Updated: December 1, 2024

Did you ever think that you would plug your car into a wall overnight to get power? You’re not alone—many people didn’t until the widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs).

Surprisingly, EVs aren’t a new invention. The first four-wheel EV was developed in the late 1800s following many technological milestones, including the discovery of electricity itself. Today, EVs are gaining popularity in B.C. because they have a number of benefits over their gasoline-powered counterparts.

If you’re on the fence about ditching the gas pump for the wall socket, read about benefits of switching to an EV below.

1. The environmental benefits of electric vehicles

EVs produce fewer emissions compared to their gasoline or diesel counterparts. Even accounting for manufacturing, including batteries, an EV in B.C. will only produce about 25 per cent of the emissions that a gas vehicle would over its lifetime.¹

2. Low cost of charging

It’s typically more affordable to plug in your car than to fuel up at the pump. Today, drivers pay for the electricity they use at our EV charging stations. Owners of an EV pay $0.39 per kilowatt (kWh) at our public charging stations. This energy-rate system ensures that all drivers pay the same rate for the energy they use, regardless of the charging speed.

At $0.39 per kWh, driving a typical compact EV an approximate distance of 140 kilometres would cost $9.90.² By comparison, a driver of an average gas vehicle would spend around $19.90 on fuel to travel the same distance.³

As an EV owner, you have options to charge your vehicle at home, on the road at a public station or at your workplace. Depending on the type of vehicle and the voltage of your outlet, you can use your home’s electricity to charge your plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle, which means you can enjoy lower charging costs compared to public charging stations.

We’re pleased to be administering the provincial government’s CleanBC EV Charger Rebate Program for our electricity customers. Electric vehicle charging stations could be eligible for a rebate of up to a $2,000 for stations in locations such as condominiums, apartments and workplaces.⁴ There is also an additional top-up available for City of Kelowna applicants for condominiums and apartments.

Learn more about EV charging station rebates for single-family homes or condominiums, apartments and workplaces.

3. Ease of charging electric vehicles

To support the switch to EVs, we’re working closely with B.C. municipalities with support from Natural Resources Canada’s Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP) and the Province’s CleanBC Go Electric Program. Some of our collaborative successes include installing 100 kilowatt (kW) stations in Osoyoos, Rock Creek, Greenwood, Christina Lake and Castlegar. Having these charging stations means that local drivers, and those passing through these popular road trip destinations, can travel in these areas with confidence. 

We’ve also deployed fast-charging stations in almost every community in our electric service territory. This ensures that drivers always have access to reliable charging infrastructure. Add that to the fact that most EVs have a range of 300-600 kilometres per charge and you can really cover some ground when driving.⁵ With 42 fast-charging stations in 22 different locations, EV drivers can travel with ease across our electric service territory.

Ready to make the transition to a low- or zero-emission vehicle?

We’re excited to continue to support our customers who want to make the switch to EVs. That’s why we’re continuing to invest in low- and zero-emission infrastructure. It’s one of the way’s we can help reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions. The more we invest in EV charging infrastructure, the more British Columbians will consider making the switch.

¹Source: Plug In BC Electric Vehicles 101 (Better for our environment) https://pluginbc.ca/ev101/

²Based on a 2022 Nissan Leaf 62 kWh battery pack

³Based on the gasoline price of $1.80 and average consumption of 7.9L/100km

⁴Terms and conditions apply: https://www.fortisbc.com/rebates/business/ev-charging-solutions-for-multi-unit-residential-buildings-and-workplaces 

⁵Source: Plug In BC Electric Vehicles 101 (Getting where you’re going) https://pluginbc.ca/ev101/