Moving forward with Canada’s EV transition requires a holistic approach
The path to broader EV adoption needs to balance infrastructure development, trade strategy, policy incentives, and regional equity.
While Canada has made notable progress in electric vehicle charging infrastructure, significant gaps remain, particularly in rural and northern regions, writes Sheldon Williamson. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
OPINION | BY SHELDON WILLIAMSON | March 19, 2025
Canada is at a pivotal moment in its transition to electric vehicles. With ambitious federal targets aiming for 100-per-cent zero-emission vehicle sales by 2035, the country is navigating a complex landscape of policy decisions, supply chain challenges, and evolving consumer sentiment. While there has been significant progress—bolstered by government incentives, infrastructure investments, and commitments from automakers—major obstacles remain. From affordability concerns and global trade dynamics to battery supply chain uncertainties and charging infrastructure gaps, the path to widespread EV adoption is far from straightforward.
Dr. Sheldon S. Williamson is a professor in the department of electrical, computer, and software engineering at Ontario Tech University. Handout photograph
One of the most pressing challenges is expanding EV charging infrastructure. While Canada has made notable progress, significant gaps remain, particularly in rural and northern regions. The deployment of charging stations has been uneven, with urban areas seeing more development due to higher EV adoption rates, and better grid capacity. However, ensuring equitable access to charging is critical for mass adoption. Key challenges include high installation costs, slow permitting processes, and the need for grid upgrades to handle increased demand. Additionally, interoperability between charging networks and ensuring reliability remain critical concerns for long-distance travel and consumer confidence. Addressing these issues will require co-ordinated efforts between governments, utilities, and private industry.
Compounding these infrastructure concerns are global trade uncertainties that could affect Canada’s EV supply chain. The United States has established protectionist policies that could disrupt cross-border trade, particularly through tariffs on battery materials and finished vehicles. This threatens investment in Canada’s EV sector, as manufacturers may prioritize U.S.-based production to avoid trade barriers. In response, Canada must strengthen its domestic battery supply chain, secure trade agreements that protect its EV industry, and provide targeted incentives to keep EV manufacturing competitive. Aligning regulatory frameworks with the U.S. while advocating for fair trade policies will be crucial in mitigating risks and ensuring that Canada remains a key player in North America’s EV ecosystem.
Beyond trade, policy frameworks such as EV mandates play a crucial role in shaping the market. These mandates provide regulatory certainty that can drive investment in manufacturing, battery production, and charging infrastructure. They also accelerate consumer adoption and contribute to emissions reductions. However, mandates alone are not enough. Challenges include ensuring a sufficient supply of EVs at affordable prices, addressing range anxiety through charging infrastructure expansion, and managing the strain on power grids. Without complementary policies—such as consumer incentives, workforce training, and grid modernization—strict mandates may create unintended bottlenecks in EV adoption. A balanced approach is needed to ensure that the shift to EVs is both rapid and sustainable.
An FLO electric vehicle charger at Ottawa City Hall is pictured on June 30, 2023, when the federal government announced new federal support for electric vehicle infrastructure in the city. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Despite these challenges, Canada has a strong position in the EV transition. The country boasts abundant raw materials for battery production, a skilled workforce, and established automotive manufacturing hubs. The shift to EVs presents opportunities in mining, battery refining, vehicle production, and software development for advanced powertrain and charging solutions. However, competition is fierce, and Canada must act quickly to attract investment, scale up battery manufacturing, and foster innovation in next-generation EV technologies. Strategic government policies and partnerships with industry leaders will be key to securing long-term economic benefits and ensuring that Canada remains a leader in the global EV market.
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At the same time, Canada must address the unique challenges facing northern and remote communities. Harsh winter conditions, limited charging infrastructure, and reliance on diesel-powered microgrids make EV adoption more difficult in these regions. Widespread EV adoption will require significant upgrades to local power systems, including expanding renewable energy capacity to reduce dependence oetn fossil fuels. Solutions such as battery storage, vehicle-to-grid technology, and microgrid resilience planning can help manage demand fluctuations. Additionally, government incentives and collaboration with Indigenous communities will be essential in creating sustainable, region-specific charging solutions that ensure equitable EV adoption.
As Canada moves forward in its EV transition, a holistic approach is required—one that balances infrastructure development, trade strategy, policy incentives, and regional equity. By addressing these challenges head-on, Canada can not only meet its ambitious climate targets, but also build a resilient and competitive EV industry for the future.
Dr. Sheldon S. Williamson is a professor in the department of electrical, computer, and software engineering at Ontario Tech University, and holds the prestigious Canada Research Chair in Electric Energy Storage Systems for Transportation Electrification. He is the director of the Smart Transportation Electrification and Energy Research group where he leads cutting-edge research on battery management systems, wireless and fast charging, and power electronics for electric and autonomous mobility.