Who are EV owners? The answer might surprise you…


Take a drive around Oshawa’s city streets and you’re bound to spot vehicles of all shapes and sizes, from two-door coupes to lifted pickup trucks to family-friendly minivans. But one increasingly common type of vehicle has started to stand out – the electric vehicle (EV).

With more than 1,000 EV owners across the city (and hundreds more coming and going from towns across Ontario!), it’s no longer rare to spot an EV cruising Oshawa’s roadways. Whether you spot an EV charging at the Oshawa Centre or your attention is captured by a sleek design and near silent operation, you’ve likely found yourself wondering ‘who are EV owners?’.

The answer? Most likely somebody just like you. Gone are the days when EVs were a radical shift from the landscape of traditional personal transportation adopted only by the most ardent and dedicated environmentalists (with deep pockets too!).

Find out if an EV could be right for you!

Our new EV education tool, developed in partnership with Scout Environmental will help you understand more about the realities of EV ownership and how adoption can work for anyone from any lifestyle!

We caught up with local, everyday EV owners to show you that EVs are a realistic and cost effective option for anyone, from any lifestyle.

Today’s guest: The Advocate


Name: Derek

EV Owner Since: 2013

EV: Chevrolet Volt


What made you choose an EV?

Partly because I love technology, and partly because I’m a gearhead. I had a Pontiac G8 with the 6.0L V8 and while it was awesome for so many reasons, it was also $700 a month in fuel costs with my job driving around. The appeal of near instant torque in a chassis that has more storage space, excellent winter driving aspects, far lower maintenance, and an overall reduced cost of ownership brought me into the world of EVs. Surprisingly, I don’t miss ICE vehicles as much as I thought I would (although the Blaupunkt stereo in the G8 was pretty darn good).

Did you have to make any changes to your lifestyle or driving habits?

I installed a Level-2 charger in my garage, which despite being a century home, had 240v already out there thanks to the previous owner being a welder. Aside from that, plugging in at the end of the day became as commonplace as putting on a seatbelt in the morning. Waking up to a “full tank” was a bit of a switch for me! I did, however, start staying at hotels or shopping at malls that had charging stations set up, since it would make more sense for me to drive there, park, get a charge usually for free, as a way to get me to stay at that place longer.

What reaction do you normally get when you tell people you drive an EV?

The typical reactions are usually just questions… lots and lots of questions, myths to be debunked, and always questions about the winter time driving aspects. Canadians love talking about the weather, so I get it! In the past, when I first got an EV, they weren’t as commonplace or available from every manufacturer as they are today, so the reactions back then were almost of ridicule (“hope you have a long extension cord for when you run out!” Or “hope you enjoy your golf cart!”). There’s definitely been a change in the reactions as costs of living have gone up, gas prices have remained high, so now the reactions are more along the lines of “hey, that holds that much cargo? Is it fast? Where can I get one?”

What is your typical charging routine?

ABC – Always Be Charging. One of the benefits of the car I drive (and many other EVs) is that when it is plugged in, it charges up what is necessary, and also regulates all of the voltage of every cell. Thermal management also happens, so on very cold nights, some coolant can flow through the pack to keep the batteries nice and warm for the next day’s drive, rather than doing so when I start it up and have to sacrifice some range in order to heat up the pack. Plus, I’m a sucker for always having the full range available every time I get in, so I just plug it in whenever I park in my garage.

What is your opinion of the local public charging infrastructure?

It’s improving, it was stagnant for a long while, but I’ve attributed that to the Chicken or the Egg dilemma. Businesses and governments don’t want to pay to install lots of charging stations if there’s not enough cars that will use them, and people don’t want to buy the cars if there’s no where to charge. Lately, however, the amount of chargers I see locally and outside of the area has been growing very fast! That’s great! I hope to see the sudden influx of new charging stations be just the thing to convince someone that now they can finally look at their next vehicle possibly being an EV.

