More Canadians are open to buying electric vehicles made in China, according to a new poll that suggests affordability may outweigh concerns about brand origin as EV adoption grows.
A survey conducted by Abacus Data for Clean Energy Canada found 35 per cent of Canadians would consider purchasing a Chinese-brand EV. Among respondents already open to buying an electric vehicle, interest rises to 70 per cent, pointing to price and availability as key motivators.
Perceptions of quality appear mixed but trending positive. Eighteen per cent of respondents believe Chinese EVs are superior to models currently sold in Canada, while 32 per cent view them as similar. Just 21 per cent see them as inferior, with nearly three in 10 unsure.
Younger Canadians show the strongest openness. Half of respondents under 30 said they would consider a Chinese EV, compared with 28 per cent of those aged 60 and over. Regional differences mirror existing EV adoption patterns, with interest highest in Quebec and lowest in Alberta.
Trevor Melanson, director of insights and communications at Clean Energy Canada, framed the findings as a reflection of cost pressures facing consumers. “Canadians want an EV they can afford upfront,” Melanson said in a release accompanying the poll. He noted many buyers are unwilling or unable to wait years to recoup higher purchase prices through long-term fuel savings.
For the collision repair sector, growing acceptance of Chinese EVs could signal a more diverse mix of vehicles entering Canadian shops. As new brands gain market share, repairers may need to prepare for different parts supply chains, software platforms and repair procedures tied to these models.
The survey questioned 2,498 Canadians between Jan. 22 and 27, with results weighted by age, gender and region.
