Electric Vehicles

Main page content begins here

electric vehicle with icon of plug in cord

Our city is becoming more sustainable and resilient. The City's Electric Vehicle (EV) Strategy identifies how we can make it easier for people to own an electric vehicle and will ultimately help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is one of the City’s top priorities. Our transportation choices play a critical role in helping us achieve our goals. Walking, biking and taking transit are all ways to reduce our environmental impact. We know that cars will continue to be a part of Edmonton’s transportation system but we need to think about how we can shift away from fossil fuels and towards electrification. Electric vehicles are one way to limit our environmental impact from personal vehicles.

Federal Rebate

Interested in purchasing an electric vehicle? Now's the time! The federal government has announced a zero-emissions vehicle rebate of up to $5,000 starting May 1, 2019.

"Once you transition to an EV, there is no going back... Would you give up your smart phone for a rotary wall phone?"

- testimonial from electric vehicle owner in Edmonton

See why an electric vehicle might be right for you. For more information, download Electric Vehicles in Edmonton.

Why Electric Vehicles

Transportation is responsible for 30% of Edmonton’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and 42% of energy consumption. This is equal to all the energy used for residential and commercial buildings.
Alberta is phasing out coal powered electricity and ushering in renewables. Greening our electricity grid means an electric vehicle in Alberta can only get greener over its lifetime! Even with Alberta’s current electricity grid EVs can reduce emissions compared to a gas car.
Using electricity as a fuel source reduces our reliance on any single form of vehicle fuel. Electricity can be generated locally and in many ways including by solar, wind, hydro and geothermal systems.

Types Of Electric Vehicles

Fully Electric

Use only electricity
Zero tailpipe emissions
Cheap to operate and maintain

Plug-In Hybrid

Use electricity and gas
Has an electrical range of between 20 to 80 km before gas engine takes over
Cheaper to operate than other hybrid cars

Charging Your Ride

On average, it takes about 4 to 6 hours to charge from empty to full. With the ability to “fuel up” at home, you’re always able to top up - just like plugging in your phone!

At Home

You can charge your EV at home by plugging into a regular 120V wall outlet
or by installing a home charging station. A home charging station requires a 240V electrical outlet similar to a clothes dryer plug. Having a charging station cuts down on charging time (compared to charging from a wall outlet) and is easy to install by an electrician. Cost: $800 to $1,200 plus installation.

infographic of charging time and cost

On The Road

Edmonton has over 40 locations that offer EV charging, the majority of which are free. Canada has 4,000+ stations at 3,000+ locations.

Currently the City of Edmonton offers 4 free public charging stations located at Mill Woods Library and Jasper Place Library.

There are mobile apps to help you find a charging station:

Curbside Electric Vehicle Charging

ATCO, supported by the City of Edmonton, will be piloting curbside electric vehicle (EV) charging services for the public. The project will be the first of its kind in Alberta, providing EV charging opportunities for Edmontonians and visitors as well as an opportunity for people to see and experience how EV charging works.

Drivers that use these stations will still pay applicable City parking fees and follow all posted parking restrictions. ATCO is assessing whether to apply a fee for using a charging station.

Funding for this project is provided by ATCO with partial funding support from Natural Resources Canada.

Visit atcoelectric.com/ev for more information about the project.

Quick Facts

EVs can handle Canadian winters. EVs are safe and effective in Edmonton winters. EV range can be reduced in cold weather but is still well within the average Edmonton trip distances.
EVs reduce emissions - up to 33% fewer emissions than a gas car.
EVs go the distance - 170+ km on a single charge.
EVs are for everyone. 25+ models available in Canada at every price point, in all shapes and sizes (compact, full size, minivan, SUV).
EVs save money. $1,900 annual savings on fuel and maintenance. It costs about $600 a year to “fuel” an EV versus $1,600 a year for a compact gasoline car.

infographic of travel distance on a full charnge

A Tiny Explanation: Electric Vehicles
Mill Woods Charging Station
Jasper Place Charging Station

Video Gallery

Electric Vehicle Association of Alberta
EV driver Ahmad Yehya
EV drivers Jason & Janine

About Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles are a relatively new idea for Edmontonians and understandably there are a lot of questions. Natural Resources Canada has recently developed a number of videos and fact sheets about fuel efficient vehicles including electric vehicles. Learn more by visiting the Natural Resources Canada links to get an introduction.

Battery Electric Vehicles

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles

Hybrid Electric Vehicles

Infographic: Choosing a Fuel-Efficient Vehicle

For More Information

City Environmental Strategies

9th Floor Edmonton Tower
10111-104 Avenue NW
Edmonton, AB
T5J 0J4

Telephone	In Edmonton: 311 Outside Edmonton: 780-442-5311
Fax	780-401-7050
Email	changeforclimate@edmonton.ca
Website	http://www.edmonton.ca/ChangeForClimate
Facebook	http://www.facebook.com/YEGclimate
Twitter	http://www.twitter.com/YEGclimate

End of page content. Please choose between the following five options:

Back to main menu Back to current page menu and content View current page breadcrumb Back to site search Continue to page footer content