Ontario's Electric Vehicle Incentive Program: EVIP

Electric Vehicles (EVs) are relatively new to the world of transportation but are becoming increasingly more popular as people familiarize themselves with this new mode of transportation. Ontario residents can expect to see more electric vehicles on the roads with the commencement of the EVIP or the Modernized Electric Vehicle Incentive Program. The purpose of the new incentive program is to reward early adopters of electric vehicles and create demand in the market for these types of vehicles. This is an effort to put the Climate Change Strategy into action and show the province’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The province is encouraging and promoting the use and integration of low and zero emission vehicles such as the battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

Awareness of, and steps to reduce climate change are increasingly being encouraged by the province of Ontario in efforts to protect the local and global environment. Part of this philosophy is that ‘every contribution to reduce emissions and pollution helps’ in this widespread climate change effort. EVIP is a grant program and the funds are intended to help reduce the costs of electric vehicles so that they are more attainable for Ontario drivers. Under the application based program, Ontario residents can have easier access to purchase or lease new EVs that are considered to be eligible.

We know that traveling in a traditional gas powered vehicle has a significant impact on the environment, and of course, the greater the number of vehicles, the greater the impact. Combustion of fossil fuels emits gas into the environment that comes with harmful effects, and pollution is the primary issue driving the incentive program.

What is an Electric Vehicle?

An electric vehicle is one that is thrusted or powered by electric motors which use electrical energy. The electrical energy is stored in batteries that are rechargeable or another type of storage device. In this way, EVs are different from conventional vehicles that use gasoline or diesel-powered engines. Unfortunately, electric vehicles are currently expensive in comparison to most traditional vehicles. The grant program seeks to offset the greater cost by providing a financial incentive to Ontario drivers who would like to enjoy the benefits of an electric vehicle.  Efficiency and environmental safety is important, but most Ontario families must also consider the affordability issue.

Like conventional vehicles, there are different types of electric vehicles.  There are battery electric vehicles (BEV) that run entirely on electric drive trains and batteries. These vehicles lack the conventional internal combustion engine and must be plugged into a source of electricity to recharge the batteries.  BEV’s, like the Nissan LEAF, Fiat 500e and Tesla Model S, have the capability to drive further distances on a charge than plugin hybrid electric vehicles and produce no tailpipe emissions.  Currently, most BEVs can run 60 to 80 miles on a charge which would serve the weekday driving needs of most American drivers (and Canadian drivers likely travel similar distances daily).

Plugin Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) run mainly on rechargeable batteries and they must be plugged into a power grid. This type of EV is often cheaper to run than traditional hybrids. Unlike the BEV, PHEVs have an internal combustion engine.

Fuel-cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) use oxygen and hydrogen to create electricity. These vehicles have water-only emissions, which is why they are considered to be the best option for an EV.  A great advantage to FCEVs in addition to the lack of harmful emissions is that they can be recharged with hydrogen in about five minutes at a fueling station.

Electric Vehicles and Safety

It makes sense to consider the safety of electric vehicles when considering whether or not to purchase one. Fire incidents have occurred involving plug-in electric vehicles. One instance occurred with the Tesla Model S, which caught on fire after the driver ran over a chunk of metal. This raises concern about lithium ion batteries, however, this incident should be viewed in perspective because it represents only one of many vehicle fires that occur annually involving conventional vehicles.

Personal injury is a major concern for Ontario drivers who value safety with utmost importance when selecting a vehicle. The good news is that a new study conducted by the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) demonstrates that hybrid cars are safer than conventional cars when it comes to car accidents. The biggest factor is the weight of hybrid cars. Hybrids are typically about 10% heavier than other vehicle types. The HLDI concluded that you are 25% less likely to be injured in a car accident if you are the driver of a hybrid vehicle.

Critics of electric vehicles suggest that electric cars present another type of danger in the event of a car accident. If the large and heavy batteries in your electric car rupture during a crash, there is a risk that a release of sulphuric acid could lead to severe chemical burns.  However, vehicles where the battery is placed under the vehicle are deemed as safer than where the batteries are behind the occupants.  Although traditional fuel-powered vehicles also present a risk of gasoline fires, the fuel tank in these cars are positioned farther from the vehicle occupants than the large EV batteries.  The potential for lithium batteries to explode is also a potential danger that could result in devastating injury to drivers and passengers.

Electric vehicles present many benefits to drivers and to the environment, and some of the concerns over the safety of batteries will hopefully be addressed as EV technology continues to improve.  Ontario’s EVIP is sure to raise awareness and further the goal of increasing the use of green energy in powering motor vehicles in this province.  It is also hoped that increasing demand for electric vehicles will result in a reduction in the price, which should in turn motivate more drivers to switch to these cars. 

Canadians can consider other ways of reducing their carbon footprint, some of which are even more effective than driving an electric vehicle.  This includes driving lighter, smaller and more fuel efficient vehicles if you don’t really need to transport a heavy load or a large number of people.  Driving at a fuel efficient speed rather than speeding also uses less fuel, as does carpooling or utilizing public transit.  Of course, driving at lower speeds also significantly reduces the risk of a car accident and injury as well.