Electric Vehicle Incentive…

Electric Vehicle Incentive Program (EVIP)

For the EVIP the government should tie the EV purchase incentives to vehicle tailpipe GHG emissions. Gas/electric hybrids with low electric kms still contribute GHG emissions and receive full rebates; whereas fully electric cars have no GHG emissions and thus have the greatest impact on climate change. This change would allow the government the biggest "environmental bang" for their buck. Since purely electric cars are also noticeably more expensive than hybrids and internal combustion engines (ICE) cars, a larger EV incentive would help to support significant growth in EV sales and GHG emission reductions.

If the government ties the EV purchase incentives to GHG emission reductions, the incentive cap and the $3,000.00 cap should be adjusted accordingly. If cars were pro-rated based on their environmental impact (gas/hybrid reduced impact, purely electric largest impact) this change would better align to the Climate Change Plan. It would also take into account the expense of purchasing a purely electric car. If the government considers Tesla's Model 3 EV as an example. The base price of the Model 3 is $35, 000 USD. If the Canadian dollar drops as expected to around the .68 cent mark, this would result in a base Model 3 at approximately $46,200.00 CAD, this does not take into account freight, duty or sales tax that would bring the car closer to approximately $55,000.00 CAD with no options. If a customer wanted to add a bigger battery for increased range or a cold weather package (winter driving for 4 montths) this could easily push the customer over the $75,000.00 cap for a non-luxury vehicle that due to its battery is more expense then an ICE vehicle or ICE/electric hybrid. As a result either relaxing or removing the cap makes fiscal and environmental sense, but only for purely electric vehicles with approximately 300 kms of range (ICE/electric hybrids would still contribute to GHG emissions because of their low electric ranges, especially so on longer distance trips).

These caps have a significant impact on an EV buyer's decision to purchase an EV. Most consumers cannot afford even the Tesla base Model 3 without the EV incentive. With exchange, duty and taxes, the base model is still a very expensive car and the cost of electricity continues to increase in Ontario. This increases the cost of running the car as it reduces the after gas savings. The EVCIP is fair and reasonable, as a result, changes are not necessary; however, something that would help every EV user and Ontario citizen is to lower electricity rates to a more affordable level. Some Ontarians who are already worried about being able to pay their electric bill might decide not to purchase an EV because they worry that future increases in electricity might make running their car more expensive than gas.

When EVs are discussed, there is often much misinformation and lack of understanding. When I considered purchasing a Chevy Volt when in first came out, no GM dealership in Ontario had one and nobody seemed interested in selling me one. I had originally tried to order a hybrid model when I purchased a Chevy car, but was told this could take over a year or more to even build and my lease was up in three months. Part of the problem is traditional dealers don't seem motivated to sell EVs and rarely even stock them for test drives. It would also help if traditional car manufacturers designed a stylish EV that looked like a proper sedan. To improve public perceptions, consider Public Service Advertising and commercials which educate consumers. Changing some dealership laws to require a certain percentage at the front of a dealer lot to have EVs would also help raise awareness. Having car salespeople also educated about EVs so they can answer consumer questions would be helpful as well. Dealers also need to actually charge the cars so that when a consumer actually finds an EV on the lot, they can take if for a test drive, not have to come back another day.

For education, consider tying EV education and awareness to Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM) initiatives. Last year students went to see a race car STEM (ICE car) with the DDSB. Having events to show technology behind EVs as part of STEM would educated future car buyers, (and when they go home to tell their parents about the presentation) current car buyers

The government should be partnering and collaborating with the health care system, environmental groups, children (who deliver a powerful message about the future), and private companies to deliver an EV educational campaign.

Thank you for considering my thoughts on electric vehicles and government initiatives in this area.

[Original Comment ID: 196222]