada, the reasons go beyond a general dislike of the EV company's founder, with tariffs and rebate cutbacks likely contributing to the decline. The federal EV rebate program Incentives for Zero-Emission Vehicles (iZEV) ended March 31, and Quebec's program was paused between Feb. 1 and April 1. Quebec-based EV buyers used to be able to stack the rebates, benefitting from as much as $12,000 off the cost of a new vehicle. "Some dealers told me that … basically the message was, well, wait until April," said Breton, whose group is focused on advocacy for electric transportation. "Because the [provincial] rebate was about to come back." Breton believes more fulsome data for the same time period will show that Tesla isn't the only EV maker to take a hit in Quebec's market. According to preliminary S&P Global data, electric vehicle registrations in Quebec declined 65 per cent. Also hurting sales could be the 25 per cent tariff on U.S.-made EVs, including Tesla, Rivian and Lucid cars, imposed by the federal government in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's levies. "Now that the [Quebec] rebate is back, we'll see what happens with the sales of EVs in general and Tesla in particular," said Breton, who has owned a Model 3 Tesla for four years. "I'm really disappointed in what Elon Musk has been doing for the past year or two. So I hope that they find a way to resolve this," he said. "To me, Elon Musk is really hurting the brand." The combined effect of Musk's politics and tariffs have been felt outside of Quebec, with Tesla sales dropping 49 per cent year-over-year, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association. WATCH | Tesla and Canadian politics: Tesla caught in political controversy amid U.S. imposed tariffs on Canadian imports 2 months ago Duration 3:40 This week, the Vancouver International Auto Show removed U.S. electric carmaker Tesla from its event following reports of vandalism and protests at Tesla dealerships in B.C. and across Canada. Sean Thompson, the co-owner of Factor E, a Canadian company that repairs electric vehicles and has recently started buying and selling Teslas, says business has been rough. In addition to working for the Trump administration, which has repeatedly threatened Canadian sovereignty and imposed damaging tariffs that have upended financial markets, Musk has made dismissive comments about Canada, including saying on X — the social media platform he owns — that it is "not a real country." He has also faced significant criticism for amplifying and endorsing racist and antisemitic conspiracy theories on X and made a gesture at Trump's inauguration many interpreted as a Nazi salute. And Tesla is also under investigation in Canada after the company claimed to have sold 8,653 vehicles in the last three days of the federal rebate program, which would have amounted to $43 million in rebate claims. That questionable number raised suspicions, leading to the probe by the federal government. Despite some of the current concerns, Anne Picard, a Tesla Model Y owner from Dorval, Que., has owned two Teslas for eight years — and says she wouldn't buy anything else. "I don't have enough trust in [other companies] to give the same level of reliability," she said. She said anyone who can should buy an electric vehicle and believes EV consumers should separate their political convictions from their consumer decisions. "The electric vehicle wouldn't be what it is today if it weren't for Elon Musk," said Picard, who works in IT project management, after parking her Tesla at Montreal's Jean Talon Market. Philippe Bergeron Bélanger, who was charging his electric Audi Q4 in Montreal's Plateau neighbourhood Thursday, said he, too, tries to "leave politics out of my choices," but he won't be replacing his car with a Tesla when its lease is up in a year and a half. Chinese EVs once provided an affordable alternative, Bergeron Bélanger noted, but not since Canada slapped more than 100 per cent tariffs on those cars. "I don't feel like having an awkward debate at family dinners or with friends. Otherwise, [Tesla] probably would have been in my top three," said Bergeron Bélanger, who is a managing partner at an investment firm and says he doesn't agree with Musk's actions but is making the choice more based on how polarizing owning the car itself has become. Picard, on the other hand, believes that will blow over soon — if it hasn't already. " C'est un feu de paille," she said, using a French expression that translates to "straw fire" and is the equivalent of "a flash in the pan."
