Would-be EV buyers in B.C. stymied by supply issues, report finds
Electric vehicles were in short supply in B.C. even before gas prices began shattering records. A new report from BC Hydro found 41 per cent of those shopping for one described the process as "difficult."
Friday's report from the utility found those trying to get their hands on an EV are putting their names down on multiple waitlists, considering making purchases out of province, buying whatever's available regardless of colour or model, and spending more than they planned.
It also found one per cent of those surveyed admitted to getting into a fight with another buyer and another one percent admitted to cheating or lying in order to get an EV.
"British Columbians hoping to get behind the wheel of an EV as soon as possible should keep in mind current market constraints and plan and be flexible with what they want in an EV. Because EVs are in such high demand, a very specific vehicle might take time to locate," the report cautions would-be buyers.
Waits at B.C. dealerships can range from one month to one year.
The short supply, the report found, is also deterring those who would otherwise opt to go electric, with 34 per cent saying they are hesitant because of the lack of availability.
Demand is outpacing supply because of material shortages, supply-chain disruptions and pandemic-related delays, according to the report.
"While 2021 was a record year in B.C. for EV adoption, it could have been even higher if more EV models had been available," it says, noting half of all dealerships in Canada reported having no EVs in stock at all last year.
"Although manufacturing is still facing challenges, new research suggests change is on the horizon."
By 2023, there are expected to be 45,000 units available in the province, up from 25,000 in 2021. By 2026, according to BC Hydro "supply will be close to meeting demand."
The survey also looked at why people thought interest in EVs was surging, finding that 88 per cent of those asked had noticed an increased interest among drivers. That increase was chalked up to a combination of high gas prices, concern about climate change, an expansion of available models, and the "trendiness" of EVs.
British Columbia, the report motes, receives more EVs per capita than any other Canadian province, and has the highest sales rate in North America, according to BC Hydro.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn’t over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball’s highest scorer Caitlin Clark’s first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
U.S. vetoes a widely supported UN resolution backing full membership for Palestine
The United States has vetoed a widely backed UN resolution that would have paved the way for full United Nations membership for the state of Palestine.
Grandparent scam suspects had ties to Italian organized crime, police allege
A group of suspects that allegedly defrauded seniors across Ontario and other parts of Canada using a so-called emergency grandparent scam appear to have ties to 'Italian traditional organized crime,' according to an investigator involved in the OPP-led probe.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Cat found on Toronto Pearson airport runway 3 days after going missing
Kevin the cat has been reunited with his family after enduring a harrowing three-day ordeal while lost at Toronto Pearson International Airport earlier this week.
N.L. gardening store revives 19th century seed-packing machine
Technology from the 19th century has been brought out of retirement at a Newfoundland gardening store, as staff look for all the help they can get to fill orders during a busy season.