What is the longest trip that you have taken in your EV?

November of 2020, I had to host a conference in Thunder Bay, but being 2020, I drove instead of a flight that was unavailable at the time. My seats were warm, the steering wheel toasty, and the sights along the upper edges of Lake Superior I highly recommend people do at least once in their life.

Have you noticed any savings since you started driving an EV?

Absolutely! The electric bill did increase, but it was still just a fraction of the cost I was spending in gas per month. Literally a small fraction! To this day, I’d rather spend $40 more in electricity vs the close to $700 I was spending in gas costs. Then you factor in the lack of belts, alternator, starter, a traditional air conditioning unit, brake pad maintenance, the list goes on. Now, it’s not all rosy, there is still one significant change I’ve noticed… it turns out I like the electric torque being nearly instant. And I use it. A lot. Which in turn, means I have to look at tires a little bit more often than I used to, but that’s all on the driver!

Are there any challenges you have faced as an EV driver?

I’ve personally not faced any challenges, at the end of the day, a car is a car. The functions are all the same, “drive and reverse” is still “drive and reverse” on the gearshifter. There are a number of apps available that help locate nearby stations, and vehicles like the ones from GM that were aforementioned can even plan routes along your journey that include stops based on stations. It’s really no different than people knowing instantly where a nearby gas station is, because they’ve seen it before and they’ve used it. It’s part of their memory, now. With an EV, it’s new to you, so you have something new to find, but once you look around, you’ll start to find that in some areas there’s more charging stations than gas stations.

What are the most positive parts of your EV experience?

Near instant heat in the wintertime after starting the vehicle (known as preconditioning) from my watch. Coming out to a clear car that has had the snow melt off and it’s toasty inside? Priceless. The flat cargo space means my car can hold more than some other compact SUVs. The low centre of gravity from the battery pack being down low gives exceptional handling for the type of vehicle it is, with a good balance from front to rear. That really helps for winter driving, where weight balance and a system that can have a more finite control of stability systems comes to life. Beyond that, I just enjoy not thinking about it any more as an EV or something different, and I think that’s the point… it becomes just another car. Hopefully others will get to that point as well, where our transportation isn’t solely defined by the method of fueling it up, be it gasoline or electrons.

What advice would you give to someone considering purchasing an EV?

Do research on what your needs are, think about your daily commute, and so on. There are a number of great resources for people starting out on their research, like a great organization called Plug’n Drive. Just don’t get hung up too much on the specifics, because at the end of the day it just seems scary or different because it’s new. No one thinks about what goes on inside a gas engine, or how high the PSI is of a fuel injector for a direct injection system is, they just want to know if it’s got decent performance and fuel efficiency. EVs are no different in that regard. Lots of new tech if you’re interested, but also everything you’re already familiar with. It can be complex, but it’s not complicated, so take your time and definitely drive one!


Still not sure if an EV is right for you?

Together with Scout Environmental, we’ve developed a unique digital experience designed to help you understand more about electric vehicles and find out if there is a model that works for your lifestyle!

Who are EV owners? The answer might surprise you…


Take a drive around Oshawa’s city streets and you’re bound to spot vehicles of all shapes and sizes, from two-door coupes to lifted pickup trucks to family-friendly minivans. But one increasingly common type of vehicle has started to stand out – the electric vehicle (EV).

With more than 1,000 EV owners across the city (and hundreds more coming and going from towns across Ontario!), it’s no longer rare to spot an EV cruising Oshawa’s roadways. Whether you spot an EV charging at the Oshawa Centre or your attention is captured by a sleek design and near silent operation, you’ve likely found yourself wondering ‘who are EV owners?’.

The answer? Most likely somebody just like you. Gone are the days when EVs were a radical shift from the landscape of traditional personal transportation adopted only by the most ardent and dedicated environmentalists (with deep pockets too!).

Find out if an EV could be right for you!

