Canadian sales of electric vehicles, for both fully electric and plug-in hybrid, grew by 53 per cent in the first quarter of 2024, according to Statistics Canada.
Why the success?
We purchased our first all-electric vehicle in 2020. Last year, we traded up to our second EV because of the low operating costs, the quiet ride, and the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions.
Yet myths abound.
The charging infrastructure is expanding rapidly. Today, Canada has approximately 22,000 charging stations. Government funding will add an additional 50,000 more by 2025, with a target of 200,000 by 2030. While longer trips could take some planning, we have never been stranded. The battery range is also increasing with forecasts of up to 1,000 kilometres per charge. These improvements help ease anxiety.
The initial cost of an electric vehicle, as compared to a gas-powered vehicle, is higher. The Royal Bank EV Calculator estimates that by the fifth year, an EV saves money. Over four years, we have a net savings of $11,000 — mainly by charging at home at a net cost of two cents per km, and of course, by not buying gas.
With gas vehicles, only 30 per cent of the energy goes to moving the vehicle. This means that 70 per cent of the gas is wasted. The efficiency of EV is around 90 per cent. A key contributor to this efficiency is the regenerative battery charging when braking, slowing down and going down hills.
Other considerations:
Theft
EV’s have not been a target for theft to date. And there is no catalytic converter to steal and resell.
Carbon Dioxide Pollution
The annual emission savings of our EV is five tons which is equivalent to planting 227 trees per year, covering 72 per cent of a hockey rink. While the carbon dioxide from mining, building the batteries, and vehicle assembly is higher than gas vehicles, EV’s net pollution is less. EV’s are carbon neutral after about 20,000 kilometres. In addition, there are facilities, even in Toronto, for recycling the batteries which means more CO2 savings.
Over the 67,000 kilometres of EV driving, we have saved a total of $11,000 at an all-in average cost of $.07 per km and saved 14.7 tons of carbon dioxide. Our savings will continue to increase even without the carbon tax rebates.
That is why sales will continue to increase as prices continue to fall.
Jorma Ikavalko is a member of Greys for Green in New Tecumseth. He is passionate about promoting clean energy uses in all facets of life and is happy to share his experience with installing a heat pump and driving an EV. Contact Greys for Green at [email protected] or follow them on social media.
