Clean Car Plug-ins Expanded around B.C.
We were delighted to hear the announcement from Minister of Environment, Terry Lake, this week, at the Vancouver Int'l Auto Show 2012. Upon review, the Province of B.C. will support the adoption of plug-in electrification in transportation with high-speed public charging infrastructure to the tune of $2.74 million administered by the non-profit, Fraser Basin Council (FBC). The Community Charging Infrastructure Fund will allow municipalities, regional governments, First Nations, institutions and businesses based in B.C. to access funding for the purpose of building public infrastructure for electric vehicle charging equipment (or electric vehicle supply equipment, EVSE) for communities to promote greater adoption.
As the variety of options for electric vehicles becomes greater, the existing LiveSmart BC (Clean Energy Vehicles for BC) incentives of $5000 off purchasing price (or lease) and a mail-in rebate of $500 off Level 2 (208-240V) charging equipment, the front-end costs of fully electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles has become more accessible. Here is a list of all current eligible units. The other important factor is the rising cost of gas and diesel. Currently, the prices at the pump are sitting at around $1.44/L and this is expected to rise past $1.50 and possibly the $2 mark.
If you don't have an EV or a plug-in hybrid, we suggest you beat the rush. Here are some of the current pics of the latest picks from the Vancouver International Autoshow 2012:
Nissan LEAF
Chevrolet VOLT
Mitsubishi i-MiEV
smart ev
Toyota Prius plug-in
Tesla Roadster
Fisker Karma
Ford Focus EV
Electricity is the Thing
“Electricity is the thing. There is no whirring and grinding gears with their numerous levers to confuse. There is not that almost terrifying uncertain throb and whirr of the powerful combustion engine. There is no water-circulating system to get out of order- no dangerous and evil-smelling gasoline and no noise.”
-Thomas Edison
Businesses, municipalities and other jurisdictions (like First Nations communities and universities) are starting to realize the same thing Thomas Edison did over 100 years ago -- electricity is indeed the thing.
As finitie resources used to produce fuels for transportation become more problematic and expensive, communities are striving to llessen their reliance on oil. Although batteries are more expensive than convetional internal combustion engines (ICEs), they are significantly more efficient, non-toxic, nearly maintenance free and silent. Had issues of global warming and climate change been an issue, Thomas Edison would have surely mentioned the benefit of that as well. We are particularly fortunate, in B.C., to have a grid that runs almost exclusively on a clean, renewable resource -- water. However, even in jurisdictions that use dirtier forms of energy -- like coal in Alberta -- the efficiency of the engine requires less energy to go the same distance and costs significantly less to run and to maintain over time. In fact, it requires more energy from non-renwable fossil fuels to produce the oil that is needed to keep our conventional transportation running. The energy needed is far greater with fuel from unconventional oil sources like the tar sands and deep sea oil rigs, so electric vehicles (EVs) have an added advantage of requiring less (and cheaper) energy to run.
Here are some benefits of EVs as outlined by the U.S. Department of Energy:
- Energy efficient. Electric motors convert 75% of the chemical energy from the batteries to power the wheels—internal combustion engines (ICEs) only convert 20% of the energy stored in gasoline.
- Environmentally friendly. EVs emit no tailpipe pollutants, although the power plant producing the electricity may emit them. Electricity from nuclear-, hydro-, solar-, or wind-powered plants causes no air pollutants.
- Performance benefits. Electric motors provide quiet, smooth operation and stronger acceleration and require less maintenance than ICEs.
- Reduce energy dependence. Electricity is a domestic energy source.
Let's focus on efficiency: EVs are very efficient at turning nearly 80% of the required energy into torque whereas ICEs waste up to 80% of the energy to friction, heat and idling (not to mention weight) overheads.
In fact, it takes more electricity to refine, store, transport and pump gasoline than what an electric car would take to drive the same distance.
