While B.C. electric vehicle (EV) owners are predominantly happy with their purchase, saving big bucks on gas and maintenance costs, numbers show that most aren’t satisfied with the lack of fast and reliable public charging stations.
A new survey, commissioned by the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) in partnership with BCAA, found that 70 per cent of EV owners remain frustrated by limited public charging options.
These findings, based on the participation of 16,000 EV owners across Canada – including 5,000 in B.C. – show there’s room for improvement when it comes to existing public infrastructure, said BCAA marketing director Shawn Pettipas.
Additionally, nearly 60 per cent of respondents shared they would rather drive a gas-powered vehicle on long trips or when travelling in colder weather, citing concerns about the battery's autonomy and range.
In light of these findings, Glenn Garry, president of the Victoria Electric Vehicle Association, offered insight to the potential root of this frustration.
While more than a third of Canadians own homes with access to private chargers, those living in multi-unit residential buildings may need to rely on public charging infrastructure, Garry mentioned.
Though this may represent a challenge for renters and condo owners, Garry believes that the situation in the capital city to be “pretty good.”
“Victoria has laid in a whole bunch of level two charging stations, where you can leave your vehicle, for an hour, and you've got more than enough power… than the average person uses in a day.”
With an average daily commute for B.C. residents typically being less than 50 kilometres of their home – well within the 400-kilometre range of most EVs – Garry argues that the existing public charging is “adequate.”
He also recognized the efforts made by Greater Victoria municipalities, which are now requiring more new buildings to include charging stations. Garry also welcomed BC Hydro’s push in recent years to add charging sites “on pretty much every major highway in the province.”
For both Pettipas and Garry, the key to avoiding unfortunate situations in everyday life or on longer trips is planning and preparation.
Having previously towed a trailer with his EV across the province, Garry granted that while it may be more challenging, it is still feasible. He added that it’s all about adjusting one’s habits after years of driving gas-powered vehicles.
Apps like BC Hydro and PlugShare can help drivers plan their trips well in advance, added Garry.
With EV sales rising to nearly 25 per cent of all vehicle sales in the province, B.C. now has over 150,000 EVs on the road and these figures continue to grow.
While Garry is satisfied with the current situation, he emphasized that now is the time to be proactive in meeting tomorrow's demand as the world transitions to greener options.
“We're meeting the needs for the current population. Victoria's got a particularly high rate of uptake and we're doing pretty darn good, but it always has to push forward.”