Our new EV education tool, developed in partnership with Scout Environmental will help you understand more about the realities of EV ownership and how adoption can work for anyone from any lifestyle!

We caught up with local, everyday EV owners to show you that EVs are a realistic and cost effective option for anyone, from any lifestyle.

Today’s guest: The Long Distance Traveler


Name: Rod

EV Owner Since: 2021

EV: Volkswagen ID4 Pro S AWD


What made you choose an EV?

First and foremost, to reduce my carbon footprint. It feels good to know you’ve made a change that will positively impact the environment.

Did you have to make any changes to your lifestyle or driving habits?

I didn’t have to make any changes when it came to local driving. Charge at night, hop in and drive like I normally would. When it comes to long distance travel, I like to use apps like A Better Route before we travel to map out our route.

What reaction do you normally get when you tell people you drive an EV?

Typically, the response is positive. A lot of drivers are surprised when I highlight the cost-savings associated with EV. When you add how easy it is to adopt charging into your routine and the low-maintenance that comes with EV, people are pleasantly surprised!

What is your typical charging routine?

I charge exclusively at home using my Level 2 charger. Because I own a Volkswagen, I like to use Electrify America or Electrify Canada fast-charging networks for long distance travel. They are owned by Volkswagen.

What is your opinion of the local public charging infrastructure?

Like I mentioned, I like to charge exclusively at home over night, this is a cost savings on electricity as well as peace of mind that our vehicle is always charged.

When it comes to travel outside of the city, I do think we have some work to do. Our networks along major routes need a bit of work. As more and more people switch to EV’s, the demand for a strong network grows. We’re heading in the right direction.

What is the longest trip that you have taken in your EV?

We drove from Mesa, Arizona to Cobourg and back three times without any issues. Each trip is roughly 3,400 kilometers one-way.

Have you noticed any savings since you started driving an EV?

Yes! I’m saving roughly $200 a month on gas. My insurance actually went down about 20% and I’m 12,00km service free!

Are there any challenges you have faced as an EV driver?

Like I mentioned before, we have a bit of work todo on the state of the network – but we’re getting there!

What are the most positive parts of your EV experience?

Reducing my carbon footprint. I feel good driving knowing I’m making a small difference in the overall well-being of our planet. I love that I don’t have to go to smelly gas stations anymore and can conveniently charge at home.

What advice would you give to someone considering purchasing an EV?

I would encourage everyone to do their part and make the switch. We need to take care of our planet. There are lots of EV drivers out there, connect with other drivers and learn from their experiences!


Still not sure if an EV is right for you?

Together with Scout Environmental, we’ve developed a unique digital experience designed to help you understand more about electric vehicles and find out if there is a model that works for your lifestyle!

Who are EV owners? The answer might surprise you…


Take a drive around Oshawa’s city streets and you’re bound to spot vehicles of all shapes and sizes, from two-door coupes to lifted pickup trucks to family-friendly minivans. But one increasingly common type of vehicle has started to stand out – the electric vehicle (EV).

With more than 1,000 EV owners across the city (and hundreds more coming and going from towns across Ontario!), it’s no longer rare to spot an EV cruising Oshawa’s roadways. Whether you spot an EV charging at the Oshawa Centre or your attention is captured by a sleek design and near silent operation, you’ve likely found yourself wondering ‘who are EV owners?’.

The answer? Most likely somebody just like you. Gone are the days when EVs were a radical shift from the landscape of traditional personal transportation adopted only by the most ardent and dedicated environmentalists (with deep pockets too!).

Find out if an EV could be right for you!

Our new EV education tool, developed in partnership with Scout Environmental will help you understand more about the realities of EV ownership and how adoption can work for anyone from any lifestyle!

We caught up with local, everyday EV owners to show you that EVs are a realistic and cost effective option for anyone, from any lifestyle.

Today’s guest: The New Seasoned Driver


Name: Helm

EV Owner Since: 2018

EV: Tesla Model Y


What made you choose an EV?

