Electric vehicle drivers in Canada are feeling more confident about maintaining their cars — but many still head straight to the dealership when something needs fixing.
That’s one of the key takeaways from new research by the Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA Canada), which surveyed more than 2,200 Canadian vehicle owners to better understand how EV drivers approach maintenance and repair. The study broke down behaviours, attitudes and preferences among EV, hybrid and non-EV owners.
As EV adoption grows, the aftermarket is watching closely. The report found that 6 per cent of Canadian households now own a fully electric vehicle, while 9 per cent own a hybrid. And they drive more than their ICE vehicle peers — 20,564 km per year compared to 18,431 for non-EVs. Hybrid drivers reported 18,700 km on the odometer every year.
When it comes to maintenance, EV owners are more likely to say they stay on top of everything (69 per cent) compared to hybrid (62 per cent) and non-EV owners (60 per cent). They’re also more likely to describe maintenance as “very easy” — with 94 per cent saying so, versus 60 per cent of non-EV owners.
But despite this confidence, many EV owners still prefer dealerships with 54 per cent saying they always go to the dealership for service, compared to just 49 per cent of non-EV owners. Only 8 per cent of EV drivers said they never go to a dealership.
Why the loyalty? Perceptions around technical expertise play a big role. Nearly three-quarters of EV owners (73 per cent) believe dealership technicians are better trained than those at an independent ASP. And 41 per cent worry that taking their EV to an ASP could void their warranty.
Still, there’s room for the aftermarket to grow. Three in five EV owners (59 per cent) said ASPs offer better value for money than dealerships. And awareness of local ASPs that service EVs remains low — just 31 per cent of EV owners who always go to dealerships knew of one nearby.
The report is available for free to AIA Canada members and $199 for non-members.
Image credit: Depositphotos.com
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Comments
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Concerning where EV drivers go for service.
Reality check most independent that we know don’t want to work on EV vehicles anyway.
I was looking into space, tools & all that would be required to getting into servicing them & feel no way would we make our money back on getting involved in this area of service.
I did notice magazines & advertising for jobbers like Napa & AARO & courses being run are pushing hard for EV everything.
But I just don’t see the demand.
Besides take a drive in say Ottawa. Expanding many of these shops in footage is impossible. There is no where to expand them to.
The parking lots are barely big enough for customers vehicles.
I could be wrong but any research I have done leads to a dead end & loss of money by getting involved in EV .
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