Without Big Taxpayer-Funded Subsidies, Sales Of Electric Cars Plummet In Ontario

Turns out people want gas-powered vehicles.

Catherine McKenna thinks Canada has to switch to electric cars by 2030.

Her pie-in-the-sky plan just suffered a serious setback however.

It turns out that Canadians want gas-powered vehicles, and electric cars aren’t selling well unless gigantic taxpayer subsidies are involved.

According to Automotive News Canada, sales of the Nissan Leaf electric car have collapsed since the Ford government removed the expensive taxpayer-funded rebate that was brought in by the Liberals:

“There is little question that rebates are essential to selling EVs, but no one really knew just how much until now.

Sales of electrified vehicles have plummeted in Ontario since the Doug Ford government removed purchase incentives, and Quebec dealers are reaping the benefits as inventory is reallocated, slashing their wait times for delivery.

Since the Ford government in July ended rebates of up to $14,000 and the final recipients were registered Sept. 10, sales of the Nissan Leaf have all but collapsed. In August, 695 units were sold. In November, just 10, according to figures supplied by Nissan Canada. In Quebec in November alone, 283 units were sold.”

According to the report, GM Canada says sales of their electric cars have also declined since the rebate was removed.

The Ford government was right to end the rebates, as the rebates basically amounted to forcing people who don’t want electric cars (the vast majority) to subsidize those who do want them.

This is yet another example that the Trudeau/McKenna agenda requires using the power of government to alter the independent choices of Canadians – at a large cost to taxpayers. When given the choice, very few people purchase electric cars. And while that may change as the cars improve, it makes no sense for the government to try and force it to happen.

McKenna should look at what happened in Ontario, and realize that things like subsidies and carbon taxes are a misguided and failing approach. Let people make their own decisions on what kind of car they buy, and don’t force taxpayers to subsidize the auto purchases of others.

Spencer Fernando

Photo – YouTube