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By Kate Bouey
Shocking! Electric Vehicles Cheaper Than

Shocking! Electric Vehicles Cheaper Than Gas

May 17, 2019 | 10:28 AM

Switching to an electric car could save B.C. commuters in those gas guzzlers a substantial chunk of change each year, according to BC Hydro.

A survey commissioned by the power giant shows the average British Columbian commuter travels about 20 kilometres each day in their vehicle.

According to the data, making that trip in a Honda Civic – the top-selling sedan – would cost six times more than it would cost in a Nissan Leaf – the top-selling electric vehicle.

Commuting 20 kilometres a day in a Nissan Leaf costs about two dollars a week, according to hydro.

Comparing the cost of gas to electricity for a round-trip, 18-kilometre commute from the Brocklehurst area to downtown Kamloops, shows the costs add up over the course of year.

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For example:

• A Honda Civic costs around $330 more per year
• A Toyota Rav4 costs around $400 more per year
• A Ford F150 costs around $670 more per year

Hydro reminds consumers that 98 per cent of the electricity it generates comes from clean and renewable resources, which means making the switch to an electric vehicle would help reduce emissions.

There are about 18,000 electric vehicles on the roads in B.C., with 350,000 expected by 2030.

Hydro claims the majority of commutes could be achieved without charging at work.

by Kate Bouey

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