Poll says half of BC residents think their next car will be electric

Most British Columbians do not believe the province will achieve its zero-emission goal by 2040, according to a recent poll.

The Zero-Emission Vehicles Act set the goal for British Columbia to only have zero-emission cars and trucks sold by 2035.

However, only half of the province thinks their next vehicle will be electric, according to a new poll conducted by Research Co.

Opinions differ across the province. In Metro Vancouver only a quarter of residents disagree with the Zero-Emission Act. Whereas in southern BC close to half of residents are against it.

“Most drivers in Metro Vancouver (58%, -6) continue to believe that their next car will be electric,” Mario Canseco, president of Research Co, said in a press release issued, Jan 18.

“The proportions are lower among drivers who reside in the Fraser Valley (49%, -13), Southern BC (48%, -6), Vancouver Island (45%, -8) and Northern BC (42%, +6).”

The results also vary with age.

Close to 60% of 18 to 35 years old said they would buy an electric car as their next vehicle, whereas only 45% of over 55 said the same.

More than half of drivers in BC said they wouldn’t purchase an electric vehicle if it were more expensive than other non-electric options.

Close to half of drivers also said they would fear being stranded and unable to find a charging station or are concerned about not having a place to charge their vehicle along their usual routes and local areas.

However, three-quarters agree that the “feel” of an electric car compared to a standard car wouldn’t deter them from purchasing.

To find about more about the poll, go to the Research Co. website here.

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