I use my vehicle for personal and business use so finding something that was cost effective was important. It is also a great conversation starter! People love to learn more about EV’s.

Did you have to make any changes to your lifestyle or driving habits?

I’ve been driving electric for a long time so I’ve seen a lot of change over the years when it comes to charging stations. Early on, I had to do a lot of mapping for my routes, especially when I was travelling in rural areas. Tesla made travel much easier now with longer range in the newer models.

What reaction do you normally get when you tell people you drive an EV?

I always get a positive reaction! I find people want to learn more about it and love to talk about electric vehicles.

What is your typical charging routine?

I would say 95% of my charging is done at home or at my office.

What is your opinion of the local public charging infrastructure?

I live in a small town and we only have two Level 2 charging stations. I know large cities and towns have more stations and options available.

What is the longest trip that you have taken in your EV?

My longest trip was to North Carolina and it was around 1,370km one way.

Have you noticed any savings since you started driving an EV?

Lots of savings! Gas, maintenance, the list goes on.

Are there any challenges you have faced as an EV driver?

Because I live in a small town, there is limited access to public charging stations.

What are the most positive parts of your EV experience?

One of the best parts – no stopping at the gas station! My car is quiet and great to drive. I love that I can charge up at home and I don’t have to worry about filling up at a gas station.

What advice would you give to someone considering purchasing an EV?

Keep an open mind! There are lots of options out there for driving these days, why not choose EV?


Still not sure if an EV is right for you?

Together with Scout Environmental, we’ve developed a unique digital experience designed to help you understand more about electric vehicles and find out if there is a model that works for your lifestyle!

Who are EV owners? The answer might surprise you…


Take a drive around Oshawa’s city streets and you’re bound to spot vehicles of all shapes and sizes, from two-door coupes to lifted pickup trucks to family-friendly minivans. But one increasingly common type of vehicle has started to stand out – the electric vehicle (EV).

With more than 1,000 EV owners across the city (and hundreds more coming and going from towns across Ontario!), it’s no longer rare to spot an EV cruising Oshawa’s roadways. Whether you spot an EV charging at the Oshawa Centre or your attention is captured by a sleek design and near silent operation, you’ve likely found yourself wondering ‘who are EV owners?’.

The answer? Most likely somebody just like you. Gone are the days when EVs were a radical shift from the landscape of traditional personal transportation adopted only by the most ardent and dedicated environmentalists (with deep pockets too!).

Find out if an EV could be right for you!

Our new EV education tool, developed in partnership with Scout Environmental will help you understand more about the realities of EV ownership and how adoption can work for anyone from any lifestyle!

We caught up with local, everyday EV owners to show you that EVs are a realistic and cost effective option for anyone, from any lifestyle.

Today’s guest: The New Owner


Name: Ibrahim

EV Owner Since: 2022

EV: Hyundai Ioniq 5


What made you choose an EV?

Cost-savings was top of mind and driving EV would mean saving on fuel costs. Of course, I want to reduce my impact on the environment. For me personally, I love new technology and have always been interested in EV’s.

Did you have to make any changes to your lifestyle or driving habits?

I no longer visit gas stations! I’m really happy about how comfortable my new vehicle is and how quiet it is! Canadian winters are cold and I love the ability to heat my car up in the garage before leaving on a cold winter morning.

In terms of driving, it does require some planning. You have to be aware of your range, check the routes for stations, and be prepared to stop and charge. With today’s technology, it’s never been easier to to look up the nearest charging station online and plan your route!

What reaction do you normally get when you tell people you drive an EV?

Reactions do vary. I find a lot of people are curious about EV’s and ask a lot of questions about the range and fuel savings.

On the other hand, range anxiety does come up, it is a valid worry! But, a lot of people don’t pay attention to charging stations unless you drive EV, so you wouldn’t notice how many there are!

What is your typical charging routine?

My routine looks like this: charge twice a week at work and once at home before the weekend. It works for me.