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
EV Purchase Consideration Holds Steady in Canada but Brand Preferences Shift Significantly, J.D. Power Finds
Vehicle Shoppers in Canada Less Than Half as Likely to Consider an EV Than U.S. Shoppers TORONTO, May 29, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The percentage of new-vehicle shoppers in Canada who say they are "very likely" or "somewhat likely" to consider an electric vehicle (EV) for their next purchase has held steady at 28% year over year, down a single percentage point from 2024, even as the country's Incentives for Zero Emissions Vehicles (iZEV) rebate program has been paused, according to the J.D. Power 2025 Canada Electric Vehicle Consideration (EVC) Study,SM released today. However, the overall stability in consideration hides some significant shifts in underlying market dynamics. Nearly half (42%) of new-vehicle shoppers who overall say they are likely to consider an EV, also say that the pause in the $5,000 per vehicle incentive program would negatively affect their likelihood to shop for an EV. What's more, in the province of Quebec where EV incentives were temporarily paused in February and March 2025, consideration declined 8 percentage points while increasing 2 percentage points in the rest of Canada. Additionally, there has been a significant shakeup in the lineup of the most frequently considered EV brands. "Despite a great deal of volatility in the EV marketplace, overall consumer interest in EVs at a topline level is largely unchanged this year," said J.D. Ney, director of the automotive practice at J.D. Power Canada. "What is noteworthy, though, is the reaction to the incentive landscape, and perhaps more importantly for manufacturers, the shift in consumer interest toward traditional brands. Hyundai, Kia, Toyota, Ford and Chevrolet are now the top five most-considered brands among new-vehicle shoppers who say they are 'very likely' or 'somewhat likely' to consider an EV. Tesla, which had been among the top two EV brands considered in the study for the past four years, has fallen to eighth place among likely EV shoppers—down 16 percentage points year over year—while among all other brands combined the average gain is half a percentage point." Following are key findings of the 2025 study: EV consideration steady, but still less than half that of U.S. market: The percentage of new-vehicle shoppers in Canada who say they are "very likely" or "somewhat likely" to consider an EV for their next vehicle purchase is 28%, which is down from 29% a year ago and down from 34% in 2023. In the United States,1 by contrast, the number of shoppers who say they are either "very likely" or "somewhat likely" to consider an EV is 59% this year, unchanged from 2024. Shuffle in the ranks of most-considered EV brands: The top five most-considered EV brands among likely EV buyers in this year's study are Hyundai, Kia, Toyota, Ford and Chevrolet. Tesla falls six positions to eighth place among those who say they are "very likely" or "somewhat likely" to consider an EV. iZEV program pause weighs on significant number of EV shoppers: When asked whether the iZEV program—which offered a $5,000 rebate on the purchase of an EV and which was indefinitely paused in January—has affected their EV purchase consideration, 42% of new-vehicle shoppers who were likely to consider an EV say it had a negative effect on their decision, while 28% said the pause was more or less neutral in terms of the effect on their decision. Widespread pessimism that Canada will meet 2035 vehicle emissions target: The Canadian government committed to achieve 100% zero-emission vehicle sales by 2035 for all new light-duty vehicles. The majority (75%) of new-vehicle shoppers say they are "not at all confident" or "not very confident" that the target will be achieved. The Canada Electric Vehicle Consideration (EVC) Study is an annual industry benchmark for gauging EV shopper consideration. Study content includes overall EV consideration by geography; demographics; vehicle experience and use; lifestyle; and psychographics. It also includes model-level consideration details such as cross-shopping and "why buy" findings and analysis of reasons for EV rejection. This year's study measured responses from 3,979 new-vehicle shoppers and was fielded in March-April 2025. For more information about the Canada Electric Vehicle Consideration (EVC) Study, visit See the online press release at About J.D. Power J.D. Power is a global leader in consumer insights, advisory services and data and analytics. A pioneer in the use of big data, artificial intelligence (AI) and algorithmic modelling capabilities to understand consumer behaviour, J.D. Power has been delivering incisive industry intelligence on customer interactions with brands and products for more than 50 years. The world's leading businesses across major industries rely on J.D. Power to guide their customer-facing strategies. J.D. Power has offices in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. To learn more about the company's business offerings, visit About J.D. Power and Advertising/Promotional Rules: ____________________ 1 J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Electric Vehicle Consideration (EVC) StudySM View source version on Contacts Media Relations ContactsGal Wilder, NATIONAL PR; 416-602-4092; gwilder@ Geno Effler, J.D. Power; West Coast; 714-621-6224;
