From 1 to 6.6 million, electric vehicles by the numbers
The times (and numbers) are changing for EVs in B.C.
Remember when it was a surprise to spot an electric vehicle in B.C.? Today, there are more than 150,000 EVs on B.C. roads, and public charging stations are dotted throughout communities and along most of the province's major highways.
To bring you up to speed, here are some numbers you should know if you're considering buying an EV in B.C., or perhaps upgrading from your current electric ride.
1
Nowhere in North America is the EV adoption rate higher than in British Columbia. We're No. 1 in new EV sales as a percentage of all vehicle sales. We hit about 18% of new car sales last year, and the final count in 2023 is expected to eclipse one in five new vehicles sold.
2
That's how many people you need in your gas-powered vehicle if you want to use the HOV lane on most B.C. highways. If you're in an EV, you qualify even if you're driving solo.
3.7
New accessibility guidelines for public fast charging stations in B.C. include a requirement of a minimum of 3.7 metres in width for accessible stalls. A major player in pushing for accessible charging is Vancouver Tesla owner and wheelchair user Jacques Courteau.
6.9
At 6.9 zero emission vehicles (ZEVs) for every thousand people who live there, Squamish had the highest clean energy vehicle adoption rate in Canada as of early 2023.
57
Remember range anxiety? There are now at least 57 models of battery electric cars and trucks available in B.C. with at least 400 km of electric range. And there are 19 options that will go 500 km or more between charges, with the Rivian R1T dual-motor pickup the current champ at a range up to 661 km, just a few clicks ahead of the Tesla Model S.
87
The largest ever survey of electric vehicle owners in Canada, conducted by the Canadian Automobile Association in 2023, found that 87% of EV drivers surveyed in B.C. said they enjoy driving their EV more than their former gas-powered car. The survey also found that 96% planned to buy another EV when it was time to replace their electric, and 96% said their EV was more affordable than a gas-powered car.
98
This is what is fueling the EV revolution in B.C. With 98% of the electricity we generate being from renewable resources, clean and affordable electricity in B.C. makes the argument for owning an EV in this province far stronger than regions of North America that still rely on fossil fuels for electricity generation.
180
We recently announced plans to add superfast charging, at 180 KW, to our fast charging network. That will allow drivers of EVs with fast-charging capacity to add 180 km of charge in just 10 minutes. The majority of our fast charging stations offer 50 kW charging, which is still capable of getting most EVs up to 80% capacity in 40 minutes or less.
200
We've launched a new $200 rebate for an EV power management device if it's needed to avoid electrical upgrades when installing a Level 2 EV charger at home.
502
Don't forget about the used EV option. Now that EVs have been around for awhile, there are more quality used vehicles available. A leading auto resale site had 502 used EVs listed in B.C. for prices of under $50,000 in December 2023, and you won't need to pay PST on a used EV. Before you buy, get our advice on buying a used EV.
2035
That's the year the Government of B.C. has targeted for 100% of new car sales in B.C. to be zero emission vehicles. The interim steps are 26% by 2026, and a rapid acceleration up to 90% by 2030.
3,000
Within the next decade, we plan to add 3,000 ports to our fast charging network. As of January 2024, we have 162 charging units at 85 sites in communities across B.C., including at spots along most major highways.
3,034
That's the estimated dollar savings in fuel costs by driving a Hyundai EV-6 Long Range rear-wheel drive SUV 20,000 km instead of driving a similar-sized gas-powered SUV the same distance. Use our fuel savings calculator to compare dozens of vehicles.
9,000
Combined with federal rebates for the purchase of an electric vehicle, eligible B.C. drivers can get up to $9,000 off the purchase of a new EV. The provincial CleanBC rebates operate on a sliding scale based on your income level, as they're designed to give the biggest rebates to those who need it the most. Vehicles with a manufactured suggested retail price of more than $55,000 don't qualify for the rebate.
6,595,000
The Government of B.C. has approved $6.59 million in funding for EV charging rebates for homes and workplaces, including condos and townhomes.
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