It has been well documented that 4 Litres (or approx. 1 US gallon) of gasoline takes 7kWh of electricity to refine (Oil Refineries are the 2nd largest consumer of electricity in California, for instance). Add an estimated 2kWh for the balance of gasoline handling and distribution, and you have a total of 8kWh for that same 4 Litres of gasoline. Now, add in the energy required for unconventional separating of bitumen from the Tar Sands by burning copious amounts of steam fired from natural gas and you are easily pushing 10kWh of energy. At CAFE fuel economy of 21MPG (11.20 L/100km), that gallon would take the average car 21 miles. Electric cars are typically 300Wh per mile (1.6km) or 6.3kWh for the same distance.
So, the net impact of driving EVs over gasoline powered ICEs is that there would be a NET REDUCTION of total electricity consumed by the grid
through savings of electricity required for gasoline production and distribution. Slap on a few PV solar panels on your roof and you're potentially producing and storing (in your EV battery) more energy to pump back to the grid than consuming at the pump.
That is something we at BGI are working towards.
So, next time you hear someone carrying on about how much more energy EVs would require on the grid (or that it would require more dirty coal plants, etc)... set 'em striaght!
CoV Launch Charge Pilot Project Initiative with BC Hydro, Gov't of Canada, Gov't of BC and FCM
We are delighted to see a collaborative engagement into furthering the adoption of electric vehicle transportation in our home city and see this as a Big step in the right direction.
We aspire to work closely in assisting in the advancement of this project initiative.
Here is the official announcement from the City of Vancouver:
City, partners launch city-wide electric vehicle charging pilot project
February 22, 2012 - The City of Vancouver today launched an $800,000 city-wide pilot project that will bring electric vehicle charging stations to diverse locations around Vancouver, thanks to investments from the Governments of Canada and British Columbia, BC Hydro, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and the City itself.
The Charge and Go Vancouver Trial will see the installation of up to 67 Level I (110V) and Level II(240V) electric vehicle (EV) charging stations throughout the city by the end of 2013, helping to accelerate the use of plug-in EVs in Vancouver. These will provide motorists with significantly more charging options than currently exist and will enhance the local EV charging network.
The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) invested $350,000 in the project through its Green Municipal Fund, endowed by the Government of Canada; the BC Government invested $261,000, BC Hydro contributed $119,000 and the City of Vancouver invested $70,000.
“FCM’s Green Municipal Fund offers a range of resources and services that specifically address the sustainable community development needs of municipal governments,” said Berry Vrbanovic, president of FCM and councillor for the City of Kitchener, Ontario. “The financing and knowledge provided by the fund supports the development of communities that are more environmentally, socially and economically sustainable.”
“The Government of Canada is assisting municipalities across the country in achieving their goal of a cleaner and healthier environment for Canadians through the Green Municipal Fund,” said Wai Young, Member of Parliament for Vancouver South. “Today’s announcement is another example of how our government — in partnership with FCM — is helping Vancouver build a greener future for our citizens.”
“This is another step forward in British Columbia’s leadership in clean energy infrastructure and innovation,” said B.C. Environment Minister Terry Lake. “As a province, we support the City of Vancouver’s role in providing more options for consumers to make greener choices for their transportation needs.”
“As Vancouver strives to become the greenest city in the world by 2020, we need to ensure the city’s infrastructure will support and accelerate the shift towards lower carbon transportation options such as electric vehicles,” said Mayor Gregor Robertson. “This pilot is another significant step forward toward our goal of supporting sustainable transportation options for all Vancouver residents.”
“BC Hydro plays a major role in supporting electric vehicles as the primary fuel supplier. What's more, our commitment to a more modern grid through upgrades like new smart meters enhances our ability to support innovations like electric vehicles. And finally, this field trial will help us even better understand our customers’ evolving electricity needs,” said Lisa Coltart, Executive Director of Power Smart and Customer Care, BC Hydro.
The scope of the pilot is unique in Canada, and seeks to understand the implications of providing charging infrastructure for use at home, work and 'on the go'.
The pilot will assess the opportunities and barriers, processes, costs and ideal locations for the installation of EV charging infrastructure.
The charging stations will be strategically located throughout the city based on site suitability. The price for public charging will vary depending on the location but will be set to encourage the use of EVs while promoting public transit, walking and cycling as the preferred modes of transportation.
The data collected during the pilot project will be used to evaluate how and where stations should be installed, supported and used and how stations can be integrated into the electrical grid. This information will help inform the installation of future EV charging stations around the city, throughout the province and nationally.
