Electric Vehicles

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Electrification of our transportation system, from electric vehicles to e-bikes, helps to reduce our emissions and our reliance on fossil fuels.

We know that cars will continue to be a part of Edmonton’s transportation system, but we need to think about how we can shift away from fossil fuels and towards electrification. Electric vehicles are one way to limit our environmental impact from personal vehicles.

The City's Electric Vehicle (EV) Strategy identifies how we can make it easier for people to own an electric vehicle, prepare the path for electrifying transportation of personal vehicles and ultimately help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Making the Switch to an EV

Electric Vehicles produce less greenhouse gas emissions, are cheaper to operate and maintain and deliver great performance.

EV Resources

Electric and Hydrogen Vehicle brochure: English , Arabic , Chinese , Punjabi

Electric Vehicle and Hydrogen Expo: Education Stage video recordings

Electrical Vehicle Charger Permit Process

EV Myths

Myth: Electric vehicles produce as many greenhouse gas emissions as a regular vehicle

Fact: Driving an electric vehicle in Alberta has been estimated to reduce emissions by up to 41% compared to an internal combustion engine vehicle (gas/diesel) and that percentage is expected to increase to up to 74% as Alberta’s electric grid gets greener. Considering life-cycle emissions, EVs have been shown to offset their excess manufacturing emissions within the first 6 to 16 months of operation due to the absence of tailpipe emissions.

Myth: Electric vehicles are expensive to buy and operate

Fact: While the initial purchase price of electric vehicles is higher, the federal government has purchase and lease incentives available for light-duty as well as medium and heavy-duty electric vehicles.

Fact: EVs cost less to maintain and operate due to fewer moving parts and lower fuel costs. The average annual savings on fuel and maintenance for an EV in Alberta compared to an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle is about $3,000.

Myth: Electric vehicles don’t perform well in the winter

Fact: EVs are safe and effective in Edmonton winters. Battery range can be reduced in cold weather but is still well within the average Edmonton trip distances. Electric vehicles will also start instantly in the cold and heat up quickly.

Myth: Electric vehicles don’t have the range to meet my daily transportation needs

Fact: The City’s latest Household Travel Survey shows that the average car trip in Edmonton is 9.4 km while the average round trip commute is 25.6 km - well within the range of electric vehicles on the market today. The range for EVs varies from 175 km to over 500 km.

EVs are for Everyone

Electric Vehicle Owner

Learn about why the world is moving to electric vehicles, their many advantages and what vehicles are available in Canada by visiting Plug ‘N Drive. From compact cars to SUVs, you are sure to find an electric vehicle that fits your lifestyle.

Federal EV Incentives

Electric Vehicle Federal Rebate

The federal government has a number of EV incentives.

Zero-emission vehicle incentives for light-, medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicles
Zero-emission vehicle tax incentive for businesses
Zero-emission vehicle infrastructure program for EV chargers and hydrogen refuelling stations

Update: These federal incentives have been paused indefinitely.

Electric Buses

Electric-Battery Bus

Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) continues to be at the forefront of electric buses in Canada. These buses will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide more sustainable transportation.

Charging Stations

ATCO EV Curbside Project

ATCO Flo Electric Vehicle Charger

As part of a 5-year pilot project, ATCO has installed 5 dual-port Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations for public use. The charging stations are located on street curbside parking spaces owned by the City. The cost to charge your electric vehicle is $2.50 per hour with free parking. Note: parking restrictions may apply (for example, seasonal parking bans).

Encor EV Charging Stations

Encor EV charging station at Kinsmen Arena

The City of Edmonton has partnered with Encor by EPCOR on the Energizing Edmonton Project. Encor has installed EV charging stations in places that make sense for people on the go and are easy to use.

Charging Station Resources

Electric Bikes (E-Bikes)

e-Bike

If cars aren't your thing, consider an e-bike. E-Bikes can help you manage a longer commute and multiple trips, without breaking a sweat.

Why electric bikes?

Transportation is responsible for 30% of Edmonton's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and 42% of energy consumption. This is equal to all the energy used for residential and commercial buildings.

Electric bikes offer an opportunity to promote a more active mode of transportation and can enable cyclists to manage longer commutes and multiple trips to lower reliance on other vehicles.

What is an e-bike?

An e-bike is a bicycle that has an electric motor that can be used to move the bike. The purpose of the motor is to enhance the power of the rider, not replace it.

What is the range of an e-bike battery?

Electric bike batteries are rated in watt-hours, with each kilometre using 7.5 to 15 watt-hours of energy. The range of a battery depends on a lot of different factors, including terrain, speed at which you are travelling, wind conditions and temperature, among others. As an example, a 540 watt-hour battery powering a 500 watt motor has a range of 36 km to 72.5 km.

Where can I ride e-bikes?

E-bikes can be ridden where cycling is permitted. Find more information on cycling laws and safety.

Do I need to wear a helmet?

The provincial standards for wearing helmets apply for bicycles and e-bikes.

Helmets are mandatory on electric bikes
Helmets are mandatory on bikes for people younger than 18 years

Related EV Research Studies

Electric Vehicle Home and Workplace Charging Study

The Electric Vehicle Home and Workplace Charging Study assessed the opportunities to accelerate the deployment of EV charging in Edmonton and Calgary.

Low-Carbon Urban Freight Study

This study - Moving Edmonton to efficient, low-carbon, urban freight delivery - looked at how to reduce “last-mile” vehicle emissions in the new online-to-doorstep economy.

Infographic

A Tiny Explanation: Electric Vehicles

Video Gallery

Electric Vehicle Association of Alberta
EV driver Ahmad Yehya
EV drivers Jason & Janine
EV Expo: Paving the Way-Making sustainable mobility choices
EV Expo: Making the Switch-Finding the right EV for your lifestyle
EV Expo: Driving the Change-Sustainable future of electric vehicles
EV Expo: Leading the Charge-Home EV charging and connecting to solar power
EV Expo: Amp Up Your Career-Opportunities in the electric and hydrogen vehicle fields
EV Expo: Living the Electric Dream-A day in the life of an EV owner
EV Expo: Charging on the Go-Using public EV charging networks now and in the future