Despite the shift to EVs, the number of gas-powered cars on Quebec roads hits a record high

The province has been pushing drivers to switch to electric vehicles (EVs), but Quebecers don't seem to be buying.
The latest numbers from the SAAQ show that the number of gas-powered cars will reach a record high in 2023.
Some experts say there are many reasons for the increase in gas cars.
  However, that was not a problem in 2022, when gas-powered vehicle purchases in Quebec were down by more than 45,000 vehicles.
This number rose rapidly to over 160,000 last year. So is the high cost of electric driving the real culprit?
"The price gap between affordable gas cars and electric cars is still significant," says auto expert Jesse Caron.
Caron says the price of EV batteries is too expensive for manufacturers to produce the cars in a profitable way.
"It's going to be very difficult for consumers to get into affordable vehicles as long as things stand," Caron said. Especially considering government subsidies that are decreasing.
Quebec plans to phase out its subsidies for electric cars starting next year and end them entirely by 2027.

However, the popularity of electric vehicles in recent years is undeniable, with approximately 171,000 fully electric and hybrid vehicles on Quebec roads in 2023 and more than 240,000 so far this year.



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