On December 21st the Liberal government published draft regulations requiring that all new passenger vehicles and light trucks sold in Canada after 2035 be electric zero-emission vehicles. While this change will be phased in gradually, starting with a 20% requirement in 2026, it’s important to know how you and your neighbourhood will be affected.
Luckily electric vehicles (or EVs) started gaining popularity as a choice of vehicle in recent years—not only for environmental reasons (like reducing greenhouse gas emissions and noise pollution), but as a response to the skyrocketing price of gas over the past year. That means that once all new vehicles are electric there will be plenty of resources for installing and maintaining charging stations.
How will EVs impact my neighbourhood?
As gas prices continue to be volatile and EVs become more common, having EV charging stations in your neighbourhood is driving up property values—especially for homes that offer their own charging stations.
Can I put in a charging station at home?
Yes, you can install a charging station at home for your electric vehicle, but you’ll need an electrician to do so. It’s worth shopping around for the best price. You may be eligible for financial assistance to help cover the cost through the City of Toronto’s Home Energy Loan Program.
Will an EV save me money, or cost more than a gas car?
While EVs cost more money upfront (the cost usually ranges from $30,000 to $45,000), fuel savings per year could average up to $2,000 depending on the price of gas and the distances driven. EV drivers can also take advantage of off-peak electricity pricing depending on their location (typically at night) to help save even more money.
Note, that you may also qualify for incentives for purchasing a zero-emissions vehicle (ZEV). Learn more.
In addition to making sure there are more zero-emissions vehicles to buy, the Government also announced the following investments to make buying and charging an electric vehicle (EV) easier for Canadians:
- Invested in 50,000 more EV charging stations across the country, for almost 85,000 federally-funded chargers across Canada by 2027. This is in addition to charging stations supported by provincial governments and the private sector.
- Renewed the program that provides Canadians up to $5,000, and businesses up to $10,000, toward the cost of buying or leasing a ZEV. Over 180,000 individuals and businesses have taken advantage of this program to date.
- Making historic investments in EV manufacturing in Canada, which will mean made-in-Canada ZEVs by Canadian auto workers and for Canadian drivers to buy.
What if I live in a condominium?
Living in a condo and having an EV can be challenging, depending on whether the building has (or has plans to install) charging stations. As more people make the switch to electric vehicles, condos are beginning to respond to the demand, across Canada.
According to a bylaw passed in Toronto in 2022, “all residential parking spaces provided for dwelling units located in an apartment building, mixed-use building, and multiple dwelling unit building must include an energized outlet,” and there are steps residents can take to get the installation process started.
It isn’t as complicated as it sounds as there were regulations set in 2018 that outline and facilitate the installation process.
Interested in learning more or looking for a home with a charging station already installed? We can help you find what you’re looking for. Call today!
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