Business Wire
29-05-2025
- Automotive
- Business Wire
EV Purchase Consideration Holds Steady in Canada but Brand Preferences Shift Significantly, J.D. Power Finds
TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The percentage of new-vehicle shoppers in Canada who say they are 'very likely' or 'somewhat likely' to consider an electric vehicle (EV) for their next purchase has held steady at 28% year over year, down a single percentage point from 2024, even as the country's Incentives for Zero Emissions Vehicles (iZEV) rebate program has been paused, according to the J.D. Power 2025 Canada Electric Vehicle Consideration (EVC) Study, SM released today. However, the overall stability in consideration hides some significant shifts in underlying market dynamics. Nearly half (42%) of new-vehicle shoppers who overall say they are likely to consider an EV, also say that the pause in the $5,000 per vehicle incentive program would negatively affect their likelihood to shop for an EV. What's more, in the province of Quebec where EV incentives were temporarily paused in February and March 2025, consideration declined 8 percentage points while increasing 2 percentage points in the rest of Canada. Additionally, there has been a significant shakeup in the lineup of the most frequently considered EV brands. 'Despite a great deal of volatility in the EV marketplace, overall consumer interest in EVs at a topline level is largely unchanged this year,' said J.D. Ney, director of the automotive practice at J.D. Power Canada. "What is noteworthy, though, is the reaction to the incentive landscape, and perhaps more importantly for manufacturers, the shift in consumer interest toward traditional brands. Hyundai, Kia, Toyota, Ford and Chevrolet are now the top five most-considered brands among new-vehicle shoppers who say they are 'very likely' or 'somewhat likely' to consider an EV. Tesla, which had been among the top two EV brands considered in the study for the past four years, has fallen to eighth place among likely EV shoppers—down 16 percentage points year over year—while among all other brands combined the average gain is half a percentage point.' Following are key findings of the 2025 study: EV consideration steady, but still less than half that of U.S. market: The percentage of new-vehicle shoppers in Canada who say they are 'very likely' or 'somewhat likely' to consider an EV for their next vehicle purchase is 28%, which is down from 29% a year ago and down from 34% in 2023. In the United States, 1 by contrast, the number of shoppers who say they are either 'very likely' or 'somewhat likely' to consider an EV is 59% this year, unchanged from 2024. Shuffle in the ranks of most-considered EV brands: The top five most-considered EV brands among likely EV buyers in this year's study are Hyundai, Kia, Toyota, Ford and Chevrolet. Tesla falls six positions to eighth place among those who say they are 'very likely' or 'somewhat likely' to consider an EV. iZEV program pause weighs on significant number of EV shoppers: When asked whether the iZEV program—which offered a $5,000 rebate on the purchase of an EV and which was indefinitely paused in January—has affected their EV purchase consideration, 42% of new-vehicle shoppers who were likely to consider an EV say it had a negative effect on their decision, while 28% said the pause was more or less neutral in terms of the effect on their decision. Widespread pessimism that Canada will meet 2035 vehicle emissions target: The Canadian government committed to achieve 100% zero-emission vehicle sales by 2035 for all new light-duty vehicles. The majority (75%) of new-vehicle shoppers say they are 'not at all confident' or 'not very confident' that the target will be achieved. The Canada Electric Vehicle Consideration (EVC) Study is an annual industry benchmark for gauging EV shopper consideration. Study content includes overall EV consideration by geography; demographics; vehicle experience and use; lifestyle; and psychographics. It also includes model-level consideration details such as cross-shopping and 'why buy' findings and analysis of reasons for EV rejection. This year's study measured responses from 3,979 new-vehicle shoppers and was fielded in March-April 2025. For more information about the Canada Electric Vehicle Consideration (EVC) Study, visit See the online press release at About J.D. Power J.D. Power is a global leader in consumer insights, advisory services and data and analytics. A pioneer in the use of big data, artificial intelligence (AI) and algorithmic modelling capabilities to understand consumer behaviour, J.D. Power has been delivering incisive industry intelligence on customer interactions with brands and products for more than 50 years. The world's leading businesses across major industries rely on J.D. Power to guide their customer-facing strategies. J.D. Power has offices in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. To learn more about the company's business offerings, visit
