Electric Vehicles

It is not a matter of if electric vehicles are coming but a matter of when. Electric vehicles use a significant amount of electricity when charging, so Nova Scotia Power needs to actively be involved in the deployment of charging stations to ensure adequate grid infrastructure exists and also that charging stations are being installed properly and safely for our contractors and our customers.

Smart meters allow us to provide new rate options to customers. We’re still working on the details of the rate structures, but it’s realistic to imagine a future where EV drivers can charge up overnight for a lower cost.

We expect EVs to be 2% of new vehicle sales in 2021, 15% of new vehicle sales in 2025 and 10% of total vehicle stock in 2030 and 25% of total vehicle stock in 2040.

The FLO mobile app will let an EV driver know if the station is in use. The Level 2 charging station is there as a back-up if the Level 3 is being used, in addition to being a solution for plug-in hybrid vehicles.

Our location partners were chosen based on a number of criteria outlined by our partners at Natural Resources Canada, including proximity to a 100-series highway and being located approximately 65 kilometers apart.

We’ve served as one the major enablers in Atlantic Canada for electric adoption. Nova Scotia Power has engaged key stakeholders through the creation of the Nova Scotia chapter of Electric Mobility Canada, which is dedicated to the promotion of electric mobility as a solution to Canada's emerging energy and environmental issues, as well as through hosting awareness events (Ride n Drive and Electric Avenue), which have attracted over 500 people each year to test drive electric vehicles. 

Additionally, we’ve facilitated several EV initiatives in the province, including the installation of Atlantic Canada's second DC fast charger at Barrington Street Superstore in downtown Halifax and through contributing $10,000 to an electric bus study with Halifax Transit to assess the opportunity of electrified public transit in the province. Nova Scotia Power currently operates three electric vehicles in our fleet, with plans to acquire more.

In 2018, we’ve partnered with Natural Resources Canada and the Province of Nova Scotia to install a network of Level 3 DC fast-charging stations and Level 2 charging stations across Nova Scotia.

The cost to charge at a public charging station can vary. Some are free, while some DC fast-chargers will cost between $3 and $5 for a 15 minute charge.

Yes, charging an electric vehicle is very safe. Each charging station must meet specific electrical safety standards.

As with purchasing a regular gasoline vehicle, any vehicle is a major investment. Ensure you do research on which models can best meet your range needs, and if your current electric panel can accommodate an EV charger. If you live in an apartment or condo, then consult your landlord and/or condo board.

Some homes will need to upgrade their electrical service to accommodate an EV charger in their home. You should consult with a certified electrician before purchasing an EV to ensure your home can accommodate the charger or identify a need for a panel upgrade.

Charging your EV at home will increase your electricity usage, however there will be significant savings in comparison to what you would have paid at the gas pump. The average BEV (battery electric vehicle) uses around 4,000 kWh per year (based on 20,000 kilometers of travel), so if you charge at home 80% of the time at our residential rate, you could expect your bill to increase by around $480. The cost of gasoline in a comparable compact/sub-compact car is often four times that amount.

Home chargers can range from $400 to $1,200. Find a wide selection at www.chargemycar.ca

Yes. The burning of fossil fuels from gas-powered vehicles reduces air quality and produces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. All the emissions associated with driving your electric car are from the generation of electricity for the battery. Nova Scotia's grid is getting cleaner with 30% of electricity coming from renewable sources. By switching to an electric car, you can reduce your transportation emissions by as much as 50% today, and even more over time as electricity generation emissions are further reduced.

At the end of your car's life, the battery may still have value. There is technology in development that may allow you to sell your battery.

At $1.00 per litre of gasoline, the average compact car costs $9.54 to drive 100 km and the average SUV or minivan costs $12.34 to travel the same distance. When you compare this to a battery electric vehicle costing $2.04 per 100 km, drivers can save $1,500 or more on fuel costs every year.