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Why drive an electric vehicle?

There's never been a better time to consider an EV

You'll never forget the first time you drive an electric vehicle (EV). Even the least expensive models feel like a glimpse into the future: everything is luxuriously quiet and surprisingly fast – especially from a standing start.

So what do you need to know about going electric? Let's explore some of the many advantages of owning an EV.

6 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 total 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.

2. You'll save on fuel 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.

3. You'll save on maintenance

EVs have far fewer moving mechanical parts than gas-powered vehicles, so there's a lot less to go wrong. 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. Anecdotal evidence from drivers suggests those friction brakes can last up to 300,000 km or more before being replaced.

Once you move to an electric vehicle, you can also say goodbye to oil changes. In fact, a Canadian EV cost study published in September 2018 concluded that on average, there was a 47% maintenance cost saving for electric vehicles over gas-powered vehicles.

4. You'll love driving it

Driving an EV is a refreshingly different experience. As we noted at the top, you'll be amazed how quiet and fast it is, and reassured by all the efficiency information on display.

Don't believe us? 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.

5. You'll enjoy some perks

Have you ever noticed the big white OK decals on EVs as they whizz 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 stations 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.

6. You'll boost your green cred

Along with the benefits we've highlighted above, there are also other 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. If you use an EV for work, you're conveying a positive message about your business. And within your community, you're doing a valuable job of 'normalizing' EVs: the more EVs people see driving around, the more reassured they'll feel about making the switch themselves.

Watch: More about EV benefits

Dave dives in to the best reasons to own an EV – including potential fuel savings, and how EVs in B.C. are powered by water.

Related content

Will an EV fit your lifestyle?

Find out

Public charging

Learn about it

Taking a road trip in an EV

Hit the road

Quick Links

  • Home EV charger options
  • BC Hydro EV mobile app
  • Fast charger help centre

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Rebates for single-family homes

If installed at a single-family home, this charger may be eligible for a rebate of up to 50% of purchase and installation costs to a maximum of $350. 

This includes duplexes or townhouses with private garages or dedicated parking. 
Rebate amounts are subject to change. Visit the EV charger rebate program for information and eligibility criteria.

If installed at an apartment/condo or workplace, this networked charger may be eligible for a rebate. 

Rebates for apartments/condos

Up to 50% of purchase and installation costs to a maximum of $1,400 to $2,000 per charger.

Rebate amounts vary depending on factors such as whether or not the building is participating in other EV Ready rebates.

Rebates for workplaces

Up to 50% of purchase and installation costs to a maximum of $2,000 per charger.

Pre-approval from BC Hydro is required for apartment/condo and workplace customers. Program maximums apply.

Rebates for single-family homes

If installed at a single-family home, this charger may be eligible for a rebate of up to 50% of purchase and installation costs to a maximum of $350.

This includes duplexes or townhouses with private garages or dedicated parking. 

Rebate amounts are subject to change. Visit the EV charger rebate program for information and eligibility criteria.

Features

Load management: Allows multiple EV chargers to share the same electrical circuit, allowing the charging power to be distributed across each charger.

Networked: A networked charging station that is connected to a central system via internet communication such as open protocol (e.g. OCPP, OpenADR or other) or a proprietary system (must be connected to a network for minimum of two years).

Multiple ports: Allows multiple vehicles to charge at the same time.

CSA Certification: Tested and certified electric vehicle charging and components by CSA Group. 

cETL Certification: Compliant with North American safety standards and tested/certified by Intertek.

cUL Certification: Compliant with Canadian safety standards by UL Canada.

Breaker Current

Every circuit breaker has specified amperage (amount of current). The rating is the labelled on the breaker. Understanding your electrical service and panel is important in determining the type of EV charger you can support.

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