The Big Story Weekend listen: Is the electric vehicle still the vehicle of the future?
Jan 19, 2025
David Adams, President and CEO of Global Automakers of Canada, dives into the electric vehicle landscape in Canada. He discusses the challenges posed by depleted federal rebate funds and shifting incentives that impact consumer adoption. The conversation touches on potential tariffs from the U.S. and their effects on Canada's EV industry, alongside the complexities of cross-border automotive trade. With the 2035 zero-emission goal looming, Adams emphasizes the urgent need for government and industry collaboration to navigate this transformative period.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
EV Rebate Program Depletion
- The federal EV rebate program in Canada has run out of funds earlier than anticipated.
- Dealers and consumers were caught off guard by the sudden depletion, impacting EV sales.
Impact of EV Incentives
- Incentives significantly influence EV adoption, as seen in Ontario and Quebec.
- Removing incentives can lead to a sharp decline in EV sales, creating challenges for meeting mandates.
Unrealistic EV Mandates
- The Canadian government's EV mandates are unrealistic without sufficient buyer incentives and charging infrastructure.
- Automakers face difficult choices if consumer adoption doesn't meet expectations.