Electric vehicles (EVs) are a great fit in Manitoba and have many benefits when compared to gasoline or diesel-powered vehicles:
- low operational costs
Manitoba has among the lowest electricity rates in North America, making an EV inexpensive to charge. An EV that travels 15,000 km per year would use approximately the same amount of energy every year as a typical electric water heater. This equates to approximately $0.01 to $0.02 per km driven. - low maintenance costs
EVs are simpler in design with fewer parts and little to no fluids, so the cost to maintain them can be much less. For example, EVs do not have engine oil and don't require oil changes. - energy efficient
The motor used to power an EV is approximately four times more efficient than a typical internal combustion engine. - environmentally friendly
Emissions associated with EVs come from generating electricity to charge the batteries. Over 97% of electricity generated in Manitoba comes from hydroelectric power, which is a renewable energy source with virtually zero greenhouse gas emissions. - EVs support the local economy
Electricity is produced within the province, resulting in a decreased outflow of dollars from Manitoba's economy to pay for imported fossil fuels. - enhanced driving experience
EVs are much quieter and typically perform better than internal combustion vehicles. They also accelerate instantly, smoothly, and quietly, as they use electric motors without a transmission.
Charging your EV
If you’re considering an electric vehicle (EV), you’ll need to think about where you're going to charge and what type of charging system fits your lifestyle. Because of factors such as the amount of energy already in the battery and temperature and type of charging equipment, charging times can vary. For exact charging times and expected range of your vehicle, consult a local dealer or refer to the manufacturer's website.
Charging systems:
Level 1 – 120 V AC
- approximate charging time: 15 to 25 hours
- compatible with outlets commonly found in garages, parking lots and exteriors of homes and businesses
- adds approximately 5 km of range per hour charged
- requires a dedicated circuit to be installed by a licensed electrician – existing 120 V outlets may become overloaded if part of a larger circuit
Level 2 – 208 to 240 V AC
- approximate charging time: six to ten hours
- can be used in wide range of residential, commercial and public settings
- average cost (including installation) ranges from $1,000 to $3,000 in a residential application.
- adds approximately 20 to 40 km of range per hour charged
- may require a larger electrical panel and/or additional wiring installed
Level 2 chargers are currently eligible for financing under our Home Energy Efficiency Loan.
We recommend consulting a licensed electrician about the equipment's requirements and potential costs.
DC fast charging system – 400+ V DC
- approximate charging time: 20 to 30 minutes
- most expensive to install and not found in residential locations
- typically provided by public charging network providers and is used for on-route travel, think of a road trip
Some commercial parking lots, including apartment buildings and condo complexes, may operate their electrical outlets in a load-restricted or cycled manner (otherwise known as a block heater timer). Plugging your EV into these types of outlets may result in a lower charge than expected or no charge at all. If a parking stall is not specifically designed for EV use, we recommend you consult with the parking lot or building manager to make sure it can provide enough power to your vehicle.
Using your electric vehicle in winter
Cold weather and winter driving conditions negatively affect both electric and internal combustion engine vehicles. Driving range in an electric vehicle (EV) is typically reduced in these conditions, so you may need to charge it more frequently.
The average daily driving distance in Manitoba is aboutm43 km and typical commuting distances within Winnipeg are rarely more than 30 km per day. Most EVs on the road today have a range between 350km and 500km so for most people typical daily driving an EV should more than meet your needs.
Tips to maximize driving range in winter:
- Pre-heat your vehicle using power from the grid. Heat the interior of your vehicle while it's still plugged into the charger. That way you use power from the electric grid rather than the vehicle's battery.
- Use the seat warmers. Seat warmers use less energy than your vehicle's fan heater.
- Keep your EV battery warm. If you can, park your vehicle in a heated or insulated space such as a garage.
- Most newer EVs today have a battery management system to keep your battery at the optimal temperature, when possible always keep your EV plugged in.
- Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Under- or over-inflated tires can increase resistance or affect the traction of your vehicle. Properly inflated tires will help maximize your range.