Canadian EV Sales Data: Monthly Tracker 2026

EV Sales in Canada in 2026: The Complete Picture

The Canadian electric vehicle market is entering a phase of accelerated growth in 2026, and the numbers confirm it month after month. In the first quarter of 2026, EV sales in Canada reached 78,400 units, a 34% increase from the same quarter in 2025. EV market share climbed from 11.2% to 14.8% in one year. That is a remarkable progression, but it masks significant disparities between provinces and market segments.

Québec remains the engine of EV sales in Canada with 31,200 units in Q1 2026, representing nearly 40% of all Canadian EV sales. The combination of Roulez vert incentives, affordable hydroelectric power, and a rapidly expanding charging network explains this dominance. British Columbia follows with 18,600 units (23.7%), while Ontario, despite its larger population, comes in third with 17,800 units (22.7%).

January 2026: A Strong Start Despite the Cold

January surprised everyone. Despite a polar vortex that plunged Winnipeg to -42 degrees Celsius and Edmonton to -38, EV sales hit 24,100 units, a record for any January. Tesla remains the undisputed leader with 8,200 units (34% share), but the real news is the rise of Hyundai-Kia, which sold 5,100 combined vehicles (Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, EV6, EV9). Demand for EVs with heat pumps and battery preconditioning has exploded.

On the Chinese brand front, things are still quiet but the early signs are there. The first BYDs delivered in Canada in December 2025 generated positive word of mouth, and the waiting list for the BYD Seal in Montreal now exceeds 6 months. Canadian automotive forums are buzzing, with BYD Seal owners posting winter condition tests that are impressing the community.

February 2026: Growth Holds Steady

February recorded 25,800 units, up 7% from January, which is unusual for a traditionally weak month. Analysts attribute this performance to several factors: new model announcements at the Montreal Auto Show, a new wave of refreshed Tesla Model Y orders, and the arrival of the Chevrolet Equinox EV at dealerships. The electric SUV segment continues to dominate with 62% of total EV sales.

A notable shift: vehicles under $45,000 now represent 38% of EV sales, up from 29% a year earlier. The democratization of EVs is underway. The Chevrolet Equinox EV (starting at $42,999), the BYD Dolphin (estimated at $32,990), and the Hyundai Kona Electric ($38,499) are leading this charge toward affordability. For families in Gatineau, Longueuil, or Surrey, an EV is finally becoming a financially viable option.

March 2026: Early Spring Trends

Preliminary March data shows an acceleration with approximately 28,500 units sold. The spring thaw traditionally boosts car sales, and EVs are no exception. The highlight of the month is the official arrival of the Chery Omoda E5 on the Canadian market, with 340 units delivered in its first month. That is not a huge volume, but it is a strong signal that Chinese automakers are gaining ground.

By province, Manitoba and Saskatchewan show the strongest relative growth, although from very low bases. Manitoba saw its EV sales jump 67% in Q1, driven by new provincial incentives and the expansion of the FLO network in the province. Saskatchewan, which remains the laggard in Canadian EV sales, still doubled its volumes with 1,200 units in the quarter. Atlantic Canada is progressing modestly, with Nova Scotia leading regionally.

Market Share by Brand: Who Dominates?

Tesla retains the crown with 32% EV market share in Canada in Q1 2026, but that is down 6 points from 2025. Competition is intensifying from all sides. Hyundai-Kia holds second place with 21%, followed by GM (9%), Ford (7%), and Volkswagen (6%). Chinese brands combined still represent only about 2.3% of the Canadian EV market, but that figure is expected to reach 8 to 12% by the end of 2026 according to S&P Global Mobility projections.

The most competitive segment is electric sedans and compacts priced between $35,000 and $50,000 CAD. That is where the battle will play out in 2026 and 2027, with the arrival of the BYD Seal, BYD Dolphin, Chery Omoda E5, and potentially the XPeng G6. These vehicles often offer more standard equipment and better range than their established rivals, at equal or lower prices. The Canadian consumer has never had this much choice.

Outlook for the Rest of 2026

Analysts at IHS Markit forecast total EV sales of 340,000 to 380,000 units in Canada for the full year 2026, which would represent a market share of roughly 17 to 19%. The federal zero-emission vehicle sales mandate, which requires 20% ZEV sales for 2026, is pushing all manufacturers to accelerate. Average EV prices continue to decline, with an average transaction price of $51,200 in Q1 2026, down 8% year over year.

The wild card for 2026 will be the impact of Chinese manufacturers. If BYD manages to deliver 15,000 units in Canada this year, an ambitious but achievable target, that alone could add 1.5 points of EV market share. Add Chery, Zeekr, and the other entrants, and Chinese brands could collectively sell 25,000 to 35,000 units in 2026. That would be an earthquake in the Canadian auto industry, with major implications for dealers, repair shops, and parts suppliers from coast to coast.

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