Montreal Electric Vehicle Show wants to make going green worth it

Buying a car is becoming more expensive and with ongoing market instability fueled by the trade war, and some economists say it could be a tough road ahead for consumers.

At the Montreal Electric Vehicle Show, many are excited to go green – but for some the price tag is hard to ignore.

According to a Leger survey, the cost of operating and maintaining a gas-powered car is more expensive while the cost of buying an electric car is higher up front.

Bertrand Godin, spokesperson for the Montreal Electric Vehicle Show, says people are more hesitant to turn to EVs.

The Trump administration is currently not charging tariffs on most Canadian auto parts entering the United States, but economist Charles Bernard says that doesn’t mean prices will drop so soon.

“They’re heavily reliant on batteries, and a lot of batteries come from the from China. So there’s a lot of elements that might increase the cost,” he said.

Despite market instability, many say they still favour going green – as shown by attendance at the car show. Attendees told CTV News concerns about the climate crisis and gas prices motivate them to look at electric vehicles.

Sales of electric cars have dropped compared to last year, but Bernard says there’s a reason for that.

“The incentives program, both federally and provincially, like here in Quebec, those are kind of, artificial decisions that have helped prop up the market,” he said.

“But now as we’re facing affordability issues, uncertainty with the tariffs, I think we’re slowing down.”

Bernard says the market’s unpredictability is a major challenge, but just how much prices will change will become clearer in the coming months.

The Montreal Electric Vehicle Show runs until May 4 at the IGA Stadium.