Image: Vancouver International Auto Show
A new survey released ahead of the 2026 Vancouver International Auto Show suggests Canadian vehicle buyers remain open to electrification but are increasingly guided by affordability and practical considerations.
The 2026 Vehicle Powertrain Survey, conducted by the Vancouver International Auto Show among 200 show visitors and prospective buyers between Jan. 8 and Jan. 25, found that interest in alternative powertrains remains broad. However, many consumers appear to be gravitating toward hybrid options rather than fully electric vehicles.
“The data tells a clear story: Canadians are not rejecting new technology — they’re navigating a more complex and uncertain market,” said Blair Qualey, President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC, in a statement.
According to the survey, 56 per cent of respondents said they would consider a gasoline vehicle for their next purchase, while 49 per cent would consider a conventional hybrid and 47 per cent a plug-in hybrid.
“Consumers want cleaner options, but affordability and real-world usability matter. Right now, hybrids and plug-in hybrids are meeting people where they are,” added Qualey.
When respondents were asked which powertrain they were most likely to purchase next, 35 per cent chose gasoline, followed by 21 per cent for hybrid and 19 per cent for plug-in hybrid. Fewer selected a fully electric vehicle.
Cost remains a key barrier to broader EV adoption. Among respondents not considering a battery-electric vehicle, 56 per cent cited high purchase prices, while 32 per cent pointed to driving range concerns and 24 per cent cited limited access to home charging.
“The Vancouver International Auto Show exists to help consumers cut through complexity,” said Eric Nicholl, Executive Director of the Vancouver International Auto Show, in a statement. “This survey shows people are engaged and curious — but cautious. They want choice, clarity, and options that fit their budgets and lifestyles.”
Nearly 56 per cent of respondents said an electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle would need to be priced below $50,000 to be viable, highlighting the role affordability continues to play in consumer decisions.
