Busting myths with facts about electric vehicles

Consumers getting more choices and prices coming down, says Charlotte Argue.

To the benefit of commuters, car enthusiasts and the eco-conscious alike, the era of plugin electric vehicles (EVs) has arrived. With cheaper batteries and growing charging options (not to mention rising gas prices), the market is accelerating to meet the increasing consumer demand.

All major car manufacturers now sell EVs and are rapidly expanding their product offerings. As more people strive to live sustainably, this transportation revolution is well-timed.

Yet despite this surge in popularity, myths about EVs remain. Let’s put them to rest with some facts.

Fact 1: EV uptake is taking off.

Canada has 50,000 registered EVs nationwide, with the market growing 68 per cent between 2016 and 2017 alone. In B.C., there are approximately 9,000 registered EVs, the second most per capita in Canada.

Last year, more than 4,000 EVs were brought into the local market through the Port of Vancouver, an astounding 83 per cent increase over the previous year. By some projections, EVs will make up 20 per cent of worldwide new car sales within the next 10 years.

Fact 2: EVs make dollars and sense.

While plug-in EVs have a higher sticker price than traditional combustion-engine vehicles, they are far cheaper to operate, and their prices continue to drop. According to the Canadian Automobile Association, it costs about $2,400 to fuel a mid-size sedan driven 20,000 kilometres a year.

The electricity costs for an EV? $400 — and 300 fewer kilograms of greenhouse gas emissions. With fewer moving parts compared to a gasoline engine, maintenance is cheaper too.

Locally, robust trade infrastructure moves EVs from our port to dealerships around the region efficiently and economically, helping reduce emissions and keep prices down for B.C. drivers.

Fact 3: EVs are all about the ride.

The majority of today’s EVs have plenty of range. For instance, the Chevrolet Bolt EV is rated at 383 km on a full charge, with some drivers going farther. This is more than enough for commuters, who typically drive 30 kilometres a day.

EV drivers also enjoy instant torque, smooth acceleration, and a quieter, more peaceful cabin. Carmakers often pack their EVs with advanced technology, such as mobile apps that calculate range based on current charge and allow drivers to remotely lock car doors or preheat the interior.

Fact 4: EV chargers are popping up everywhere. Charging your car can be as easy as charging your phone. All EVs can be “trickle charged” through a standard 110V outlet at home or at the office, and many EV drivers choose to install a 240V home charger for convenience. For everyday use, most EV drivers don’t think about charging — they plug in during the evening and wake up to a full charge the next day.

Forward-thinking municipalities, such as Richmond, Port Coquitlam, and Vancouver, have mandated EV charging circuits for all units in new condominium developments, a step that will further increase EV charging convenience.

B.C. also boasts the largest network of charging stations per capita in Canada — more than 1,000 stations so far, including some 50 DC fast chargers for highway travel.

Fact 5: EVs are supported.

For drivers ready to electrify their ride, the provincial government’s CEVforBC incentive provides up to $5,000 towards an EV purchase, while the complementary Specialty-Use Vehicle Incentive Program offers access to subsidies for electric motorbikes, trucks and buses.

The B.C. SCRAP-IT Program offers additional rebates for retiring combustion engine vehicles and switching to an EV. Provincial incentives were recently announced for residential and workplace charging, which can be accessed through Plug In BC. EVs are also eligible to use the HOV lane, another handy perk during rush hour.

With more than 30 different models of EVs available in B.C., there’s a healthy — and growing — selection of shockingly fun EVs to test drive.

With so many incentives and benefits available, it is a great time to join the ride. Charlotte Argue is Program Manager for Plug In B.C. (pluginbc.ca), a Fraser Basin Council program that lays the groundwork for plug-in electric vehicles and related charging infrastructure in British Columbia.