According to Canadian researcher DesRosiers Automotive Consultants, the continued strength of gas consumption points to strong km driven by Canadians, and bodes well for the health of the aftermarket.

“Despite initial concerns about light vehicle use dropping during the pandemic and remaining down afterwards, this data shows the extent that Canadians have continued to rely heavily on their vehicles,” reported the researcher in its newsletter.

“Remarkably gasoline consumption in the summer of 2023 achieved a peak, above the levels seen in 2019.”

Andrew King, Managing Partner of DAC commented “the strength in gas consumption comes despite gains being made in the overall fuel efficiency of the fleet through growing ZEV vehicle sales and the improved efficiency of ICE vehicles.”

DAC produces a model of kilometres driven for the Canadian market. The model incorporates gasoline consumption data, consumer data, vehicle fuel economy analysis, mobility trends, and more. 

In the AIA Canada’s recent look at the consumer behaviour of EV and ICE vehicle owners, EV owners drove significantly more than ICE owners and Hybrid drivers.

According to “Electric Vehicle Maintenance and Repair: The Canadian Owner’s Perspective,” EV drivers topped out at more than 20,000 km per year, while ICE drivers edged just more than 16,000 km per year, while hybrid drivers split these two at 17,700 km.

So, while gas consumption continues to be a significant metric, the picture for EV drivers in terms of mileage dependent wear components, like tires, would seem logically to outpace the ICE segment.