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
Cyclist issued fine for striking four-year-old girl crossing the street
A cyclist turned herself in and received a fine after striking a four-year-old girl who was crossing the street to catch a school bus.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
'We have no judge for you': Man's assault charges dropped weeks before trial due to lack of judges in Toronto
A man who was accused of sexually and physically assaulting a woman had his charges dropped in April, just weeks before he was set to stand trial in Toronto, due to a lack of judges in the region.
Dutch contestant kicked out of Eurovision hours before tension-plagued song contest final
The Netherlands' contestant in the Eurovision Song Contest was dramatically expelled from competition hours before Saturday's final of the pan-continental pop competition, which has been rattled by protests over the participation of Israel.
Millions of Canadians have been exposed to potentially toxic chemicals, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Protest encampment cleared by Edmonton police early Saturday morning
A protest encampment set up on the University of Alberta campus was cleared early Saturday morning by Edmonton police.
Woman in her 60s in life-threatening condition after Bridle Path bus shelter collision
Police say a woman in her 60s is in life-threatening condition after being struck by a vehicle at a bus shelter in Toronto's Bridle Path neighbourhood on Friday.
opinion How to use your credit card as a powerful wealth-building tool
Irresponsibly using a credit card can land you in financial trouble, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says when used properly, it can be a powerful wealth-building tool that can help grow your credit profile and create new opportunities.
Couple randomly attacked, 1 stabbed, by group of teens in Toronto, police say
A man has been transported to hospital after police say he was stabbed in a random attack carried out by a group of teens in Toronto on Friday night.