The City of Vancouver became an EV charging infrastructure leader in Canada in 2009 when it instituted a policy requiring 20 per cent of parking stalls in new condo buildings to be EV charging-station-ready and all new single family homes to have dedicated EV plug-in outlets.
Article from The Vancouver Sun: http://www.vancouversun.com/technology/Vancouver+build+more+electric+charging+stations+2014/6194369/story.htmlXX
BC Hydro mentions BGI in latest newsletter
January 31, 2012
BC Hydro couple first in B.C. to own Nissan LEAF
Jennifer Maniezzo
For bchydro.com
Nicole and Bill Clendinning are happily driving ahead of the electric vehicle curve.
It was back in 2008 that the BC Hydro employees, having watched the documentary 'Who Killed the Electric Car', started planning to buy an electric vehicle. And last October, they delivered on that plan, becoming the first retail customers in B.C. to receive the all-electric Nissan LEAF.
And after a few months driving the LEAF, their go-green plan has no red lights in sight.
"To be honest, we find ourselves tussling over who gets to drive it," jokes Bill.
The pair received their LEAF just before Thanksgiving and it's now their daily commuter, although they do still use their Toyota Prius, as they often work at different BC Hydro offices.
For years, the Clendinnings had taken a low-carbon approach to family decisions. After delivering on the bulk of their planned energy-efficiency home renovations by 2010, it was time to take that attitude to the road.
"We were open to buying either the LEAF or the Volt (Chevrolet), but two things made the final decision: the significantly reduced maintenance costs and our first test drive," said Bill. "We were invited to a pre-release test drive of the Nissan LEAF in the spring of 2011. It was so much fun to drive. With 100 per cent of the motor's torque available from the stop line, this car had pep!"
Operating costs make it affordable
While the Clendinnings are happy to do what they can to fight climate change, they also work off of a budget. So cost was a big consideration.
They say they were pleasantly surprised by the price point of the LEAF, which has been further softened by the introduction of the BC Government's $5,000 rebate on the purchase of alternative fuel vehicles.
The clincher is the cost of "fuel."
"At Step 2 of [BC Hydro's] residential conservation rate, it costs us approximately $2.30 to fully charge from near empty," says Nicole.
The Clendinnings hired a local alternative energy company, Big Green Island, to install their Level 2 charging station (240V/7.7kW). They also purchased a simple energy meter to separate their electric vehicle (EV) electricity consumption from the rest of their home.
The best news? Many upcoming EV charging stations will integrate with smart meters, so the tracking of energy usage will be much simpler.
At home with the range
Like most people who consider electric vehicles, Bill and Nicole wondered about the practicality of a car with limited range between charges, plus the time it would take to charge it. But the LEAF can travel between 130 to 170 km on a full charge (depending on the terrain and weather), and from near "empty" they can charge the car in about six hours on 240V.
"In early November, we successfully drove to Harrison Hot Springs on one charge without a problem," says Bill. "The drive was fun and cost a fraction of what it would have otherwise cost in a gas-powered vehicle."
They also haven't had any problems finding a place to charge up while out on the road. And BC Hydro recently installed charging stations in 10 stalls in its Dunsmuir Street parkade.
"The number of charging stations in the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island is growing fast. We use PlugShare and the car's onboard navigation system to locate charging stations near us, if we ever need them," said Nicole.
Green stamp of approval
Nicole's favourite feature in the LEAF is the ability to remotely pre-heat and pre-cool the vehicle from the family iPads.
"During the winter, we are able to pre-heat the vehicle so it is toasty warm before driving it out of the garage. Likewise, the climate control system can be remotely set to cool the vehicle on hot summer days," said Nicole.
It even has a solar panel on the rear spoiler, which provides an additional source of solar energy for the computer systems and accessories when the vehicle is not plugged in.
Nicole and Bill give the LEAF their green stamp of approval. "If your round-trip commute, at any given time, is between 100 to 120 km, we would absolutely recommend the EV," said Bill. "We think it's a myth that there are large obstacles to overcome when using this technology."
Learn more about BC Hydro's involvement with EVs.