National Post
27-05-2025
- Business
- National Post
With Fading Rebates, EVs like VinFast's VF 8 Offer Rare Value in 2025
Article content MARHAM, Ontario — With the federal EV rebate now ended and Quebec still offering up to $4,000 in 2025, Canadians eyeing electric vehicles—like the VinFast VF 8—face a narrowing but still lucrative window of opportunity as provincial incentives tighten and the market shifts toward long-term policy. Article content Article content The federal iZEV Program, which once offered up to $5,000 in rebates for qualifying zero-emission vehicles, has recently ended after its successful run. Several provinces maintain their own incentives – Quebec provides up to $4,000 in rebates in 2025, which can significantly reduce the purchase price of a new EV. Article content These programs are evolving as the EV market matures. Provincial rebates are being adjusted yearly, with some scheduled to decrease through 2027. This follows a global pattern where EV support is transitioning from early adoption incentives to more sustainable long-term policies. Germany adjusted its subsidies in 2023, while the UK has shifted its focus to expanding charging infrastructure. Article content A recent AutoTrader survey reveals that 68% of potential EV buyers consider government incentives in their purchase decision 1. As these incentives shift, consumers may need to adapt their strategies, particularly in provinces with generous but changing rebate structures. Article content The same AutoTrader survey shows 42% of Canadians are considering an electric vehicle for their next purchase. While this represents a slight adjustment from previous years, it signals a maturing market moving beyond early adopters. Article content Price parity remains a consideration. AutoTrader's research shows EVs typically cost 15-20% more than comparable gas-powered models upfront. In provinces with robust incentives like Quebec, these financial supports help bridge this gap while the industry continues to advance toward natural price competitiveness. Even in provinces without substantial rebates, the long-term ownership economics are improving as charging infrastructure expands. Article content For Canadians across the country, particularly in Quebec where provincial rebates remain among the strongest, the current incentive landscape creates a favorable window for EV purchases. With potential savings of several thousand dollars depending on location, the financial advantages in 2025 are substantial for eligible vehicles. Article content The current incentive landscape creates varying opportunities across different provinces. In Quebec, where the VF 8 qualifies for CAD$4,000 provincial rebates 2, buyers have a particularly strong financial case. And the timing remains an important factor. A Quebec family buying in 2025 could benefit from current rebate levels that may be adjusted in coming years. These savings can be significant – potentially equal to several monthly car payments. Article content The VF 8 from VinFast, Vietnam's best-selling car manufacturer last year, is an affordable premium midsize crossover designed to meet the needs of today's EV buyers. It offers 349-402 hp of power, depending on the configuration, and comes standard with all-wheel drive, making it well-suited for challenging winter conditions across Canada. Article content With a range of 380-412 kilometers, the VF 8 addresses common concerns about distance, while its fast-charging capability allows the battery to go from 10% to 70% in about 31 minutes at compatible stations. Article content Advanced safety and driver assistance features come standard, including lane keeping, collision avoidance, adaptive cruise control, and 11 airbags positioned strategically to provide protection to everybody onboard. Article content The VF 8 also offers long-term peace of mind with a vehicle warranty that extends up to 10 years or 200,000 kilometers. Altogether, it represents exceptional value and showcases how EVs have evolved to meet Canadian expectations. Article content For Canadians considering an electric vehicle, 2025 represents a favorable alignment of factors: technology has matured, range capabilities meet most driving needs, charging infrastructure continues to expand, and provincial incentives remain available in key markets like Quebec and British Columbia. Article content Beyond 2025, the EV landscape will continue to improve with more models, better technology, and expanding infrastructure nationwide. While provincial incentive structures may evolve, particularly in Quebec where they are currently most generous, the overall trajectory toward electric mobility remains strong. Those considering the switch to electric will find regional advantages in 2025, with Quebec currently offering the most favorable combination of incentives and technology readiness that makes the transition both practical and economical. Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content
