Why drive an electric vehicle?
There's never been a better time to consider an EV
Interested in making the switch to an electric vehicle (EV)? Let's explore some of the many advantages of owning an EV.
Four great things about owning an EV
1. You're fighting climate change
If your electricity is generated by coal or other fossil fuels, you could argue that driving an EV doesn't make much difference to carbon emissions. But EVs make sense in B.C., where 98% of the electricity we generate is clean.
Find out more about how EVs are a key part of B.C.'s Climate Leadership Plan
There are also social benefits to driving an EV. Wherever you go, you're signalling your beliefs on sustainability and protecting the environment to everybody who sees you. And within your community, you're doing a valuable job of 'normalising' EVs. The more EVs people see driving around, the more reassured they'll feel about making the switch themselves.
2. You'll save on fuel and maintenance costs
Electricity is not only cleaner, it's also a lot cheaper. Most EV owners in B.C. do the bulk of their charging at home or at work. This means that they're usually only paying our regular residential rate – and maybe even charging for free at work.
Based on BC Hydro rates, this means that a Nissan Leaf can travel 100 km for just $2 in electricity costs – a tiny fraction of what it would cost to drive an equivalent gas-powered car the same distance.
And with our optional time-of-day pricing, you could reduce your electricity costs if you shift EV charging to overnight. If you opt into this rate plan, you'll get a discount for overnight usage, and pay a surcharge for on-peak usage.
Learn more about time-of-day electricity pricing
Additionally, EVs have far fewer moving mechanical parts than gas-powered vehicles, meaning there is less that can break down. Braking is different in an EV, with the vast majority of slowing and stopping performed by regenerative braking. So an EV's traditional friction brakes get used much less. Reports from mechanics and owners suggest those friction brakes can last about 200,000 km before being replaced.
Once you move to an electric vehicle, you won’t need to schedule oil changes either. In fact, an analysis by Consumer Reports found that on average, there was a 50% maintenance cost saving for electric vehicles over gas-powered vehicles.
3. You'll love driving it
Driving an EV can feel noticeably different from a gas powered vehicle. They're quieter, quicker to accelerate, and some may even offer one-pedal driving.
Ask any EV driver about their experiences – and see if they'd ever go back to a gas-powered vehicle. You can also explore B.C.'s growing EV community at Emotive.
4. You'll enjoy some perks
Have you ever noticed the big white OK decals on EVs as they drive past you in the HOV lane? If you own an EV in B.C., you can apply for an HOV lane/EV permit and decal which allows you to drive your EV in HOV lanes even if it's just you in the car.
You'll also find public charging sites that often serve as convenient parking (sometimes free for both charging and parking). Just remember to vacate the spot once your EV is fully charged or you've met the parking time limit.
Watch: More about EV benefits
Dave dives into the best reasons to own an EV – including potential fuel savings, and how EVs in B.C. are powered by renewable electricity.
What to consider before making the switch
Though there are a lot of perks to driving an EV, there are still some things to consider before deciding to make the switch.
We're here to help you weigh out the various factors – including how you'll use the vehicle, purchase price, rebates, long term savings, and practicality – to help you make an informed decision.
Why are you buying an EV?
Maybe you decided you wanted to buy an EV to help reduce your environmental footprint. Perhaps you're looking to save money on gas for school runs or a long commute?
Knowing exactly why you want an EV and what benefits you're expecting will ultimately help you make a decision that you'll be happy with for years to come.
Is there an EV that fits your needs?
If you're looking for a fully electric vehicle that can carry more people (6+) or big cargo, there are an increasing number of options in B.C., including Tesla's Model X and Model Y, Kia's EV9 and Ford's F-150 Lightning Truck.
For a bigger selection, check out your plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) options instead. Kia, Chrysler, Volvo and others currently all offer PHEVs with 6+ seats.
Where will you charge?
Home charging is by far the most popular way to charge an EV. Many owners just plug into a standard electric outlet, even if they need an extension cord to make it happen. Others want a much faster charge, and invest in installing a Level 2 charger at home.
Some stratas have jumped at the chance to provide charging options for apartment, condo and townhome owners, but many are still working on it. If that’s your situation, check out the EV rebates for apartment/condo buildings, and Metro Vancouver's evcondo.ca for ideas and advice.
Public charging
You can also take advantage of the thousands of EV chargers across the province, many of which are fast chargers. A fast charger can charge the average EV battery to 80% in 30 to 40 minutes.
Is an EV a good investment for you?
There's no doubt that in B.C., the combination of significantly lower fuel and maintenance costs makes switching to an EV add up to big long-term savings. But with any big purchase, it's important to consider all the costs of long-term ownership. Particularly for an EV, it's important to know how to look after your battery.