Sticker shock hurting electric vehicle sales

A report released by BC Hydro finds cost is the No. 1 perceived barrier preventing British Columbians from purchasing an electric vehicle.

While the increasing price of gas has a third of British Columbians saying they are interested in switching to an electric vehicle, more than half believe electric vehicles are still too expensive.

The report, entitled Unplugged: Myths block road to the electric car dream, says that over the long-term, some electric vehicles are less expensive than comparable gaspowered cars in ownership costs.

This is how popular models stack up in cost of ownership per year (excluding depreciation costs) in B.C., according to the report:

— 2018 Nissan Leaf ($2,848) vs. 2018 Honda Civic ($4,313)

— 2018 Chevrolet Bolt ($3,299) vs. 2018 Chevrolet Spark ($4,298)

— 2018 Kia Soul EV ($3,109) vs. 2018 Kia Soul gas-powered ($4,845) Other concerns the report found: — Range anxiety: almost 40 per cent think electric cars do not have enough battery range for long trips.

— Charging station availability: almost 90 per cent said there was not an electrical vehicle charging station available to them, even though a standard 120-volt household outlet can be used for vehicle charging.

— Model variety: only 20 per cent said there was an electric vehicle that offered what they need in terms of size and features. But this year, there are seven electric vehicle models for sale in B.C. with a range of at least 150 km that are less than $40,000 after a provincial rebate.

“There are currently more than 1,000 charging stations – including 30 fast-charging stations,” said Chris O’Riley, BC Hydro’s president and chief operating officer.