EV sales spike in Manitoba as gas prices skyrocket

As rising gas prices continue to hit drivers’ wallets, more Manitobans are switching to electric vehicles (EVs)

Local retailers and advocates say the trend is here to stay.

“Now more than ever, in the past two weeks, (gas prices) have shot up a lot. So, there is a lot more incentive now then ever to buy electric for sure,” said Grayson Murray, sales manager at Murray Chevrolet.

Dealerships in Winnipeg said they have been seeing more EV sales and inquiries about alternatives to traditional gas-based vehicles in recent weeks.

“I would say in the last six weeks or, so we have been selling out of all of our EVs, especially those under $40,000,” said Myles Bennett, general sales manager at Nott Autocorp.

In Manitoba, EV purchases are benefit from a Manitoba Electric Vehicle Rebate Program. There were a total of 6,192 applications since the program was introduced in 2024, according to MPI data.

A spokesperson for the government said, “As announced in Budget 2026, the Government of Manitoba has extended the EV rebate program. We will have more details to share in the coming weeks.”

Experts like University of Manitoba (UofM) researcher Barry Prentice say the extension of federal EV incentive, in addition to the provincial program, is also a bigger stimulus for the spike as well as cheaper alternatives entering the Canadian market.

“Chinese imports are going to have a big impact, because their prices are significantly lower than gasoline prices as well,” said Prentice, director of the Transport Institute, at UofM.

James hart, president of Manitoba Electric Vehicle Association, says his organization has been tracking the recent rise in EV sales.

“We recognize that this is sometimes a big step for people, and it is not a one-size-fits-all decision. That is why we also focus on having real conversations with people about what solution is best for their lifestyle — whether that is a plug-in hybrid or a fully battery electric vehicle.”

Prentice also adds that more EVs on Manitoba roads can lead to new charges.

“The free ride that the electric vehicles have been getting will come to an end eventually,” he said.

Retailers say the limited amount of charging infrastructure can also be a barrier, especially for those in rural areas.

“Just have people going on a highway with more ease. So more infrastructure is definitely needed,” Benett said.