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!
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!
