CAA Study: EV Range Less of a Concern for Canadian Drivers
Source: 2026 CAA EV Circuit EVs go the distance, but charging, efficiency and costs vary. - CAA National
New research from CAA suggests that for many Canadians considering an electric vehicle (EV), the conversation is shifting beyond range and toward factors such as charging speed, energy efficiency and charging costs.
The findings come from the 2026 CAA EV Circuit, a real-world road test involving 22 electric vehicles. Each vehicle completed a 230-kilometre route in Ontario without needing to recharge, including the vehicle with the shortest advertised range. On average, participating vehicles used about 40 per cent of their battery capacity during the trip.
"Range anxiety has traditionally been one of the biggest concerns for prospective EV owners," said Ian Jack, vice-president of public affairs at CAA National. "Today's EVs are showing that many drivers can comfortably complete everyday trips, allowing them to focus on other considerations such as charging performance and operating costs."
The study also highlighted the efficiency advantages of electric vehicles. Participants consumed the energy equivalent of roughly two litres of gasoline per 100 kilometres, significantly lower than the approximately eight to 10 litres per 100 kilometres used by the average Canadian passenger vehicle.
As part of the evaluation, each vehicle also underwent a standardized 15-minute charging session. On average, vehicles added 110 kilometres of displayed driving range, with many gaining more than 100 kilometres during the short stop. Results varied by model, demonstrating the importance of understanding a vehicle's charging capabilities when making a purchase decision.
The research found that weather continues to play an important role in EV performance. Vehicles tested in September used considerably less energy than those evaluated during CAA's winter testing program, reinforcing the impact of colder temperatures on EV efficiency.
For Saskatchewan drivers considering an EV, the findings reinforce the importance of looking beyond advertised range and comparing factors such as energy consumption, charging speed and expected driving conditions throughout the year.
The 2026 CAA EV Circuit was conducted Sept. 16 and included city streets, rural roads and highways. The neutral, data-driven evaluation was designed to provide consumers with practical information about how EVs perform in real-world conditions.