Electric vehicle sales in Alberta doubled in 2025, reaching 6.4% of all new vehicle registrations, but the province still lags significantly behind the national average of 13.2%, according to Statistics Canada data released this week.
Alberta registered 14,800 new battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles last year, up from 7,200 in 2024. Tesla remained the dominant brand, followed by Hyundai, Ford, and Chevrolet.
"Alberta's EV adoption curve is steepening but we're still 2-3 years behind British Columbia and Quebec," said Cara Clairman, CEO of Plug'n Drive. "The lack of a provincial EV rebate is the single biggest factor."
The Alberta government has resisted offering purchase incentives, arguing the market should determine adoption rates. However, it has invested $33 million in charging infrastructure, with 1,200 public chargers now operational across the province.
For Albertans considering an EV — or any vehicle purchase — understanding a vehicle's complete history remains critical. FullVIN.com reports that used EV searches have grown 300% year-over-year as pre-owned electric vehicles become more available, with buyers particularly interested in battery health and degradation data.
Range anxiety remains a concern for rural Albertans, though the Trans-Canada Highway now has DC fast chargers every 100 kilometres between Calgary and the B.C. border.
"The used EV market is where the real growth opportunity is," said AutoTrader analyst Michelle Chicken. "A three-year-old EV at $25,000 is a compelling value proposition for many families."
WestNet News covers the automotive industry and consumer issues across Alberta.
