Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/375613
A ccording to the U.S. non-profit organiza- tion, the Union of Concerned Scientists, 25 per cent of today's driving population could meet its daily driving needs with an electric car (EV). So, are you a good candidate to sever the gas-pump connection? THE BASICS "Anyone who drives fewer than 60 km a day should have an electric car," says Bruce Stout, president of the Vancouver Electric Vehicle Association, since 60 km is roughly the dis- tance a typical EV battery can go on a single charge. The next challenge is ensuring access to charging. "If you live in a house, it's a no-brainer; charging is easy," says Stout. "If you live in a condo, find out if your strata council is amenable to setting up a charging station." If you're considering an EV to save money, keep in mind they are typically priced higher than comparable gas-powered cars, and charging up at home will drive up electricity bills. Still, the lower fuel costs may make the switch worthwhile, particularly as the number of free-to-use charging stations across B.C. continues to grow. Two-CAr fAmIly? Adding an EV to the fleet can be attractive for families needing more than one vehicle. "You can use the EV for local driving and still have a car for longer-distance travelling," says Stout. Of course, you could also simply rent a vehicle for occasional trips; the savings in driving an EV will more than cover the rental fees. Even drivers with a daily commute in excess of 60 km can still consider an EV; some progressive-minded businesses now offer EV-driving employ- ees access to worksite charging stations as well as preferential parking. Longer-distance drivers could also look at a higher-end EV like the Tesla Model S, which can travel an estimated 420 km between charges. Stout adds that while many entry-level EV manufac- turers claim their vehicles will travel 160 km between charges, the reality is you can expect 120 to 130 km in sum- mer and as few as 100 in the dead of winter when the heater is running full blast. Although "range anxiety" persists, getting stuck in a traffic jam and running out of power is not going to happen. "EVs love traffic jams," says Stout. "When they're not moving, they don't use any power." EV SupporT According to Ken Cousin, BCAA's Associate Vice President of Road Assist, the organization's roadside assis- tance technicians are trained on EV technology and safety procedures in order to properly assist EV drivers. EV charging stations have also been installed at BCAA headquarters in Burnaby and are free to use for any EV owner. – Ian MacNeill ℹ Find a charging-station locator at bcaa.com/evolve w E S T w o r l d >> fa l l 2 0 1 4 31 drive smart: Electric Dreams Want your next car to be electric? Here's how to know if the option is right for you fuel up: EV vs. Gas Smart For two 2012 1 cent/km $217/year Tesla Model S 2012 1 cent/km $261/year Compact gas vehicle 11 cents/km $2,165/year Midsize gas vehicle 13 cents/km $2,835/year Use the Electric Vehicle Cost Calculator at bcaa.com/evolve to compare average fuel costs between electric and typical gas- powered vehicles. Here are two quick comparisons: Calculations based on gas at $1.20/litre and 20,000 km driven per year. • going electric Should you switch to an EV? It may be a good option, if you can answer yes to these questions: • Do you drive 60 km or less per day? • Do you own or have access to a second car that can be used for lon- ger distances? • Can you afford the higher upfront cost of purchas- ing an EV? • Do you have a home parking space where you can easily charge an EV? • Do you live or work near a free-to-use charging station? • 2014 Smart Canada, a Division of Mercedes-Benz Inc.