Considering making the switch to an electric vehicle?
Electric vehicles (EVs) are safe, affordable to maintain, fun to drive, and perform exceptionally well in winter conditions. Plus, they produce zero tailpipe CO2 emissions. In Alberta, EVs generate roughly half the greenhouse gas emissions of comparable gas-powered cars when considering their full lifecycle. That’s one reason why Canada is aiming for all new cars and passenger trucks to be zero-emission by 2035.
Whatever your motivation, EVs are undoubtedly part of the future here in the Bow Valley. Here are four key things to know about driving electric in our region.
1. EVs are champions of winter conditions.
Concerned about driving an electric vehicle in Alberta’s winters? Don’t be! With excellent traction, instant cabin heating, and all-wheel drive capabilities, EVs are built to handle winter conditions. Plus, since they don’t rely on oil that thickens in the cold, there’s no need to worry about your car needing a boost in freezing temperatures.
Check out this video to see how a Tesla performs after sitting outside unplugged for over 15 hours in a Canadian winter (-18°C/0°F). The video also dives into range loss in cold weather, seasonal battery efficiency, and more.
2. Your home is your charging station.
Electric vehicle (EV) owners report charging at home more than 95% of the time. With the average EV offering a range of over 500 km, you can skip the gas station altogether and recharge conveniently at home!
While installing a fast Level 2 charger is an option, many EV owners manage perfectly well using a standard extension cord—just like in this video.
Did you know? Both Canmore and Banff have nine EV charging locations each for quick top-ups. Plus, public charging infrastructure is expanding across Canada, including the Peaks to Prairies network in Southern Alberta.
3. EVs can travel far and wide.
EVs are an excellent commuter vehicle option. New EVs offer 350-550km of range and the ability to recharge at home every night or top up at work. For longer trips, the network of EV chargers is growing fast all across Canada and the United States. Explore various apps and planning tools to customize your next long road trip and charge along the way!
With network maps like PlugShare, and EVHype, and tools and guides like ChargeHub to plan your route, driving an electric vehicle is getting easier every year. Most EVs combine battery data with their GPS units so that you can predict how much charge you will have at your destination!
4. EVs are cheap to run and maintain.
While EVs may be slightly more expensive upfront than a gas-powered car, they save money and time in the long-run.
Your break even point (how soon your fuel savings from switching to an EV makes up for the difference in purchase price) may be as little as 3-5 years. This 2022 report compares different EV models with their gas powered counterparts and found that over 8 years all EV models were cheaper, some by over $15,000! Plus, as EVs are becoming more popular, their affordability is ever increasing!
Did you know? There are over 80 models available in for sale in Canada with more on the way! Check out this catalogue to find your perfect match: Electric Vehicles Available in Canada
5. EVs are better for the environment.
Last but not definitely least, EVs have much lower CO2 emissions than gas vehicles. While EVs are not the only solution to future transportation, they are much better than their gasoline counterparts.
EVs in Alberta produce roughly half the greenhouse gas emissions compared to a similar gas vehicle when comparing the total life-cycle, including manufacturing, operation and end-of-life, even on our current grid.
Did you know? EV batteries are made from lithium-ion, the same battery used in smartphones, laptops, and most rechargeable household electronics. Lithium-ion batteries are 90% recyclable, and many companies are considering using used EV batteries as second-life energy storage units.
Winter EV Driving Experience: Book Now!
Free Electric Vehicle Test Drives in the Bow Valley
We are proud to partner with national nonprofit Plug’n Drive, a trusted source for electric vehicle education and test drives, to bring you the Winter Electric Vehicle Driving VIP Experience! We offer you a free electric vehicle test drive, starting in your own driveway. This is not about selling you a car – it is about helping you learn about electric vehicles. We guarantee a brand-agnostic test drive designed to help you make informed decisions about electric vehicle ownership.
Our seasoned Electric Vehicle Ambassadors, locals Ron Groves and Edmund Ong, will guide you through the experience, offering expert advice and insights tailored to winter driving in the Bow Valley. We’re pleased to offer this to anyone currently residing in any Bow Valley community: Banff, Canmore, Harvie Heights, Lac des Arcs, Dead Man’s Flats, and Exshaw.