What is your opinion of the local public charging infrastructure?

It’s getting better and better but we do need to make suer we have sufficient charging options. I believe more charging stations will encourage more people to drive EV. A lot cities in Durham Region have great charging options. I drive locally and have found some great spots to charge.

What is the longest trip that you have taken in your EV?

My longest trip was from Oshawa to Ottawa, I made one stop each way with a bit of charging on Montreal. In total, I drove 900km.

Have you noticed any savings since you started driving an EV?

It is important to do your research before buying. They are an investment and can be expensive upfront, but they will result in cost savings over the long term.

Are there any challenges you have faced as an EV driver?

The long answer is like any new technology there are often some hiccups before finding a balance. Right now, there is some work that needs to be done in regard to charging stations.

What are the most positive parts of your EV experience?

One of the things I love is the ability to charge at home! And to list a few; fuel savings, quiet and smooth ride, environmentally friendly, and great government incentives to help with the purchase cost.

What advice would you give to someone considering purchasing an EV?

There is something out there to fit everyone’s lifestyle – do your research and find what is best for you!


Still not sure if an EV is right for you?

Together with Scout Environmental, we’ve developed a unique digital experience designed to help you understand more about electric vehicles and find out if there is a model that works for your lifestyle!

Who are EV owners? The answer might surprise you…


Take a drive around Oshawa’s city streets and you’re bound to spot vehicles of all shapes and sizes, from two-door coupes to lifted pickup trucks to family-friendly minivans. But one increasingly common type of vehicle has started to stand out – the electric vehicle (EV).

With more than 1,000 EV owners across the city (and hundreds more coming and going from towns across Ontario!), it’s no longer rare to spot an EV cruising Oshawa’s roadways. Whether you spot an EV charging at the Oshawa Centre or your attention is captured by a sleek design and near silent operation, you’ve likely found yourself wondering ‘who are EV owners?’.

The answer? Most likely somebody just like you. Gone are the days when EVs were a radical shift from the landscape of traditional personal transportation adopted only by the most ardent and dedicated environmentalists (with deep pockets too!).

Find out if an EV could be right for you!

Our new EV education tool, developed in partnership with Scout Environmental will help you understand more about the realities of EV ownership and how adoption can work for anyone from any lifestyle!

We caught up with local, everyday EV owners to show you that EVs are a realistic and cost effective option for anyone, from any lifestyle.

Today’s guest: The Local Driver


Name: Marc

EV Owner Since: 2021

EV: Hyundai Kona (Electric)


What made you choose an EV?

We need to lower carbon emissions and with the high costs associated with driving ICE, making the switch to electric was a no brainer.

Did you have to make any changes to your lifestyle or driving habits?

It simply requires more planning. You need to be aware of your geographic area and get familiar with planning to charge for long distance travel. That being said, the vast majority of my charging takes place at home.

What reaction do you normally get when you tell people you drive an EV?

A lot of people have unwarranted concerns about EV’s but I get it, you need to talk to an EV owner to get a true understanding. People are shocked to learn that most of the charging happens at home! I find people often think you need to fully rely on public charging stations when that’s simply not the case.

What is your typical charging routine?

I would say over 90% of my charging happens at home.

What is your opinion of the local public charging infrastructure?

In more rural areas, it is practically non-existent. On the flip side, charging at home can reduce range anxiety.

What is the longest trip that you have taken in your EV?

My longest trip so far was 400km.

Have you noticed any savings since you started driving an EV?

For sure! I would say driving an EV is 4 to 5 times cheaper than driving an equivalent ICE vehicle.

Are there any challenges you have faced as an EV driver?

The biggest challenge is finding charging stations when you’re travelling. If you’re not a big traveler, and looking for a vehicle that is good for local commuting; EV is perfect for you.

When it comes to travel, take the time to plan! Nowadays there are so many resources available to plan a trip driving EV.

What are the most positive parts of your EV experience?