Jennifer Maniezzo is a writer-editor with BC Hydro employee communications.
2012 Year of the Electric Car
Come join us as we charge ahead into 2012:
VEVA calls 2012 Year of the Electric Car
Vancouver Premiere the Film “Revenge of the Electric Car” on January 12
Vancouver, BC January 3, 2012. The Vancouver Electric Vehicle Association has declared 2012 the “Year of the Electric Car” for British Columbians. It’s been five years since commercial automakers announced their plans for mass production of all-electric vehicles; essential charging infrastructure and first commercial deliveries have now followed.
“Leading automakers now have exceptional quality electric vehicles in BC showrooms, readily available to the driving public” said John Stonier, VEVA spokesperson. “Recent government initiatives have put subsidies and support in place to make the vehicles more affordable than ever.”. VEVA predicts prices will drop as competition for this fastest growing market segment picks up. Exciting developments in battery technology will offer significant range increases at lower cost.
“In 2012 British Columbia will see more electric cars used by consumers, businesses and governments,” Stonier added. “Public charge stations will become more common at the workplace, tourist destinations, restaurants, hotels, but most importantly people will charge from home. We expect the adoption of electric vehicles to far exceed pundits’ predictions, just as the adoption of hybrid vehicles surpassed expectations during the last decade.”
2012 is also the 100th anniversary of VEVA’s historic 1912 Detroit Electric car. The elegant centenarian is VEVA’s electric car ambassador, its original condition road-worthiness demonstrating the durability and robustness of electric drive technology. In October, the association will mark 100 years that this classic example of historical craftsmanship and electric mobility rolled off the assembly line. The 1912 Detroit Electric car has been in BC continuously since 1913 when Vancouver was filled with electric cars and trucks. VEVA now predicts that 2012 will see the return to that clean, low-pollution means of transportation as the norm here on Canada’s west coast.
Already, Vancouver is one of the world’s leading jurisdictions for adoption of building codes that mandate car charging infrastructure in garages of all new homes and condominiums. New provincial government initiatives are paying off, with policies and subsidies supporting adoption of all-electric automobiles.
“Vancouver is truly a pace-setter, and many other jurisdictions are using our building by-laws as a model for their own initiatives” said Don Chandler,, VEVA’s government relations chair. “More recently, the Province of BC has supported EV’s with a $17M set of initiatives enabling the delivery of more than 35 plug-in vehicles in the first three weeks of the program that began December 1st, 2011” continued Chandler. The BC initiative provides $5,000 consumer rebates for all-electric cars and also $500 to offset the installation of charge station equipment for garages and parkades, as well as incentives for retiring cars 1995 and older through the SCRAP-IT program.
In the last decade BC has lead the country in the adoption of hybrid vehicles at a rate twice the national average, and drivers have learned the benefits and durability of electric drive systems. Now with all electric cars, even greater operating benefits are possible with BC’s world low prices for electricity and cleanest GHG footprint. In time, every consumer will enjoy and afford to be part of the revolutionary experience what VEVA has dubbed “the ‘4E’s of electric cars”. “BC drivers are concerned about environment, energy, economics, and driver experience. Electric cars deliver on all four,” explained Stonier.
Environmentally, the reduction of GHGs, especially utilizing BC’s clean hydro generated grid is significant, and the improvement in urban air quality will help reduce rising health issues associated with engine emissions and particulates from conventional vehicles.
A little know fact about electric cars and Energy is that their adoption will actually reduce overall electricity consumption. The amount of electricity required to refine and distribute gasoline actually exceeds the amount of electricity used directly to drive electric cars an equivalent distance. Oil refineries are massive electric energy consumers, and our reliance on heavy bitumen oil sands for fuel makes these numbers even worse.
Economically, prices for the initial runs of electric cars are higher at the moment, but they still offer substantially reduced operating costs, and one particular, significant difference to conventional cars. Total lifetime costs of ownership are projected to be significantly lower than conventional cars. As electric technology is much more durable, electric cars will last three to five times longer than internal combustion cars. Depreciation, one of the greatest costs of car ownership, is dramatically reduced as there is no appreciable increase in repair liabilities as the car goes into its second and subsequent decades of service. VEVA foresees increased production, competition and pending improvements to battery technology will bring electric car prices down within the next decade, while at the same time driving range will be increased.
