Electric Vehicles and Charging Stations

 Myth 1: EVs don't have enough range

• New EV cars have an average range of 480km – and rising.
• Yes, extreme cold temperatures reduce the battery range of EVs, sometimes up to 30%. That means in extreme cold temperatures, an EV can go roughly 336km or more between charges. If range is still an issue, a Plug-in Hybrid Electric may be a good alternative.
• Source: Clean Energy Canada

• EVs are designed with different systems than gas-powered vehicles and this affects how they operate in cold climates. Their function in the cold also depends on the model and year of the EV.
• Yes, cold weather reduces EV range (see above), but it reduces range for gas-powered vehicles as well, which results in worse fuel economy.
• EVs do not have the same issue of starting in cold weather as gas-powered vehicles do. Cold temperatures cause engine oil and other fluids to become thick and viscous, making it harder to crank and lubricate parts. It also reduces their lead-acid battery power, providing less power to start the engine.
• Gas-powered vehicles take longer to warm up in the cold than EVs. That’s because in gas-powered cars, you must run the engine to preheat the interior.
• You can keep the heat on while charging your EV (no need to turn off the vehicle) and in some vehicles, you can use a scheduled departure feature to preheat the battery.
• Sources:
  • Cars.com
  • Mr. Tire Auto Service Centre
  • GNWT Energy

Still not sure? Ask the YK Carshare Co-op about how their EVs run during Yellowknife winters. Or talk to a local dealership – every dealership in the city sells at least one EV or Hybrid!

• EVs are cheaper over their lifetime than gas-powered cars. This is due to the cheap cost to charge and lower maintenance costs.
• Considering the full costs of ownership (purchase, maintenance, and fuel) over a 10-year period, EV drivers can save about $3,000/year compared to owning a gas-powered car (depending on the model and usage).
• The federal government is now offering up to $5,000 off new EVs and $2,500 off Plug-in Hybrids.
• EVs are even cheaper when you charge for free at City of Yellowknife chargers!
• Source: Clean Energy Canada

Myth 4: The electricity grid can’t handle EV charging

• The GNWT is planning for, and incentivizing, increased EV charging in the future. It is investing in increasing the electrical capacity through major infrastructure projects and promoting renewable energy sources.
• There is very little heating by electricity in Yellowknife (heating is mostly by propane, heating oil, or biomass). So, power distribution constraints in the winter when heating demand is at its peak is not the issue.

Myth 5: EV batteries need replacing before the vehicle’s end of life

• The average EV battery (400-800 volts) lifespan is 15-20 years. In some cases, they may even outlive the vehicle itself.
• All EVs sold today include a battery warranty of at least 8 years and 160,000km.
• Sources:
  • Clean Energy Canada
  • McCluskey Chevrolet