So you’ve heard you’ll save money with an EV, that’s it’s super fun to drive a car that doesn’t have engine noise, and that you’ll soon be able to get everywhere you need to go in an EV. Here are few more bits and pieces we’ve been asked in the past. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, feel free to check out the EV resources or send us a message.
Yes! Both gas and electric cars have lower efficiency in extreme temperatures – heat and cold. The big difference is because some EVs have shorter total driving range than gas cars, the loss in efficiency can be more problematic. Some models of BEV with total driving range of 120kms can experience a 40% decrease in their range at -25 Celcius. Other models only have a 30% decrease in range. The good news is that battery technology is advancing at extraordinary pace and many 2017 EV models have a range of over 300kms. The accelerate Kootenays network was designed to ensure a 2013 model EV carrying 4 passengers in -25 celcius could reliably travel through and within the region.
This website has a good summary of how extreme cold impacts EVs, and for a local perspective, check out KootenayEVfamily
The consensus is it's pretty awesome! Your best resources to learn about the EV Experience are:
EmotiveBC website and Facebook Page
KootenayEVFamily.ca
All plug-in EVs sold in North America since 2011 are equipped with a socket compatible with 240-V ("Level 2") charging stations. For fast-charge stations, please refer to the following question.
Only all-electric vehicles (BEVs) with a CHAdeMO or SAE Combo socket are compatible with the 400-volt fast-charge stations. For EV Charging 101, visit http://pluginbc.ca/charging-stations/
An effective electric vehicle network includes station sites that: provide local community benefit, are conveniently sited for both visitor and local resident use, and are part of a well-planned network that provides reliable travel to and within the region.
Early network modeling demonstrated that 10-13 DCFC and approximately 40 Level 2 stations would be required to address ‘range anxiety’ and to create a network that is robust and reliable. Please see the accelerate History page for more information
The province of British Columbia has renewed funding for the Clean Energy Vehicle (CEVforBC) Point of Sale Incentive Program. The new program includes point-of-sale incentives for battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, investments in charging infrastructure and hydrogen fuelling infrastructure, additional support for fleets to adopt CEVs, and investments in research, training and outreach. For detailed information, visit PlugInBC here
For a map of accelerate Kootenays stations, please refer to this page.
For an interactive map of all charging stations in BC and beyond, please visit PlugShare.com
We're glad you you asked! accelerate Kootenays is an innovative collaboration between local and provincial governments as well as funding agencies. You can see a detailed summary of partner roles on our About Partners Page
If you require additional information about the accelerate initiative or have a media request, please contact us here.