All over the country, Canadians from all walks of life are making the switch to electric vehicles. In Ontario alone, over 300 thousand hybrid electric vehicles, 152 thousand battery electric vehicles, and 95 thousand plug-in electric vehicles were registered in 2021. For many though, the idea of switching to a purely electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) is a daunting proposition. Are you still on the fence about whether or not to make the switch yourself? Here are five reasons why the jump might not be as bad as you think.
1) Energy Security
One of the clearest benefits of switching to electric vehicles is the impact it will have on environmental conservation. Automobiles and light trucks account for about 11% of Canada's total greenhouse gas emissions, and thanks to newly implemented emission laws for new models starting in 2022, this number is expected to decrease by 7 million tonnes by 2030. One of the big factors in the success of initiatives such as these is that hybrid electric vehicles typically use less fuel compared to similar conventional vehicles due to employing electric-drive technology to boost vehicle efficiency through regenerative braking (recapturing energy that may otherwise be lost during the braking process). In addition, all-electric vehicles (as well as PHEVs in all-electric mode) produce no tailpipe emissions. The lifecycle emissions of an electric vehicle depend on the source of the electricity used to charge, which largely vary by region.
Photo by Rathaphon Nanthapreecha
2) Government Incentives
If you're hesitant to make the switch to electric power due to budget concerns, the Canadian government has a few support systems in place to help ease the transition. Battery-electric, hydrogen fuel cells, and long-range plug-in vehicles are eligible for up to $5,000 in funding from the government, while shorter range plug-in hybrid electric vehicles are eligible for up to $2,500 (long-range plug-in vehicles, in this instance, are defined as any vehicle with an electric range equal or greater than 50km, while shorter range plug-in vehicles have an electric range under 50km). In addition, while initial purchase prices for electric vehicles are significantly higher than conventional automobiles, energy costs are lower across the board. Moreover, as production volume increases, this is expected to level out over time.
3) Fuel Economy
Despite the higher initial cost of purchasing an electric vehicle, in terms of fuel efficiency, the benefits are clear (especially considering the rollercoaster gasoline prices we've been seeing lately!) As all-electric vehicles and PHEVs rely in whole or part on electric power, their fuel economy is measured differently compared to conventional vehicles. Depending on how they are driven, many contemporary light-duty all-electric vehicles (or PHEVs operating in electric mode) can exceed 130 MPGe and drive 100 miles consuming only 25-40 kWh.
4) Battery Life
Currently, modern batteries are estimated to last between 12 to 15 years in moderate climates (about 8 to 12 years in extreme climates). While they are designed with an extended lifespan in mind, the advanced batteries in electric vehicles will wear out eventually over time. Several manufacturers of electric vehicles, however, are offering warranties ranging from 8 years to 100,000 miles - furthermore, as with the overall price of electric vehicles, replacement battery costs are expected to decrease as technology improves and production volumes increase.
Photo by Kindel Media
5) Infrastructure Availability
The aforementioned benefits are all fine and well, but what happens when you need to recharge your electric vehicle? Luckily, all-electric vehicles and PHEVs have the benefit of flexible charging due to their proximity to the electrical grid at most parking locations. To safely deliver energy from the electrical grid to a vehicle's battery, a charging station - sometimes referred to as Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment - is necessary. These can be easily installed (by an expert like our techs here at EAMA *wink wink*) at any location, whether it be a residence, condo or apartment, workplace, or public access parking lot.
As you can see, owning an electric vehicle isn't all to different from owning a conventional automobile, and in many cases, it can be more convenient, cost-effective, and ultimately, environmentally friendly. And, when you need the correct infrastructure to support your responsible new purchase, be sure to call your friends at EAMA and ask about our EV Charger Installation services.