Electric Vehicles

Electric Vehicles


Electric vehicles (EV) help reduce green house gas emissions. By switching to an EV, you are reducing your carbon footprint from driving by 50%.

The future of transportation is electric. Globally, governments, utilities and automakers are looking at electric vehicles as the future for decarbonizing the economy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

  • Over 1,300 EVs are registered in Nova Scotia as of July 2022.
  • There are over 200 public charging stations across Nova Scotia as of January 2023. See a map of all EV chargers in Nova Scotia at www.plugshare.com.
  • We 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.
  • To learn more on EV basics, rebates, charging and which EV may be best for you, visit evassist.ca.

Electric Vehicles 101


Program Manager for Smart Grid Nova Scotia, Sanjeev Pushkarna, explains how innovative technologies like electric vehicles and smart chargers can help us build a greener Nova Scotia. He explains the benefits of EVs and how smart chargers work, and why they’re such a crucial piece to building a smarter grid.

Plug Share Map


FAQS:


Why is Nova Scotia Power involved with 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.

How will smart meters work with electric vehicles?

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.

How quickly do you expect the EV market in Nova Scotia to grow?

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.

What if someone is already plugged into these fast chargers when I arrive?

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.

How did you pick the locations of your EV fast-charging network?

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.

What role has Nova Scotia Power played so far in terms of electric vehicles?

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.

How much does it cost to charge at a public charging station?

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.

Is charging my vehicle safe?

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

What do I need to consider before I purchase an EV?

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.

Do I need to upgrade my service to accommodate a charging station in my home?

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.

Will having a home charger increase my power bill?

 

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.

How much would a charger cost for my home?

 

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

Since Nova Scotia generates some of its electricity from coal, is driving an electric vehicle better for the environment?

 

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.

Is my EV battery usable once the car reaches its end of life? What happens to used electric car batteries?

 

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.

How much does it cost to drive an electric vehicle in Nova Scotia?

 

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.

Need some addtional help?


NSP_Site_Icon_XXXXXXXX_Grey_50x50_10

Find Quick Answers

Browse our FAQ

NSP_Site_Icon_XXXXXXXX_Grey_50x50_12

Contact Us

By email or phone