• Fully electric vehicles (EVs) use energy stored in a large, rechargeable battery to power the electric motor. These vehicles are the least expensive to run and do not produce any tailpipe emissions.
• Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) have a battery that powers the vehicle for the first 30-60 km before the vehicle switches to operating like a regular gas powered hybrid. The battery can plug into the same chargers as fully electric vehicles to charge the battery, or fill up at the gas station if needed.
• Hybrid vehicles have a gas combustion engine that is supplemented by an electric system to improve fuel economy. Hybrids generally have some form of regenerative braking to recharge the battery when the car slows down.

Check out this list of different makes and models of EVs and PHEVs offered in BC making it easy to compare vehicle ranges, costs and rebate eligibility. 

• In a recent report, Clean Energy Canada compared the lifetime costs of a variety of new electric vehicles to their gas equivalents. In almost every case, they reported electric vehicles to be cheaper in the long run. For example, the electric Hyundai Kona was found to be $10,500 cheaper than the combustion engine version of the Kona.
• The cost of electricity needed to run and EV is much less than the cost of gas to run a similar combustion engine vehicle. For an example, per 100 km of driving an EV might cost $2-3 while a similar combustion vehicle costs $15-20*. That’s around 7x less!
• Although EVs usually have higher retail price than gas cars, many models are eligible for federal and provincial rebates of up to $9,000 to help with the upfront cost. Learn more about provincial and federal rebates.

• Most new electric vehicles can travel 300 to 600 km between charges. In Victoria and Saanich, residents drive just over 16 km per day on average–that means that most EV drivers could go more than two weeks on a single charge.
• EV drivers can plug in to more than 250 public charging stations across the CRD, including 28 fast charging stations that will top up a low battery in about 20 minutes. Public chargers usually cost a few dollars for a charge, but many are free.
• The PlugShare or Charge Hub websites and apps can be used to quickly find a nearby charger.
• A string of fast-charging stations all across Vancouver Island now make electric-powered road trips possible and easy.
• EV drivers often top up their vehicle’s battery overnight, just like plugging in their phone when they go to sleep. You can install a home charger or charge your EV using a standard wall outlet.
• EV drivers are allowed to use carpool lanes even if only one person is in the vehicle, as long as they display the official decal.

• Transportation accounts for more than half of the community emissions in the CRD. Switching to electric vehicles powered by hydroelectric power like we have in BC is an easy way to drastically reduce our carbon pollution.
• Overall, EVs in BC generate 85 to 90% fewer emissions than gas cars over their lifetime, including the greater manufacturing emissions involved with their large batteries.
• Without any tailpipe emissions, EVs also improve local air quality and reduce traffic engine noise. 

• Electric vehicles are fun to drive! EVs have plenty of get-up-and-go, resulting in a responsive and “zippy” ride.
• Because of the electric motor, EVs accelerate smoothly and quietly without the lag of shifting gears.
• Try one for yourself! Join us at one of our test drives events this summer. Chat to EV owners and get behind the wheel. See the “Upcoming Events” tab for more details. 

• Electric bicycles or e-bikes assist the rider’s pedaling efforts with an electric motor, allowing the you to go further, travel faster, climb hills more easily, and carry more in comparison to a regular bike.
• In addition to reduced emissions, e-bikes also reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, increase user fitness, and cost much less than a vehicle to own and operate.
• Cargo e-bikes are larger and more capable than regular e-bikes, allowing parents to carry children and groceries or small businesses to transport supplies; there’s an e-bike for everyone!

• Electric bikes start at around $1,000 and run as high as $7,500 for larger cargo bikes that can transport kids, or groceries, or both. A very good e-bike with accessories can be purchased for about $3,000.
• The price can be reduced through Scrap-It BC. This program incentivizes individuals to ‘scrap’ their combustion vehicle in return for $750 towards an e-bike. 

• Electric bikes can travel between 30 and 160 km depending on the capacity of your battery, degree of electric assist selected, the amount of hill climbing, and how much cargo is being carried. 
• If you ever run out of charge, you can ride an e-bike as you would a regular pedal bike. It will just feel a bit heavier than a regular bike.

• Anyone over the age of 16 is allowed to operate an e-bike in British Columbia.
• Whether one has mobility issues, is carrying cargo or children, has longer commutes, or wants some assistance on our region’s many hills, e-bikes offer quick and convenient transportation option. Riding an e-bike is very similar to riding a regular bicycle.