More and more consumers are considering purchasing an electric vehicle with the return of the federal subsidy and the marked increase in the cost of gasoline.
“It’s a bit like the calm before the storm. We have been receiving a higher volume of requests for information for two weeks, assures Simon Lachance, sales representative for Bourgeois Chevrolet Buick GMC in Rawdon.
“There is more enthusiasm for electric vehicles, but not like in 2024 where it was madness. »
Right now, even though the phone is ringing more at the dealership, these questions aren’t translating into sales.
“We don’t notice an incredible increase,” adds Mr. Lachance. We are slowly witnessing a return to our usual standards for sales of electric vehicles (i.e. around forty per month). And there is a factor that we do not know: the duration of the war will disrupt the price of gasoline for how long. »
A narrowing gap
Before the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East, the federal government reintroduced its $5,000 purchase subsidy with new terms.
To be eligible for this financial boost, the price of the vehicle must not exceed $50,000. Manufacturers have gone out of their way to offer hybrid and 100% electric vehicles at this price.
Jacques Olivier, president of Groupe Olivier, feels that there is excitement on the floor of his dealerships with the return of the $5,000 federal subsidy and the increase in the price of gasoline.
Photo taken on the Groupe Olivier website
“We feel an excitement on the floor,” says Jacques Olivier, president of the Olivier Group, owner of 24 dealerships.
With this maximum amount, customers notice that the gap between an electric vehicle and a gasoline one is getting smaller and smaller.
Last week, one of his customers purchased a Mustang Mach-E with a Ford Edge SUV in exchange.
“It cost him $120 more in his monthly payment, but his reflex, because of the current cost, was to tell me that he was going to save $300 in gas per month,” says Mr. Olivier. This is a type of thinking that we see more and more. »
And when it comes to subsidies, it should also be remembered that the provincial government is also offering a check for $2,000 for a 100% electric vehicle and $1,000 for a plug-in hybrid car.
A trend to be confirmed
As for the Corporation of Quebec Automobile Dealers, its CEO remains cautious in relation to the events of the last two weeks.
“The current context can generate interest in electric vehicles of all kinds,” underlines Ian P. Sam Yue Chi. When the price of gasoline increases, consumers look more at alternatives, especially with the return of the federal subsidy.