The driver Experience of electric cars is probably the most attractive to discerning drivers. The clatter and vibration of engines is replaced by a smooth, silent and vibration free motor that provides unmatchable acceleration performance in everyday driving. Most new electric car drivers see this as one of the most compelling reasons to keep buying electric cars in the future. “It’s one of those things that you can never go back once you’ve driven electric” Chandler stated.
Vancouver Premiere of “REVENGE” and Expert Panel Discussion
On January 12, 2012, VEVA along with partners from Powertech Labs and The Pembina Institute is sponsoring the Vancouver premiere of “REVENGE OF THE ELECTRIC CAR”, Chris Paine’s sequel to the popular “Who Killed the Electric Car?” of 2006. The event will include an expert panel discussion and will be held at Vancouver’s International Village Cineplex starting at 6:30pm. For tickets go towww.veva.ca
About the Vancouver Electric Vehicle Association
VEVA is a social profit society formed by electric vehicle enthusiasts in 1988. VEVA advocates the use of electric motors as the primary motive power source for all forms of human transportation from trains, trucks, buses, cars to bicycles and skateboards for a clean, green and sustainable future. Membership is open to the public. For more information go to www.veva.ca
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For additional information, contact:
VEVA Spokesperson: John Stonier 604.379.9482 or liaison@veva.dhs.org
VEVA Government Relations: Don Chandler 604.307.3611 or govts@veva.dhs.org
VEVA is a chapter of the Electric Auto Association
®
1912 Detroit Electric at BC Place, June 2011. VEVA's original condition electric car ambassador demonstrating how durable electric drive technology really is.
Photo: JStonier
All electric Skytrain passes billboard in Vancouver. Photo: JStonier
Public charge station sign at Surrey City Hall. Photo JStonier
Nissan Leaf at charge station. Photo JStonier
All electric cars at General Electric launch event of their charge station products September 2011. Vancouver was one of eight cities chosen across North America. Photo: JStonier
BGI Envisions An "Open Source" Clean Transportation Future for Vancouver and Beyond
Big Green Island Transportation is a local company that specializes in residential home and commercial fleet charging installations for electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids and clean transportation hubs for municipalities
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Dec. 1, 2011) - Electric vehicle ownership in Metro Vancouver is expected to rise to 30,000 vehicles by as early as 2020, spurred on in part by provincial incentives for electric vehicles and charging systems that take effect today (Dec. 1st2011).
New electric vehicles (EVs) are eligible for point-of-purchase incentives of up to $5000, and home charging systems are eligible for a $500 mail-in rebate.
"Vancouver is on the cusp of an open source, clean transportation revolution," says J-M Toriel, founder of Big Green Island Transportation, the company that installed the home charging system for Vancouver's first Nissan LEAF owner. "EV owners are going to be looking for electrical outlets the same way we look for Wi-Fi signals today, and our goal is to build that network."
Thousands of new electric vehicles will necessitate the installation of new charging infrastructure and thousands of home garage charging systems. With dozens of charging options available to consumers, Big Green Island's extensive knowledge base and in-depth consultation will educate consumers to make ethical purchase decisions and help save them money.
According to the B.C. government, battery-powered vehicles will cost as little as $300 per year in electricity bills, compared to upwards of $1,500 per year to fuel a gas-powered car. The growth in this industry will also fuel green jobs, as the need for new infrastructure creates business opportunities.
"We're embracing an open source approach to charging infrastructure by offering a wide range of products and services, from mainstream systems endorsed by car manufacturers, to systems that some people may not even be aware of," says Toriel. "We're also offering options that allow consumers and municipalities to generate their own renewable electricity locally, and to share it with others through community charging stations."
In addition to installing residential chargers, the company has designed a series of clean transportation hubs for local municipalities. These "Big Green Islands" offer a modern-take on the gas station, with community cafés where drivers can sit and talk, have a coffee and check their email while their vehicles charge.
"With electric cars, the only thing we're asking people to give up is their tailpipe," says Toriel. "Everything else is about building community, retaining convenience and saving money."
