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!
