The federal government announced last week they're allocating $10.6 million in funding for EV (Electric Vehicle) charging infrastructure projects across Canada. For rural Manitobans, a future where buying an EV isn't a bad idea could be a lot sooner than you'd think.
Dean Cooley, Manager of Dean Cooley GM in Dauphin, said it's already not a bad idea, but the practicality of EVs are different depending on your needs in a vehicle.
"To understand how to use an EV properly and how to plan for it and so on, gives you the ability to use an EV in this markplace quite easily...driving to Dauphin Beach to the golf course, driving to Clear Lake, driving to Brandon, short trips like that, there is absolutely nothing that would prevent an EV from doing that very acceptably. And I'll tell you, I got used to not going to a gas station which is very convenient, because 95% of all the charging you will do, you'll do in your own home, you'll do it in your own garage, so it's not about visiting charging stations on a regular basis," said Cooley.
Both federally and provincially, there are rebates and other incentives in place to encourage people to consider buying EVs. The federal government's Electric Vehicle Affordability Program gives a rebate of up to $5000 on certain EVs, and the Manitoba government's Electric Vehicle Rebate Program gives a rebate on certain EVs up to $4000. Cooley said that's a very good sign, but there's an important group that could definitely help cut costs for consumers.
"Provincially we have credits, federally we have credits, federally they're committed to strengthening the infrastructure. I personally think the government's doing what they need to do. I think that the next step is also incumbent on the manufacturers, so General Motors, Ford, Hyundai and all those different manufacturers, to continue to develop new products, things that are less expensive, things that have more range," said Cooley.
Cooley also said knowledge of EVs is a big barrier for a lot of people, which can be an easy fix.
"I've driven EVs, they're beautiful to drive, they're quiet, they're smooth, driving them is not an issue. It's the anxiety of range. How do I get to Winnipeg, when do I charge, where do I charge, how much does it cost to charge, all those questions are what keeps consumers from diving in and purchasing one," said Cooley.
According to the federal government, as of February 2026, 4.1% of all consumer vehicles in Canada are EVs.
