Except for one glaring exception – the US – electric vehicles are taking off and taking over all over the world. For example, in Norway, 97 per cent of new vehicles sold last November were electric. EVs will comprise 60 per cent of new vehicles sold in China this year, and EV sales in the rest of Asia are forecast to rise by 50 per cent this year. Canadian EV sales in March were up 75 per cent over the same month a year earlier.
If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, here are seven great reasons you might want to make it electric:
- Volatile gas prices that have gone as high as $2/litre, with no relief in sight (driving electric costs 1/3 to 1/10 per kilometer, depending on what you drive)
- Electricity prices are far more stable than gas prices (and it’s far cheaper energy)
- New EV prices are dropping, mainly for three reasons: the arrival of Chinese EVs; the reintroduction of rebates by the federal government; and price drops by manufacturers to make their vehicles eligible for those rebates.
- More EVs also mean a better selection of used EVs available – and with a little due diligence, it’s possible to get an awesome deal! (Personal note: we bought both of our EVs used, with no issues.)
- Charging infrastructure is improving every day (though it’s worth pointing out that 70-90 per cent of charging takes place at home) (Personal note: we’ve been charging from a wall outlet only since 2017 with no serious issues.)
- Lower maintenance costs: as proof, our 2019 Chevrolet Bolt required its first-ever non-wiper-brakes-tires service this week, a $150 suspension repair – not too bad, after 205,000 kilometers!
- Zero emissions
If you’d like to learn more about EVs, consider joining the Electric Vehicle Association of Atlantic Canada or NB EV Owners Facebook pages. There are numerous upcoming EV showcases and gatherings where you can see EVs close up, meet real owners or take a test drive!
The world is moving to affordable, powerful, efficient, clean electric transportation, for so many good reasons; let’s make that happen here too!