Installing chargers deterring Canadian EV buyers

The cost of installing an electric vehicle charger is keeping many Canadians from purchasing EVs, especially as government grants for installation came to an end.

According to new data from Homestars.com, 55 per cent of Canadian residents believe the government needs to offer more grants and subsidies towards the cost of charger installation.

Support for these grants varies by age group, with 60 per cent of 18-34 year olds and 62 per cent of 35-54 year olds in favour, compared to only 46 per cent of those over 55. Geographically, Quebec shows the strongest support, with 56 per cent agreeing that the government should do more, followed by British Columbia and Ontario (both 55 per cent) and Alberta (51 per cent)

Electric vehicles have become increasingly popular in Canada, with the number of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles rising from 141,060 to 917,306 between 2019 and 2023. However, in January 2025, Canada’s zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) adoption rate fell by nearly 30 per cent.

Colleen McGrory from Homestars.com noted that EV charger installation can vary in complexity and can cost as much as $2,500 in some cases.

“EV charger installation can vary a large amount depending on the situation of the home and the state of the electrics,” she explained. “It can become quite expensive; therefore, the government grants to help this cost were very advantageous.”

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