48.7% of Canadians Would Go Green on Their Next Car Purchase

Kanetix.ca survey finds a positive shift in consumer attitude towards hybrid and
electric vehicle use

TORONTO, April 20, 2016 /CNW/ - Canadians feel it's increasingly easy to be green – at least on the road – according to recent data compiled by Kanetix.ca. The survey, which polled 3,769 respondents in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia, finds 48.7 per cent would consider an electric or hybrid car when they make their next car purchase.

The findings reflect a shifting attitude among Canadian drivers as a result of several provincial purchase incentives, increased investment in charging station infrastructure, as well as improved consumer education.

"There has been a growing narrative around the benefits of electric car use in Canada, both from an environmental and financial aspect," says Andrew Lo, Chief Operating Officer at Kanetix Ltd. "Cash purchase rebates and an increase in charging stations have helped improve EV and hybrid market share in Canada's largest markets. Such incentives not only support provinces' green transportation strategies, but consumers' wallets as well."

Provincial Results

• Alberta drivers are least likely to consider an EV or hybrid on their next car purchase at 44.9%.
• British Columbia is the only province with a purchase incentive where potential EV drivers outweigh traditional gas-vehicle drivers, at 54.9%. The province has recently reintroduced its Clean Energy Vehicle program, with the goal to double the existing 1,700 EVs on BC roads.
• Ontario and Quebec are tied in terms of potential EV adoption at 45% of respondents. Both provinces offer a cash-back rebate on the purchase or lease of new EVs and have invested in improved charging infrastructure, as the well as the greening of government fleets.
• Nova Scotia respondents were most likely to consider an electric vehicle at 64.5%. While the province does not currently offer a consumer incentive, the ShareReady pilot program was introduced in 2011 to encourage EV use by provincial organizations.

Challenges Facing EV Adoption

Driving an electric vehicle can save the average Canadian roughly $2,000 annually in fuel costs and reduce a vehicle's carbon footprint by up to 90%*, and some insurance providers may offer a discount to drivers of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) and battery electric vehicles (BEV). However, the Ontario Ministry of Transportation cites price premiums, range anxiety and a lack of consumer knowledge as the top challenges facing widespread adoption of EVs.

"Relying solely on a battery without the backup of a gas tank can be a source of anxiety for some drivers," states Lo. "However, with the average EV boasting a range between 100 – 120 km on a single charge, they're ideal options for urban commuters."

Click here for more information on Kanetix's electric car survey.

* www.plugndrive.ca

About KANETIX®

Launched in October 1999, Kanetix was Canada's first online insurance marketplace and today provides over a million quotes per year to consumers looking for insurance, as well as comparisons for mortgage rates and credit cards.

The Kanetix.ca comparison service is a one-stop shopping environment for consumers. Each day, thousands visit the Kanetix website to comparison shop their various financial needs. Shoppers choose what they want to compare, obtain a quotation and complete an online application or, with the help of Kanetix connect with the provider to purchase or apply for the product over the phone.

Through its Software as a Service team, Kanetix is also the leading provider of online insurance quotation technology, developing online quotation systems, mobile solutions, actuarial tools and websites for many of Canada's largest insurance brands.

SOURCE Kanetix

For media inquiries, please contact: Tara Bolger, 416-929-2052, [email protected]