The freedom of not having to pay for gas! I love being free from the maintenance and costs associated with an ICE vehicle.

What advice would you give to someone considering purchasing an EV?

Talk to EV owners. There is a lot of information out there, and a lot of misinformation. Talk to an owner and you will hear first hand experiences and advice so you can make an educated decision.

Personally, I have never regretted buying an EV. I’m saving money while significantly lowering my carbon emissions – win win!


Still not sure if an EV is right for you?

Together with Scout Environmental, we’ve developed a unique digital experience designed to help you understand more about electric vehicles and find out if there is a model that works for your lifestyle!

Who are EV owners? The answer might surprise you…


Take a drive around Oshawa’s city streets and you’re bound to spot vehicles of all shapes and sizes, from two-door coupes to lifted pickup trucks to family-friendly minivans. But one increasingly common type of vehicle has started to stand out – the electric vehicle (EV).

With more than 1,000 EV owners across the city (and hundreds more coming and going from towns across Ontario!), it’s no longer rare to spot an EV cruising Oshawa’s roadways. Whether you spot an EV charging at the Oshawa Centre or your attention is captured by a sleek design and near silent operation, you’ve likely found yourself wondering ‘who are EV owners?’.

The answer? Most likely somebody just like you. Gone are the days when EVs were a radical shift from the landscape of traditional personal transportation adopted only by the most ardent and dedicated environmentalists (with deep pockets too!).

Find out if an EV could be right for you!

Our new EV education tool, developed in partnership with Scout Environmental will help you understand more about the realities of EV ownership and how adoption can work for anyone from any lifestyle!

We caught up with local, everyday EV owners to show you that EVs are a realistic and cost effective option for anyone, from any lifestyle.

Today’s guest: The Modern Classic


Name: David

EV Owner Since: 2021

EV: Mustang Mach E


What made you choose an EV?

For me, it was my concerns for the environment. Climate Change, Green House Gas Emissions, I knew I needed to do my part. Saving on gas, maintenance and operating costs switching to an EV was a nudge to make the change.

Did you have to make any changes to your lifestyle or driving habits?

I wouldn’t say any major lifestyle changes but my wife and I do choose to drive the Mustang Mach E over her Hyundai Tuscan.

What reaction do you normally get when you tell people you drive an EV?

People are amazed I drive a Mustang! I think they expect to hear Tesla when I say I drive electric. The number one question I do get asked is ‘how far can you go on a charge?’

What is your typical charging routine?

Initially I charged every two weeks; letting the SOC get as low as 5% and charging to 80%. I’ve changed my routine after listening to Dr. Jeff Dahn from Dalhousie University. Now I charge every Friday night, charging only to 80%. This is what works best for me and my EV!

What is your opinion of the local public charging infrastructure?

It’s not extensive enough, especially for long distance travel. Across the board it seems Tesla Superchargers are the most reliable option when compared to CCS. My local chapter, EV Society-Northumberland, is currently with Cobourg staff and council to have 16 chargers installed in various around Cobourg.

What is the longest trip that you have taken in your EV?

My longest trip so far was Cobourg to Bracebridge, approximately 215 km.

Have you noticed any savings since you started driving an EV?

Let’s break it down. “Fueling” costs for electricity charging at the overnight off-peak rate is 1/10th the equivalent cost of gasoline. You have to remember; you’re normally charging at night when the electricity rates are low.

Are there any challenges you have faced as an EV driver?

Challenges? I lost the battle to drive to Halifax using our EV – my wife still has a bit of range anxiety. I get it, we need to see some improvements happen to public charging infrastructure, that being said, I know a lot of people who drive EV and travel long distance!

What are the most positive parts of your EV experience?

I get to ignore gas prices! I love what I drive and I love engaging with others about driving EV.

What advice would you give to someone considering purchasing an EV?

