Toronto, Ontario -- In this week’s EV/AV report, new data points to rapid growth in the electric vehicle market while regulators in the United States accelerate autonomous approvals, a major Canadian survey shows many drivers remain unconvinced by government EV mandates and much more!
Canada’s EV market expected to grow sharply
Canada’s electric vehicle market is expected to grow by more than 2.5 times over the next half decade, a new report has found. The study, published by Research and Markets, estimates the market at US$11.31 billion in 2024 and projects it will reach US$28.02 billion by 2030, driven by government incentives, charging investment and rising interest from private buyers and commercial fleets.
Tesla cleared for autonomous operations in Nevada
Nevada’s Department of Motor Vehicles has approved Tesla to operate autonomous vehicles on public roads across the state. The authorization allows the company to run driverless vehicles for testing purposes, although a separate permit from the Nevada Transportation Authority will be required before Tesla can charge for rides.
Waymo expands its driverless coverage across California
Waymo has received regulatory clearance to widen its fully driverless operations across much of California. The expansion covers most of the Bay Area along with Sacramento and a corridor extending from Santa Clarita to San Diego, significantly increasing the territory where the company can offer autonomous rides without a safety driver.
Survey shows Canadians still prefer gas-only vehicles
A new survey conducted by the Canadian International Auto Show finds strong resistance to electric vehicle mandates among Canadian car shoppers. According to the results, 68 percent of respondents say they “disagree” or “strongly disagree” with the requirement that all new light-duty vehicles sold in Canada be zero-emission by 2035, and 72 percent of those who oppose the mandate are between the ages of 20 and 39.
When asked what type of vehicle they would choose next, 47 percent said gas-only, 30 percent said hybrid, 11 percent said plug-in hybrid and 10 percent said fully electric, while diesel trailed at 1.5 percent. The survey also found that 61.6 percent support harmonizing Canada’s vehicle standards with Europe, Japan and Korea and 54 percent want federal EV rebates reinstated within two years. Another 77 percent say expanding public charging is necessary to encourage EV sales and the same share believe Canada should prioritize protecting its auto industry.
