MONTREAL — U.S. President Donald Trump's latest tariff on the auto sector is a new blow to electric vehicle owners in Quebec, but the province with the most electric vehicles in the country is already experiencing a decline in enthusiasm for electric cars.Tariffs, Elon Musk and Charging Headaches: Quebec is Suddenly Seeing Trouble in Its EV Paradise
Robert Brunelle, a resident of Saint-Lambert, Quebec, is almost relieved after getting into a car accident last year. He bought a Tesla Model S in 2021 because it's "a great car." It's fast. It's quiet. It's cutting-edge technology. "The decision to go back to gasoline was easy for me," he said. By switching back to a conventional car, Brunelle has lost the advantages of an electric car. Driving such a car in Quebec costs on average 10 to 20 per cent less than a conventional car, even if the price tag is high. On the other hand, he enjoys more freedom, less stress, and won't have to worry about charging his car, which can be a concern for many electric vehicle owners. "It's a little scary," Latoya Evans, who bought her car in 2022, said. "Even my mom tells me, 'Be careful with your car, I don't want someone to come and vandalize it with everything that's going on in the United States.'"
Sébastien Raîche, administrator at the Quebec Electric Vehicle Association, says the situation "worries us," but quickly points out that the media is fuelling the phenomenon and that there are still "isolated incidents." "Since the Suez Canal blockage (in 2021), we've realized that we are partly dependent on globalization. There aren't enough parts manufactured locally in Canada, and there are some in the United States, but it's becoming increasingly difficult," Raîche said.The Decline of Electric Vehicles in Quebec
The latest tariff imposed by President Trump is the latest blow to the electric vehicle industry. The tariffs have already led to a decline in sales of electric vehicles in Canada, and the impact is likely to be felt in Quebec. "Things will work out very well with Canada," Trump said. But the tariff threats remain a concern for many electric vehicle owners in Quebec.The Impact of Tariffs on Electric Vehicles
The decline in enthusiasm for electric cars in Quebec is likely due to a combination of factors, including the rising cost of charging, concerns about safety and security, and the impact of tariffs on the industry. "It's a little sad, honestly," Evans said. "I love my car, but I don't want to worry about it being vandalized or having to deal with the inconvenience of charging."A Decline in Enthusiasm for Electric Cars?
The decline in enthusiasm for electric cars is a concern for the industry, as it may lead to a decrease in demand and sales. "We need to find ways to address these concerns and make electric vehicles more accessible and affordable," Raîche said.A Concern for the Industry
The decline in enthusiasm for electric cars is a call to action for the industry, policymakers, and consumers. "We need to work together to find solutions to these challenges and make electric vehicles more appealing to consumers," Raîche said.A Call to Action
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