High prices at the pump leading drivers to look to electric vehicle options

The price of oil could see a new, higher floor price after the war in Iran. It's making some Alberta drivers consider pivoting to electric vehicles.

Prices at gas stations across Calgary remain at an elevated level with the ongoing conflict between the U.S., Israel and Iran leaving drivers frustrated at how much it costs them to fuel up their vehicles.

Some are weighing the options of switching to electric vehicles after the federal government’s rebate program offering incentives made EVs more affordable.

As of March 2025, in Alberta, the number of motorized vehicle registrations has been on the rise since 2021 for electric and hybrid vehicles, with EVs jumping from 3,527 in 2021 to 19,863 in 2025.

Macleod Trail Toyota general manager David Ajjamada said he’s seeing that increased interest in EVs first-hand.

“(It’s) phenomenal,” he said. “Ever since the beginning of 2026, everything from the Canadian government’s incentives combined with what we’re doing from Toyota itself has really helped us boost our (electric) vehicle sales.”

The Federal Government incentives are through the Electric Vehicle Affordability Program (EVAP) where consumers receive up to $5,000 for battery-electric and fuel cell electric vehicles and up to $2,500 for plug-in hybrid vehicles.

The program went into effect on February 16, 2026.

Ajjamada says Toyota also has its own incentive program.

“The government is offering rebates off the price of these vehicles as long as they qualify under the $50,000 mark,” he said. “If you look at the Prius, very similar numbers, you’re looking at $5,000 from us here at Toyota Canada and an additional $2,500 from the EVAP program.”

Ajjamada says the impact has been huge at the dealership.

“We’re at a point now where we and across the network with Toyota Canada where there were ample bZs (full electric vehicle model) available,” he said. “Now there’s none, we are so far already sold out of every single one of our electric vehicles and the Prius is falling right behind that.”

Alice Wang purchased her hybrid vehicle three years ago and says it’s saving her family 50 per cent in fuel costs compared to the family’s old gas-powered SUV.

“We’ve thought about getting an electric car but I didn’t think we’re at that point yet with (ample) charging stations and that kind of thing,” she said. “Three years ago it wasn’t as common so a hybrid option was the good option for us at the time.”

Local oil and gas analysts say the price of crude likely won’t go back down to pre-conflict prices, but will rather stay closer to $80 USD per barrel.