My advice would be to do your homework. Look at your driving habits and find an EV that fits your lifestyle. There are so many options out there now! Also, look into installing a Level 2 charger at home before you buy an EV.\


Still not sure if an EV is right for you?

Together with Scout Environmental, we’ve developed a unique digital experience designed to help you understand more about electric vehicles and find out if there is a model that works for your lifestyle!

Who are EV owners? The answer might surprise you…


Take a drive around Oshawa’s city streets and you’re bound to spot vehicles of all shapes and sizes, from two-door coupes to lifted pickup trucks to family-friendly minivans. But one increasingly common type of vehicle has started to stand out – the electric vehicle (EV).

With more than 1,000 EV owners across the city (and hundreds more coming and going from towns across Ontario!), it’s no longer rare to spot an EV cruising Oshawa’s roadways. Whether you spot an EV charging at the Oshawa Centre or your attention is captured by a sleek design and near silent operation, you’ve likely found yourself wondering ‘who are EV owners?’.

The answer? Most likely somebody just like you. Gone are the days when EVs were a radical shift from the landscape of traditional personal transportation adopted only by the most ardent and dedicated environmentalists (with deep pockets too!).

Find out if an EV could be right for you!

Our new EV education tool, developed in partnership with Scout Environmental will help you understand more about the realities of EV ownership and how adoption can work for anyone from any lifestyle!

We caught up with local, everyday EV owners to show you that EVs are a realistic and cost effective option for anyone, from any lifestyle.

Today’s guest: The Daily Driver


Name: Haroon

EV Owner Since: 2022

EV: Two Tesla Model Ys


What made you choose an EV?

Knowing that we could save on gas while charging right at home made a lot of sense to us. The beautiful interior and touchscreens on the Tesla Model Y really sold us on them as well!

Did you have to make any changes to your lifestyle or driving habits?

The only real change is that long trips can take a little more planning. Finding a charger and setting aside time to charge is a longer process than simply stopping to refuel at a gas station.

What reaction do you normally get when you tell people you drive an EV?

Most people have a lot of questions to ask; how do I save on gas? Why did I buy an EV? What is the range like in the winter? People seem very curious about EVs.

What is your typical charging routine?

Plugging my car in overnight a couple nights a week is generally enough to get me through the week.

What is your opinion of the local public charging infrastructure?

As an Oshawa resident, I’m a bit disappointed that the only Tesla Supercharger in Durham is located in Pickering but I do love the availability of free chargers to top up my car at places like the Oshawa Centre!

What is the longest trip that you have taken in your EV?

We took a trip to the US to visit family that was about 1,000 km.

Have you noticed any savings since you started driving an EV?

Absolutely! The Tesla app helps me track savings and tells me I have saved about $1,200 in 6 months with our newer Tesla and over $3,000 on our first.

Are there any challenges you have faced as an EV driver?

With the limited availability of Superchargers, there are times where you have to line up and wait but I’ve also experienced that at gas stations on certain occasions.

The biggest challenge we’ve faced is making sure we plan our charging around our schedules. My spouse has forgotten to charge at times before longer distance drives to visit family and has found herself having to go 30 minutes out of her way to find a Supercharger then stop for another 30 minutes to charge. Without proper planning, it can sometimes create a hassle.

What are the most positive parts of your EV experience?

I haven’t had to go to a gas station or Supercharger in the last 6 months with just local driving. Charging at home is very cheap, netting me about 500 km of driving for about $5 of electricity. It will become even cheaper to charge once the new Ultralow Overnight (ULO) rates become available in Oshawa!

What advice would you give to someone considering purchasing an EV?

Be sure that you can deal with the minor inconveniences of charging! To charge from empty to full at home can take about 5 hours and 30 to 45 minutes at a Supercharger. Obviously, with gas it is much quicker, but the need for planning is well worth the savings.


Still not sure if an EV is right for you?

Together with Scout Environmental, we’ve developed a unique digital experience designed to help you understand more about electric vehicles and find out if there is a model that works for your lifestlye!

