Despite the increasing popularity of electric vehicles (EVs), the number of gas-powered cars on Quebec roads has reached a record high.
According to data from the Quebec Automobile Insurance Corporation (SAAQ), there were 5.3 million gas-powered cars registered in the province as of March 2021. This is a 1.6% increase from the previous year and the highest number ever recorded.
This surge in gas-powered cars comes as a surprise, considering the Quebec government’s efforts to promote the use of EVs. In 2018, the province set a goal to have 1.5 million EVs on the road by 2030. However, as of March 2021, there were only 53,000 EVs registered in Quebec.
Experts believe that the high cost of EVs is a major barrier for many consumers. While the Quebec government offers incentives for purchasing EVs, the initial cost is still significantly higher than that of gas-powered cars. Additionally, the lack of charging infrastructure in some areas of the province may also deter potential EV buyers.
Despite these challenges, the shift towards EVs is still evident. The number of EVs on Quebec roads has more than doubled in the past three years, and the province remains a leader in EV adoption in Canada.
The SAAQ also reported a decrease in the number of diesel-powered cars on Quebec roads, with a 2.2% drop from the previous year. This could be attributed to the increasing popularity of EVs and the negative impact of diesel emissions on the environment.
In conclusion, while the number of gas-powered cars on Quebec roads has reached a record high, the province is still making progress towards its goal of promoting sustainable transportation. With continued efforts to make EVs more affordable and accessible, it is likely that we will see a decrease in gas-powered cars and an increase in EVs in the years to come.
