EcoLux☆Lifestyle: Electrafest 2019 Brings on Zero Emission Vehicles

Getting Around

ElectraFest 2019 recently wrapped up its 24^th year on August 24^th. The cars on display and the electric vehicle industry exhibitors all came together with one goal: educating the thousands of visitors on the benefits of stepping away from the pumps. Giving up gas and going green.

THE SOURCE OF ALL THINGS ELECTRIC

ElectraFest, hosted annually by the Vancouver Electric Vehicle Association, brought together EVs of all kinds. Thousands of people flocked to the Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre for the showcase of cars and bikes at the only event of it’s kind in Vancouver. It was also the perfect opportunity for the public to learn about hardware such as batteries and charging stations.

There were a couple new players on the electric vehicle stage this year. Jaguar’s very first all-electric vehicle, the high-performance Jaguar I-Pace, was present and available to be taken for a spin. Karma Automotive, the latest electric vehicle company to set up shop on the West Coast had its elegant Karma Revero PHEV for test drives as well. High visibility brands such as Tesla, Audi, and BMW also had their latest cars on display.

EXCEPTIONALLY FUN DRIVING

We love electric vehicles because they combine the best of both worlds: sustainability and the latest in automotive advancements. They have instant torque and outstanding off-the-line performance. Take the Tesla Model S for example, with its 100-kWh battery it boasts a zero to 60 time of just 2.4-seconds. The batteries give these cars a low centre of gravity. This means exceptional handling, less risk of rolling, and making that zero to 60 as smooth as possible.

WHAT HIGH GAS PRICES?

Vancouver is notorious for its high gas prices and the rapidly dwindling number of gas stations. With an EV, you never have to worry about finding one again. Plug-in at night by either running an extension cord from your home to your vehicle or have your own personal charging station installed. In the morning you will wake up to a fully charged battery ready for your commute. Charging away from home is easy too, with stations available throughout Vancouver and BC. Not that you should worry too much about running low on battery. The 2019 Nissan LEAF could take you on your weekend getaway to Harrison Hot Springs and back on a single charge.

Top 5 electric cars of 2019 in Canada:

ELECTRIC LOW-COST CLEAN DRIVING

EVs give off zero emissions, which helps reduce the harmful effects driving has on the environment. This is beneficial for the climate and the air quality. The near-silent driving experience also reduces noise pollution.

There is very little maintenance required for electric vehicles because there are so few moving parts. The biggest difference is in the motor, electric motors have one while gas engines have dozens. Brakes on electric vehicles last longer due to regenerative braking. This process harnesses kinetic energy into a form which can be put back into the battery instead of wearing down the brake pads.

ELECTRIC VEHICLES FOR ALL

There are incentives in place to make electric vehicles more accessible. BC residents who purchase or lease qualifying new vehicles are eligible for up to $3000 off the pre-tax sticker price. Battery electric, fuel cell vehicle and plug-in hybrids above a 15-kWh are eligible for up to $3000. Plug-in hybrids below 15-kWh are eligible for up to $1500. The federal government also has incentives available for battery electric, hydrogen fuel cell, and longer range plug-in hybrid vehicles.

Now that you have a better understanding of the facts, thanks to Electrafest 2019, what are you waiting for? Electric is the future!