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October 17, 2025VEHICLE REGISTRATIONS, 2024 In 2024, Statistics Canada reports that there were 716,692 vehicles registered in Nova Scotia. The overwhelming majority (92.9%) of Nova Scotia's vehicles were in the lightest weight category: those weighing less than 4,535kg. Across Canada, 91.6% of registered were less than 4,535kg. Prince Edward Island and the three prairie provinces had more heavy vehicles (>4,535kg).
Looking at lighter vehicles only, passenger cars and multi-purpose vehicles (which includes sports utility vehicles and crossovers) accounted for over 71% of Nova Scotia registered vehicles in 2024. Pickup trucks (under 4,535 kg) accounted for a further 17.6% of vehicles while vans (including minivans) added a further 4.3% of Nova Scotia's registered vehicles.
Across Canada, passenger car and multi-purpose vehicle registrations made up a lower portion of vehicles in the prairie provinces, where pickup trucks accounted for a larger share of registered vehicles.
Gasoline accounted for 91.6% of fuel type among registered vehicles in Nova Scotia (followed by diesel at 5.6%). Across Canada, gasoline accounted for 88.6% of vehicles by fuel type. Diesel vehicles were more prevalent in the prairie provinces as well as in British Columbia and Prince Edward Island.
Low or zero emission vehicles remain a small portion (<4%) of Nova Scotia's vehicle registrations. These vehicles were more commonly registered in British Columbia and Québec.
After slowing in 2023, the number of registered vehicles increased by 16,160 in 2024.
Much of Nova Scotia's increased vehicle registrations in the last three years were for multi-purpose vehicles (including SUVs and crossovers) and pickup trucks. Registrations for passenger vehicles and vans declined for a third consecutive year in 2024. Motorcycle registrations rebounded after a decline in 2023.
Of Nova Scotia's 716,692 registered vehicles, 656,264 were gasoline-powered and a further 40,156 were fuelled with diesel.
Although small in numbers, there have been substantial proportional increases in hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicle registrations in Nova Scotia, rising to 20,044 in 2024.
Source: Statistics Canada. Table 23-10-0308-01 Vehicle registrations, by type of vehicle and fuel type
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