Posted by Electric Vehicle(EV) sales continue to increase every year. However, certain regions in Canada are adopting EVs at a faster rate. For example, 10% of new car sales on Vancouver Island are EVs. Here are a few theories as to why Vancouver Island Loves EVs!
Cheap Fuel
The cost of Electricity in British Columbia is reasonable. Residential customers pay at most 14.17 cents/kWh. Conversely, gas on Vancouver Island currently sits at about $1.35/litre.
To put this in perspective, we can compare a 500 km trip between a 2019 Honda Accord and a Tesla Model 3. The Accord has a combined fuel rating average of 33 mpg(7.12 l/100 km). The Tesla Model 3 rating is 25 kWh/100 miles(161 km) or .155 kWh/km. Driving 500 km in an Accord will cost $48.06. In contrast, the Model 3 uses $10.98 in electricity.
Stable Fuel Prices
Residential customers in B.C. enjoy stable electricity rates. In contrast, gasoline prices experience considerable fluctuations throughout the year.
BC Electric Vehicle Rebate
At the moment, a new Electric Vehicle purchased in British Columbia may qualify for a $3,000 rebate from the province. In fact, there are additional provincial and federal subsidies for EVs. Click here to find out more.
Clean Fuel
99% of electricity in B.C. is generated from renewable hydro power. B.C. also has a number of wind farms. Therefore, EVs in B.C. truly are zero emissions. Even if power was generated from coal or natural gas, EVs create less pollution than vehicles powered by an internal combustion engine.
Fuel produced in B.C.
Who doesn’t want to support their local economy? B.C. Hydro has generation stations all over the province. These stations are owned by the people of B.C. and employ B.C. workers. Moreover, B.C. is self sufficient in generating its own electricity, and so world events are unlikely to influence fuel supply and cost.
Island Climate
Vancouver Island enjoys a moderate climate with temperatures rarely ever dropping below freezing. As a result, range loss due to cold weather is much less of a factor. Of course you can still drive an EV in -30 degrees Celsius, but there will be a significant decrease in range. Having said that, a conventionally powered car also loses efficiency in cold weather.
Island Culture
People on Vancouver Island definitely love the outdoors and tend to be a little more “green.” Consequently, EVs are a natural fit!
Significant Charging Infrastructure
Currently there are a number of free charging stations on the Island. In addition, Tesla currently has two supercharger stations, 122 km apart. Finally, BC Hydro continues to install more and more fast charging stations around the province.
Conclusion
Thanks for reading. I hope you enjoyed the post. Have I missed any other reasons why Vancouver Island Loves EVs? If so, please share your comments below. Please feel free to repost!