Less than a third of Canadians support the federal ZEV mandate, according to a November 2025 poll.
Affordability and charging access remain leading barriers to zero-emissions vehicle adoption in Canada.
ZEV sales fell 43% year-over-year in September, accounting for just over 10% of total sales.
Less than one-third of Canadians support the federal government’s zero-emissions vehicle (ZEV) sales mandate, according to a new public opinion survey conducted in late November. The poll, conducted by Leger for three national automotive organizations, found that only 31% of respondents support the mandate, while 46% want it removed or relaxed.
The mandate, officially named the Electric Vehicle Availability Standard, requires that ZEVs represent at least 20% of new light-duty vehicle sales by 2026. The targets increase to 60% in 2030 and reach 100% by 2035. ZEVs are defined as plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), battery electric vehicles (BEVs), and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs).
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Affordability, limited driving ranges, and a lack of charging infrastructure were identified as the primary barriers to ZEV adoption. Only 11% of respondents cited limited availability of ZEVs at dealerships as a major obstacle. The findings mirror those of a similar 2021 survey, suggesting limited progress in addressing consumer concerns.
ZEVs accounted for 10.2% of total new vehicle sales in Canada in September 2025. That figure reflects a 43.3% decrease compared to the same month in 2024.
The survey was commissioned by the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association (CVMA), Global Automakers of Canada (GAC), and the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association (CADA). It was based on an online sample of more than 1,500 Canadians conducted between November 21 and 24.
Industry representatives have criticized the federal mandate, citing a disconnect between policy and market readiness. “Canadians want support to transition to electric vehicles, not unrealistic government mandates that can’t be met,” said Brian Kingston, President and CEO of the CVMA.
David Adams, President and CEO of GAC, said the group supports a national decarbonization strategy that is “driven by consumer demand.”