Long awaited BIG Green Announcement is here!
The wait is over! As of Dec. 1, 2011, citizens of B.C. will be eligible for incentives for plug-in hybrids and battery electric vehicles and reduce emissions of the largest emitting source for the province: transportation. Here is a list of eligible vehicles covered:
Mitsubishi iMiev, Nissan LEAF, Tesla Roadster, Mercedez Smart Fortwo ED, Ford/Azure Dynamics Transit Connect, Toyota Plug- In Prius, and the Chevrolet Volt.
Note: This information is intended to provide consumers with the range of vehicles that will be included in this program and eligible for incentives effective December 1st, 2011. This list may be updated between now and December 1st, and will be updated when additional vehicles are approved by the Ministry of Environment
So, if you wish us to provide you with installation service of chargers, which we can do, you will have an additional incentive to prepare yourself for your new electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle:
Homeowners who want to install dedicated charging stations in their homes for their clean energy vehicles will get a rebate of up to $500 per qualifying station. To access these rebates and learn more, log on to LiveSmartBC at:http://www.livesmartbc.ca/
That's very good news for consumers wishing to drive their talk and we will be pleased to provide you with the installations you require for your new clean vehicles. As a way to encourage faster service before Dec. 1st, we will do your initial home assessment before you complete the order of your vehicle, so we can begin ordering the equipment and obtaining the permits before the rush.
Here is the LiveSmart BC's CEV Program:
The Clean Energy Vehicle (CEV) Program
Point of Sale Incentives
Effective December 1st, 2011, incentives of up to $5,000 per eligible clean energy vehicle will be available to B.C. residents, businesses, non-profit organisations, and local government organisations. Incentives will be available until March 31st, 2013 or until available funding is depleted (whichever comes first). Enough funding should be available to meet the expected demand (approximately 1370 vehicle incentives).
An Eligible Vehicles List will be approved and updated by the Ministry of Environment, and will include these types of vehicles:
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Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) – $5,000
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Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCVs) – $5,000
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Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles / Extended Range Electric Vehicles:
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Battery capacity of 4.0 - 9.9 kWh – $2,500
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Battery capacity of 10.0 - 14.9 kWh – $3,500
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Battery capacity of 15.0 kWh and greater – $5,000
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Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles (not heavy duty) – $2,500
The final price (including incentive) will be indicated on the sticker of the car on the dealer lot. In other words, the cost of the vehicle less the incentive amounts are all processed upon sale by the dealership. The New Car Dealers Association of BC is working with their partners to coordinate the ‘back-end’ process which means a no-hassle experience for the consumer.
Overall program management and administration for this LiveSmart Program will be through the New Car Dealers Association of BC, who will be launching a dedicated Clean Energy Vehicle Program website on December 1st, 2011 at www.cevforbc.ca.
For more information, please email info@cevforbc.ca.
Links
Residential Rebates for Purchase of Qualifying Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment
Effective December 1st, 2011, rebates of up to $500 per qualifying electric vehicle charging equipment will be available to B.C. residents who have purchased a clean energy vehicle. A complete list of eligible charging equipment can be found here. This will be a mail in rebate, and residents will be required to complete an application form, which will be available on this site on December 1st, 2011. Rebates will be available until March 31st, 2013 or until available funding is depleted (whichever comes first). Enough funding should available to meet the expected demand (approximately 1060 charging stations).
Links
- Application form (coming Dec 1, 2011)
- News Release / Backgrounder (Nov 5th)
*If you have questions about HST and how it has impacted PST rebates on fuel efficient vehicles, hybrid-electric vehicles and bicycles, please visit Jobs and the Economy: Facts about the HST.
Why we need an electrified Vision
If you would like to see how quickly the advancement in installations of EVSE (electric vehicle supply equipment), commonly known as charging stations, just download any of the latest apps listing the closest charging to your location -- then zoom out from the map to view the difference south of the 49th parallel... The main reason for the speed of adoption rests in the existence of incetives that not only encourage EVSE installations (for homeowners, commercial fleets, educational institutions and state and municipal jurisdictions alike). see earlier post on incentives
