The average commuter in British Columbia travels about 20 kilometres a day in their car.
With new rebates available in Canada, electric vehicles are now more accessible and cost effective.
“The provincial government of B.C offers $5,000 rebate and the federal government recently introduced a $5,000 rebate as well. There’s also the SCRAP-IT Program that can provide up to an additional $6,000 to trade in an old gas powered car for an electric vehicle,” said Jen Walker-Larson, Communications Spokesperson for B.C Hydro.
Electric cars are estimated to cost about 80 per cent less to fuel, than gasoline powered cars.
According to BC Hydro, it cost approximately $2.00 for 100 kilometres to slow charge electric vehicles at home and $6.00 to charge the same amount, at a fast charging station.
For users in cities like Kelowna, travelling long distances on electricity is a concern.
Walker-Larson claims that most electric vehicles have a range of at least 150 kilometres and can recharge in a matter of 30 minutes.
Some communities offer free charging at select stations and, although there are already charging outlets throughout B.C, the government is funding an additional 23 fast charging stations across the province.