In the first quarter of 2025, Tesla experienced a slowdown in Quebec, Canada, with only 524 new Teslas registered compared to over 5,000 in the previous quarter. However, experts believe this drop may be temporary, and there is optimism that the electric vehicle (EV) giant could bounce back.
The president of Electric Mobility Canada, Daniel Breton, suggested that the decrease in registrations may be attributed to rebate delays and new tariffs rather than a shift in public opinion. Quebec had paused its provincial EV rebates from February to April, and the federal iZEV rebate program ended on March 31, which used to provide buyers with savings of up to $12,000 — a significant factor in Tesla’s popularity.
Breton noted that some dealers mentioned customers were waiting until April to take advantage of the rebates. Additionally, new tariffs on U.S.-made EVs, including Tesla, Lucid, and Rivian, imposed in response to American trade restrictions, have increased costs for Canadian buyers.
Despite the temporary setback, the overall trend shows a 30% year-over-year increase in Tesla registrations in Quebec from 2023 to 2024, indicating sustained long-term demand. With rebates reinstated, many anticipate a sales recovery in the upcoming quarter.
Anne Picard, a loyal Tesla owner in Dorval, emphasized her trust in the brand’s reliability over the years, stating that she wouldn’t consider any other car manufacturer. Even critics of Tesla CEO Elon Musk acknowledge the brand’s impact, with some, like Philippe Bergeron Bélanger, ranking Tesla among their top choices for EVs.
While the EV market in Quebec remains dynamic, many advocates believe that Tesla has a promising future in Canada, especially as affordability, range, and charging infrastructure continue to improve. Despite challenges, the consensus is that Tesla’s presence in the Canadian EV market is poised for growth and innovation.