Get some seat time in an EV
Upcoming Vancouver Auto Show will feature a fleet of new models available for test drives
Auto industry experts have been guesstimating the so-called ‘tipping point’ for electric vehicle sales for almost a decade now, and so far the battery-powered propulsion systems still only represent a small fraction of total vehicle sales in Canada.
This despite the fact that you’d be hard-pressed to find a single global automaker that doesn’t offer some kind of electrified option in their fleet, be it fully all-electric, PHEV
(plug-in-hybrid) or mild hybrid.
But drive the streets of Metro Vancouver and you’ll see plenty of these technologically advanced vehicles, their proud owners having reached
their own personal tipping point to make the decision to go electric. With area fuel prices currently flirting with the once-unfathomable buck-and-a-half per litre figure, one can’t help but think tipping points for many other over-taxed drivers are just around the corner. In addition, two of the biggest impediments to plugging into the EV craze—sticker shock and range anxiety—have been dialed down this year with the introduction of less-expensive all-electrics with full-charge ranges in the 200-km neighbourhood, and beyond.
Which makes the timing of the upcoming 2018 Vancouver International Auto Show all the more relevant, in particularly its ever-evolving green ride-and-drive program, the Electric Vehicle Experience Test Drive sponsored by CEVforBC. Those with valid driver’s licence simply sign up during the show for the opportunity to drive around downtown with a representative of the respective automaker in the passenger seat offering guidance and answering questions.
“Approximately 16-18 vehicles that qualify for the CEVforBC incentive will be available for test drives onsite,” reports show executive director Jason Heard, adding, “The Toyota / Lexus Hybrid ride and drive will offer up to 16 vehicles for test drives at the show, including their hydrogen Miria.”
While the complete list of participating vehicles is still be worked out, Heard provided seven confirmed new models, ranging from small urban runabouts to SUVs to full-size minivans. These include the BMW i3, Chevrolet Bolt, Chevrolet Volt, Honda Clarity, Mitsubishi Outlander, Nissan Leaf and Chrysler Pacifica.
A big rumour buzzing within the province’s vibrant electric vehicle community is the possibility B.C.’s NDP government will up the current $5,000 incentive for battery electric, fuel cell vehicle and PHEVs above a 15 kWh capacity. Of the three provinces that offer such rebates, B.C’s is the lowest (Ontario’s is $8,500, Quebec’s $8,000). Premier John Horgan’s government has been surprisingly silent on the EV incentive file since taking office, and taking into consideration his government’s relationship with the Green party, speculation is rife that the auto show will prove the perfect photo op for the announcement. We’ll see.
The 2018 Vancouver International Auto Show takes place March 28 to April 1 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. For tickets and more information visit vancouverinternationalautoshow.com