Canada's ZEV Strategy

There is so much to learn about Canada's ZEV Strategy. It starts with the Federal government. They have mandated that all sales of new passenger cars, SUVs, crossovers and light trucks be hybrids, electric or hydrogen-powered by 2035.

There are 4 cornerstones that I believe are critical to operationalizing Canada's ZEV Strategy:

Availability
Affordability
Accessibility
Apprenticeship

Here are some answers to Frequently Asked Questions around EVs

Learn More

The Canadian Government Emissions Reduction Plan (ERP) as it pertains to transportation can be found on the federal government website

Link to Relevant Document

Four Cornerstones

Availability

Wait times for EV or hybrid vehicle delivery in Canada are now more than 12 months on average. This creates a "friction" moment and adds an additional barrier for consumers when purchasing a vehicle. Most Canadian's are not used to put a deposit down on a car and then needed to wait more than 1yr to receive it. In 2023, a report by the C.D. Howe Institute estimates that 1.5M ZEVs will need to be available for sale in 2035 to meet the target.

Investments in production such as the Honda factory announcement in Apr 2024 are critical for meeting this goal.

Government incentives have been announced to encourage investment in Canada for EV production and EV battery production. In Budget 2024, the federal government announced its intention to introduce the new 10% electric vehicle (EV) Supply Chain investment tax credit, to attract investment across at least three supply chain segments (EV assembly. EV battery productions. Cathode active material production). This is on top of the 30% clean manufacturing investment tax credit introduced in Budget 2023.

Affordability

In 2023, the average EV cost in Canada was $73k according to Canadian Black Book. Electric vehicles have become a premium product - one which most Canadian's cannot afford. In Canada, new vehicle registrations in Q4 2023 showed that approximately 10% of all new vehicles registered were EV and about another 10% were hybrid (see Statistics Canada)

In China, for comparison, the most popular EV is priced at about $20k which explains why approximately 40% of sales in China in 2023 were EVs. Prices need to come down. Affordability is a key barrier for adoption. The expectation is that prices will start to decline as the America's are facing pressure from Chinese EV makers who want to begin production in North America.

Accessibility

Accessibility of chargers is also a key issue, with 90% of chargers in Canada currently located within 10% of the border. Communities have the opportunity to build microgrids - supported by investment from the Federal and local governments. Getting local communities to develop the power needed is good for EVs, good for the environment and good for Canada's overall energy security.

The Federal Government launched the Zero Emissions Vehicle Infrastructure Program to help communities build the necessary charging infrastructure. I expect that we will see more incentives such as these in the near future.

Apprenticeship

The workforce needs to be retrained to build and maintain EVs AND the charging infrastructure (and associated power generation). It's essential that we focus on apprenticeship programs to develop the necessary skills.

Humber and many other post secondary institutions are working with partners to fill this gap.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please email francis.syms@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

What are the level of chargers?

There are several types of electric vehicle (EV) chargers, each with different charging speeds and compatibility. Here are the main types:

Level 1 Chargers: These chargers use a standard household outlet (120 volts AC) and are typically included with the purchase of an EV. They provide the slowest charging speeds, typically adding about 2-5 miles of range per hour of charging. Level 1 chargers are best suited for overnight charging at home or in locations where faster charging options are unavailable.

Level 2 Chargers: Level 2 chargers require a 240-volt AC power source, similar to what's used for large appliances like electric dryers or stoves. They offer faster charging speeds compared to Level 1 chargers, typically adding about 10-30 miles of range per hour of charging, depending on the EV and charger specifications. Level 2 chargers are commonly found in residential garages, workplaces, and public charging stations.

Level 3 or DC Fast Chargers (DCFC): DC fast chargers provide the fastest charging speeds and are typically found at public charging stations along highways and major routes. They use direct current (DC) power and can charge an EV much quicker than Level 1 or Level 2 chargers. DC fast chargers can add around 60-80 miles of range in just 20-30 minutes, making them ideal for long-distance travel or quick top-ups.

Tesla Superchargers: These chargers are proprietary to Tesla vehicles and are designed specifically for Tesla's electric cars. They provide DC fast charging and are capable of adding significant range in a short amount of time. Tesla Superchargers are strategically located along major travel routes and are exclusive to Tesla vehicles.

Wireless Chargers: Wireless EV chargers, also known as inductive chargers, use electromagnetic fields to transfer energy from a charging pad to a receiver on the EV without the need for cables. While still relatively rare compared to traditional plug-in chargers, wireless charging technology is being developed and tested for both Level 2 and Level 3 / DC fast charging applications.

Understanding the different types of EV chargers can help EV owners choose the most suitable charging option based on their needs, driving habits, and the availability of charging infrastructure in their area.

How far can an electric car go on a single charge?

The range of an electric car varies depending on the model and battery capacity. Modern EVs typically have ranges ranging from 100 to over 300 miles on a single charge. A good reference point can be found here.

How much does it cost to charge an electric car?

The cost of charging an EV depends on electricity rates and the car's battery size. On average, it costs less to charge an EV compared to refueling a traditional gasoline car. Charging at home is typically cheaper than using public charging stations. In Canada, some reports say that the average Canadian driver spent $1.5k on gas in 2023. Some consumers who drive EVs say they spend 1/4 to 1/2 of that when charging their EV (depending on the mix of charging at home and charging at public stations)