SOUND OFF: Should Kamloops drivers get a hybrid or go fully electric?
WITH B.C. AIMING TO SELL only zero-emission cars by 2035, Kamloops drivers are increasingly making the switch to electric or hybrid cars. But what’s the difference between the two? Electric vehicles (EVs) run solely on a rechargeable battery, while hybrids combine an internal combustion engine with an electric motor. When the electric battery runs low, the car kicks into gas mode. For those interested in the fuel-efficiency and green credentials offered by electric cars, but aren’t yet ready to make the leap, hybrids are a great middle ground. But for Kamloops locals to really make the right choice, it’s important to consider the cost, available government incentives, local charging options, and the types of roads you’ll be driving on — all those factors will help you make the best decision for your needs.
Weighing up costs, savings, and incentives for Kamloops drivers
Over 30 per cent of Kamloops locals think current greenhouse gas emissions are too high. But, for most people, switching to a greener vehicle is usually a matter of cost. To that end, government incentives aim to make EV ownership more appealing to residents. Specifically, Kamloops homeowners may be eligible for a rebate of up to 50 per cent (up to $350) to set up a Level 2 charging station at home, which includes single-family homes, duplexes and townhouses. As for the cost of the car itself, EVs tend to be pricier than both hybrids and gas-powered cars, but they offer significant fuel savings over time. Take the electric Volkswagen ID.4 versus the gas-powered Honda CR-V, for example. Kamloops drivers could save roughly $3,000 every year over the car’s lifetime by choosing the EV over the CR-V, according to a Clean Energy Canada report.
Hybrids, on the other hand, generally tend to be cheaper to purchase upfront, with some models starting at around $32,587. And although they do still need gas, hybrids are more fuel-efficient than gas-powered cars. While exact savings depend on the vehicle and mileage, hybrids can reduce gas costs by around $800 per year on average.
