Consumers respond after federal ZEV rebates re-introduced

Zero-emission vehicle sales rose in several provinces in February following the mid-month introduction of federal incentives, while overall vehicle sales edged down year-over-year, according to a report from the DesRosiers Automotive Consultants.

Federal EV incentives, introduced February 16, had an immediate impact, with ZEV sales increasing by more than 50 per cent in multiple provinces, according to provincial data. However, the Canadian new light vehicle sales market declined 0.2 per cent to just under 122,000 units, with year-to-date sales down 1.5 per cent.

Quebec posted a 16.8 per cent increase compared to February 2025, when sales were lowered following a reduction in provincial incentives at the end of 2024.

Other provinces recorded declines, including Ontario (down 1.5 per cent), British Columbia (down 4.4 per cent), Alberta (down 8.6 per cent), Manitoba (down 11.9 per cent) and Prince Edward Island (down 18.1 per cent).

Nova Scotia also announced it will introduce an additional registration fee for ZEVs, adding to a growing list of provinces with similar measures, even as federal incentives aim to boost adoption.