Flourishing sales of electric vehicles amid lingering uncertainties
Zapping Back: Quebec's Electric Car Sales Picking Up
After a rocky start to the year, electric vehicle (EV) sales are making a comeback in Quebec. The revival can be attributed to the relaunch of the Roulez vert program and despite the uncertainty brought about by U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff threats.
Martin Lefrançois, a newly retired gentleman, was among the crowd at the Montreal Electric Vehicle Show (SVEM) on Friday. He was test-driving different brands and firing questions at employees, as he wanted to make an informed decision about his next purchase. "It's a significant investment, so I don't want to make a mistake," he admitted.
Many Quebecers, like Martin, had put their plans to buy an electric car on hold when Roulez vert was suspended in February. The program, which offers incentives of up to $4,000 to support the purchase of new and used electric vehicles, resumed on April 1.
"It was a tough beginning to the year. Sales are down 46% compared to the first quarter of last year," lamented Ian P. Sam Yue Chi, CEO of the Corporation of Automobile Dealers of Quebec (CCAQ). Despite these challenging numbers, the relaunch of Roulez vert has revived consumer interest in EVs, as several dealers recently confirmed the recovery in sales.
Amélie Chevanel, associate general manager at Kia Ville-Marie, shared, "In April, 40% of my sales were related to electric and hybrid vehicles. That was just 5% at the beginning of the year, when the subsidies were put on hold."
However, dealers are cautious about the future as Trump's stance on the automotive sector is unpredictable. "Tariffs, no tariffs, tariffs, but with exemptions—we're completely lost," confessed Mr. Sam Yue Chi. "It creates a climate of uncertainty, and Quebecers are debating whether they should buy now or wait a few months."
Some consumers, like Martin, plan to steer clear of American brands and, if possible, vehicles made in North America. Line Prévost, who was gathering information at the SVEM with the intention of buying a plug-in hybrid car, took a more philosophical approach. "We can't let Donald Trump guide our lives when he changes his mind all the time," she noted, alluding to the fact that Canadian auto parts will ultimately be exempt from the proposed 25% tariffs.
The CCAQ anticipates a slowdown in electric vehicle sales this year. Its CEO fears that Quebec's target of having 2 million zero-emission vehicles on the roads by 2030 may be unattainable. He's actively discussing potential adjustments to the target with the government.
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In other news, the SVEM is open until Sunday and is being held at the Stade IGA due to renovation work at the Olympic Stadium. The event exhibits 15 automobile brands and electric bicycles. To learn more about the 8th edition of SVEM, keep reading.
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Remember, the U.S.-Canada automotive sector is highly interconnected, and trade tensions could have indirect impacts on Quebec's production stability and export-related investments. However, provincial incentives like Quebec's Roulez vert program played a significant role in reviving electric vehicle sales, as mentioned earlier.
- The Quebec automotive industry is experiencing a resurgence in electric vehicle sales, driven in part by the relaunch of the Roulez vert program.
- Martin Lefrançois, a recent retiree, test-drove various electric car brands at the Montreal Electric Vehicle Show (SVEM), seeking to make an informed purchase.
- Many Quebecers, including Martin, had delayed their electric vehicle purchases when the Roulez vert program was suspended in February, but it resumed on April 1.
- Dealers have reported a recovery in EV sales since the Roulez vert program resumed, with some recording a 40% increase in EV-related sales in April compared to January.
- however, dealers remain apprehensive about the future due to unpredictable tariffs from the Trump administration.
- Some consumers, such as Line Prévost, are considering purchasing cars from brands other than American ones to avoid potential tariffs.
- The Corporation of Automobile Dealers of Quebec (CCAQ) expects a slowdown in electric vehicle sales this year and questions whether Quebec's goal of having 2 million zero-emission vehicles on the road by 2030 is achievable.
- The 8th edition of SVEM is currently being held at the Stade IGA, featuring 15 automobile brands and electric bicycles.
- The ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada could have indirect effects on Quebec's production stability and export-related investments in the automotive sector.
