Daily EV news · Canada · 24 July 2026

Zero emission vehicle sales in Canada fell in 2025 after federal and provincial subsidies ended, but have jumped in 2026 following two developments: a sharp rise in petrol prices linked to geopolitical disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, and the February 2026 introduction of the federal Electric Vehicle Affordability Program rebate scheme. Industry analysts had forecast weak sales for years, citing charging infrastructure, range and upfront cost as barriers.

Why it matters: The rebound underscores how fiscal incentives and fuel cost volatility can rapidly shift fleet and consumer procurement decisions. CPOs and site hosts may see accelerated demand if the EVAP rebate sustains higher plug in vehicle adoption across Canada.

Electric vehicle fast charging infrastructure in Canada is being deployed faster than driver demand can support, with chargers sitting idle 90% of the time according to the report. The mismatch is undermining the business case for building charging networks across many regions of the country, threatening further expansion plans.

Why it matters: Low utilisation rates directly impact CPO revenue models and investor confidence, potentially slowing the rollout of critical charging infrastructure needed to support Canada's EV transition targets. Procurement teams must balance network coverage ambitions with realistic demand forecasts to ensure project viability.