Ready to take one of the 2024 electric vehicles for a spin? Choose between the Chevrolet Equinox EV and the Volvo XC60 and book your test drive today!
2024 Volvo XC60 AWD PHEV (All-Wheel Drive Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle)
2024 Chevrolet Equinox FWD BEV (Front-Wheel Drive Battery Electric Vehicle) or
2024 Chevrolet Equinox AWD BEV (All-Wheel Drive Battery Electric Vehicle)
Jotson’s focus is to empower consumers to manage their energy consumption, costs and emissions, with an objective of helping them reduce their energy consumption by 5-15%. On average in Canada, households spend 7% of after tax household income on direct energy purchases and few know much about it. It can even tell you if you are over paying your utility for your energy!
You can download their app through the Apple or Google app stores and if your utilities are with Enbridge, Direct Energy or Epcor – you can link your account and all your data will be downloaded and kept up to date by Jotson. Start saving and emitting less today!
Upcoming Events!
Community Climate Conversations
Join us for Community Climate Conversations on Wednesday 29 January, 7:00 - 9:00pm, at the Biosphere office! There is a lot going on in the news right now. Are you feeling uncertain or anxious about the future in light of this? Do you have questions about what it will mean for climate action and environmental protection? You’re not alone—we feel it too. Let’s come together to share, learn, and support one another!
Join us for an evening of meaningful conversation about current events and finding hope in these challenging times. Bring your questions, thoughts, and a desire to connect—we’ll provide the snacks and drinks!
Hope to see you there.
Earth Talks - February 10, 2025
Electric Vehicle Fact and Fiction: Driving in Winter and Choosing the Right One
Join us with Ron Groves for their presentation "Electric Vehicles Fact and Fiction: Driving in Winter and Choosing the Right One".
This Earth Talks event, with the Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley, will take place on Monday, February 10 in the Friends Program Room at 7:00pm.
About Electric Vehicles Fact and Fiction:
In this engaging presentation, Ron Groves will explore the facts and myths surrounding electric vehicles (EVs), with a special focus on driving in winter and choosing the right EV for your needs. There will be time for questions, and attendees will receive a helpful Plug’N Drive booklet as an EV resource to take home.
Attendees will learn…
● The difference between a plugin hybrid (PHEV) vehicle and a full battery electric vehicle (EV), their features and benefits, and reduced maintenance costs.
● Practical operating procedures to mitigate the impact of winter weather on electric vehicles
● The upfront price of an electric vehicle is not the full story to ownership
BVWMC Workshop - February 20, 2025
Reducing Construction, Renovation, and Demolition Waste in the Bow Valley
Join the construction, demolition, and renovation (CRD) industry in Bow Valley to discuss potential ways to improve waste management in Banff, Canmore, and the Municipal District of Bighorn. The Bow Valley Waste Management Commission (BVWMC) is hosting an in-person workshop on February 20th from 9:30am to 11:30am to engage industry on waste reduction programming. The workshop will be held at the Canmore Opera House at Spring Creek.
The Waste Management Commission, in partnership with the Towns of Canmore and Banff, and the Municipal District of Bighorn, is developing a regional implementation plan to reduce the amount of landfilled CRD waste. We want to hear from you on your ideas and challenges associated with CRD waste in the Bow Valley.
How can municipal policy and permitting be used to encourage more streamlined, efficient and clear ways to reduce waste management costs and improve recycling rates? Share your stories of successful projects. Let us know about challenges your company faces when it comes to waste management.
Be a part of the conversation and register now!
This session will be facilitated by the Alberta-based consulting firm, sonnevera. If you are unable to attend but still want to share your ideas, please contact us at info@sonnevera.com.
We look forward to seeing you in Canmore on February 20th at 9:30am!
Want to take action?
Are you thinking about becoming an electric vehicle owner?
Bow Valley EV resourcesParticipate in community-owned renewable energy with Bow Valley Green Energy Cooperative
Interested in circular economy initiatives? Bow Valley Isn't Disposable resource directory
Town of Canmore's Climate Action Plan
Town of Banff's Environmental Master Plan