Victoria, British Columbia — British Columbians are concerned with the provincial government’s regulation requiring 100 percent zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) sales by 2035, according to a new poll facilitated by Leger.

Leger’s survey data found that half of respondents from B.C. oppose the provincial government’s plan to require 90 percent ZEV sales by 2030 and 100 percent sales by 2035. Four-in-ten respondents would also not consider a ZEV for their next vehicle purchase, citing concerns with price, a lack of charging infrastructure and vehicle ranges.

The survey, conducted for the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association, Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers Association and Global Automakers of Canada, was based on an online survey of 1,002 B.C. residents completed between September 27 to 29, 2024.

Additionally, seven-in-ten respondents were not aware that automotive manufacturers may not be able to provide consumers a gasoline powered vehicle until enough ZEVs are sold or they face a penalty; and, almost six-in-ten believe there will not be enough reliable and affordable electricity available in B.C. to support the government’s ZEV sales regulation targets.

Huw Williams, national spokesperson for the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association commented that “the drastic B.C. electric vehicle mandate is not supported by the public or common sense. The risk of forcing the 100 percent transitions to ZEVs too fast and too soon is that consumers will simply hang on to old higher emitting vehicles while costs and affordability will spiral out of control.”

Furthermore, Brian Kingston, president and CEO of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association commented that “the provincial government has the most aggressive electric vehicle sales regulations in North America. The sales targets are not achievable based on current market conditions and the support available to consumers. The results of the regulation will be less vehicle choice and higher prices for British Columbians.”

Finally, David Adams, president and CEO of Global Automakers of Canada commented that “whether it is moving to zero emission vehicles or transitioning other elements of society away from fossil fuels, 57 percent of British Columbians are concerned about the availability, reliability and cost of electricity according to the survey results. Such concerns, in turn, led only 20 percent of those same respondents to strongly consider an electric car for their next vehicle purchase. These results are disconcerting.”