Who are EV owners? The answer might surprise you…


Take a drive around Oshawa’s city streets and you’re bound to spot vehicles of all shapes and sizes, from two-door coupes to lifted pickup trucks to family-friendly minivans. But one increasingly common type of vehicle has started to stand out – the electric vehicle (EV).

With more than 1,000 EV owners across the city (and hundreds more coming and going from towns across Ontario!), it’s no longer rare to spot an EV cruising Oshawa’s roadways. Whether you spot an EV charging at the Oshawa Centre or your attention is captured by a sleek design and near silent operation, you’ve likely found yourself wondering ‘who are EV owners?’.

The answer? Most likely somebody just like you. Gone are the days when EVs were a radical shift from the landscape of traditional personal transportation adopted only by the most ardent and dedicated environmentalists (with deep pockets too!).

Find out if an EV could be right for you!

Our new EV education tool, developed in partnership with Scout Environmental will help you understand more about the realities of EV ownership and how adoption can work for anyone from any lifestyle!

We caught up with local, everyday EV owners to show you that EVs are a realistic and cost effective option for anyone, from any lifestyle.

Today’s guest: The Commuter


Name: Lori

EV Owner Since: 2018

EV: Ford Fusion Energi


What made you choose an EV?

As somebody who commutes just under an hour to work each day, I do a lot of driving. I liked the idea that choosing an EV would help me lower my carbon-footprint and, in 2018 when I purchased the vehicle, there were great incentives to help make it more affordable. As a bonus, gas prices rising has helped me realize some serious savings.

Did you have to make any changes to your lifestyle or driving habits?

I wouldn’t say that I’ve made any lifestyle changes but I’ve definitely become more conscious and connected to the way I drive. I’ve found that I’ve made some small changes like speeding less and braking more gradually to help make my charge last as long as possible. I feel like these changes have also made me a safer driver!

What reaction do you normally get when you tell people you drive an EV?

Most people are really curious to learn more, like they are almost shocked that a ‘normal’ person owns an EV. They usually want to know how it compares to ICE vehicles, how it affects my electricity bills, and are amazed at how quiet the car is.

What is your typical charging routine?

I always plug in when I get home from work and have my charger set up to charge my battery overnight. I’m also lucky enough to have a free charging station right outside my workplace, so I also charge through the work day! As a plug-in hybrid EV (PHEV), my battery has a lot less range than some EVs, but with these two options I can complete most of my daily commute before the gas engine kicks in!

What is your opinion of the local public charging infrastructure?

It has come a long way in Oshawa (where I commute to!) with quite a few level-2 and level-3 chargers available. However a lot of the new installations are level-3 chargers, which my particular PHEV model doesn’t support. It isn’t a big deal for me though because I have the gas engine for backup in a pinch.

What is the longest trip that you have taken in your EV?

The trip wasn’t fully electric but we went on a road trip through Northern Ontario back in 2019 that was over 1,100km.

Have you noticed any savings since you started driving an EV?

Yes, definitely! With gas prices continuing to rise it is probably higher now, but last time I did a quick calculation I estimated that I’m saving about 75% on gas.

Are there any challenges you have faced as an EV driver?

It really hasn’t been too much of a change but it took me a while to find a good mechanic who would help maintain my vehicle. I found that many shops didn’t know how to service them or just didn’t want to deal with them. Luckily, with my EV I’ve found it needs less maintenance in general.

What are the most positive parts of your EV experience?

Honestly, the experience as a whole has been great. I absolutely love how quiet it is, it makes my commute feel very ‘zen’!

Obviously the savings, both for my wallet and the planet, are a huge positive too.

What advice would you give to someone considering purchasing an EV?

Do it! If you are nervous or have ‘range anxiety’ start with a hybrid. They are definitely here to stay and the charging infrastructure is only getting better. Even chain stores and restaurants are jumping on board now. It is definitely worth it to make the switch!


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