This varies by vehicle. It all depends on the size of the battery, and the weather conditions. In colder climates, the range drops due to the battery temperature. However, as technology is improving, we are seeing less drop in range due to vehicles now including heat pumps, and better battery management systems.

Most people are able to charge at home. You can use a standard 110V outlet (Level 1) with the basic charger included with most electric models. If you have 220V service available to your garage from your home's electrical panel, you can charge at a "Level 2" rate - for most electrics, that's about 40km for an hour of charging, versus 8 km/hour for 110V.

We are seeing more employers installing charging stations to encourage their employees to go electric and reduce their carbon footprint. Even just supplying Level 1 outlets is suitable for employees. In 8 hours they can charge about 64km range, which is more than the average Canadian daily comuter drives.

Also, you can charge at a public charging station. The Plugshare website is a great source of information on the location of public chargers. They also offer an app for this same purpose.

 In British Columbia, the top tier residential hydro rate, with taxes, is about $0.14 per kWh (2021). If you drive 1,500km per month your monthly cost will be in the order of $40 per month. In BC, that's about 1/5th the average cost of gasoline or diesel to power a similar size car the same distance. Now that public charging stations are in greater demand as electric car adoption accelerates some cities in British Columbia began charging for electricity by the minute. Prices range from $1 per hour and up to $0.55 per kWh. The reason for this is that charging stations and available spots are scarce resources. Charging for this on a time basis is the most equitable way to pay for such infrastructure, and encourages users to take only what they need an move on to free up the spot for other EV owners requiring a charge. There are many public charging stations, for example at shopping malls and libraries, and many are still free. Another way to look at this is that the cost of electricity equates to roughly $0.20 per litre of regular gasoline. So if a gas car gets 8L/100km, at todays price (May 21/21) of $1.49/litre, the gas would cost $11.92/100km. Compare that with electric $0.20 equivelant to litre, the electric would cost $1.60/100km.

The total cost of an electric car over its lifetime is often less than that of a comparable gas car. They cost a bit more up front but you get that back in fuel savings and reduced maintenance costs. First consider the savings of electricity over gas. Also, EV's don't require regular oil changes. Brakes last much longer due to regenerative braking, and many other factors.

It will be extremely rare to find and EV that has run out of charge. If you charge at home, in most cases, the next day you are leaving with a full "tank". Do many gasoline car drivers let their tank go dry? 

If you are travelling a long distance, preplanning pays. There are hotels that offer EV charging, as well, using the Plugshare app, or website can help you to plan your trip. Whether it is just here on the island, or across Canada, there are charge stations along the way. If your vehicle is rated for 400km on a full charge. You may plan that you want to take a break from driving after 3 hours, which would be roughly 300km. Stop for lunch, or a rest while your car is charging.

The Mid-Vancouver Island Electric Vehicle Society encourages drivers to follow these basic etiquette recommendations: