Electric vehicle charging stations

While EVs are currently priced more than their Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) counterparts, time and technology have made EVs more affordable to own compared to when they were first introduced. Canada also offers incentives to make EVs more affordable for Canadians through the Zero-Emission Vehicles Program

EVs come out on top despite the hefty upfront cost. EVs require less maintenance and automobile part replacement than ICE vehicles. As a result, EV running costs are much lower than its ICE counterparts. The price of electricity is also significantly lower than the price of gasoline. Therefore, with each kilometer driven, the cost of EVs makes it more affordable than owning ICE vehicles. And with the option of having your own EV charging station right at home – you may never have to visit a gas station ever again.

This is both true and false. If a municipal or provincial electricity grid is predominantly powered by fossil fuels, then your EV will be using “dirty” electricity. However, three points must be considered:

1. EVs replace the inefficient miniature combustion that occurs in ICE vehicles. Having more efficient vehicles on the roads contributes to reducing the overall global emissions.
2. While different municipalities and provinces have different electricity generation makeup, it is important to note that renewable energy accounts as the largest energy electricity generator in Canada (Government of Canada, 2018). Therefore, this statement application varies depending on which province one is charging their EV from. Even so, provinces such as Alberta (where fossil fuels produce 90% of its electricity generation) is pushing to make its electrical grid 30% renewable by 2030 (Stephenson, 2019).
3. Today, many EV owners implement solar energy solutions into their homes or businesses to take energy directly from the sun. Setting up an EV charging station right at home or at the business site while pairing it up with solar technology ensures that the energy used for the EV is as green and renewable as possible.

From production, to charging, to driving, EVs have proven to be significantly better for the environment than ICE vehicles.

When lithium-ion is harvested for EV batteries, its emissions contribute to the overall pollution in the environment. However, most of the battery material can be recycled and the battery can be reused. When an EV battery can no longer deliver enough power for its EV, it can be repurposed for both residential and commercial electrical storage in conjunction with a solar photovoltaic system.

Battery production and technology are accelerating every day. With companies like Tesla and Samsung consistently innovating and taking advantage of economies of scale, batteries are becoming cheaper and much longer lasting. 

ICE vehicles will not have the same battery life as EVs. As long as EV owners maintain and care for their EVs, the battery life and the overall vehicle will require less maintenance in the long-run.