Ottawa’s requirement that all new vehicles sold by 2035 be electric could increase Canada’s power demands by up to 15.3 per cent.

That, according to a new study released by the Fraser Institute.

The study says the switch would require the equivalent of 10 new mega hydro dams, or 13 large natural gas plants across the country to meet power needs.

The public policy think tank says the switch to all electric vehicles in 11 years’ time means the provinces will need to substantially increase their power generation capabilities. They say that task is not realistic or feasible.

The study specifically measures how much additional electricity will be required in Canada and in three major provinces—Ontario, BC and Quebec—once the feds’ electric vehicle sales mandate comes into effect.

Questions have been raised in Newfoundland and Labrador about the lack of EV infrastructure as the clock ticks down on the phase-out of combustion vehicles.

The Fraser Institute says Canadians need to know how much additional electricity will be needed to meet Ottawa’s mandate, because the impact on provinces and taxpayers will be significant.