Low carbon vehicles and electric vehicles
Learn about low carbon vehicles (LCVs) and how Ontario is supporting this green technology.
Apply to participate in research about electric vehicle use
We are looking for people to participate in virtual interviews to learn your needs, concerns and preferences on electric vehicles (EVs) and charging infrastructure. We’d like to talk to:
- current EV owners
- prospective EV owners
- businesses that operate commercial light-duty fleets
- businesses that do not have EVs in their fleet
Complete our 3 to 5 minute questionnaire before May 29th, 2023 to apply to participate in our research. Eligible participants will be compensated with a $60 gift card.
About low carbon vehicles
Low carbon vehicles (LCVs) are vehicles that produce low or zero tailpipe emissions. Low carbon vehicles include electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
Electric vehicles
An electric vehicle (EV) is any vehicle that is partially or fully powered by electricity and plugs in to recharge. They can reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
There are two types of electric vehicles sold in Ontario for personal use:
| Type of vehicle | Features |
|---|---|
| Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) |
|
| Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) |
|
Electric vehicle technology is used for many purposes in Ontario including passenger and commercial vehicles, rail, marine, aviation and more.
Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles
A hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (HFCV) is any vehicle that uses electricity produced from hydrogen gas to power an electric motor. These vehicles only emit water and heat and do not produce tailpipe emissions.
Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles are an emerging zero-emissions transportation technology within Ontario.
Owning an electric vehicle
Drivers that own electric vehicles in Ontario can benefit from lower fuel and maintenance costs and reduced emissions.
Fuel and maintenance
- Charging electric vehicles costs less than purchasing gasoline and diesel for internal combustion engines. The average driver can save between $1,500-$2,500 per year on fuel and maintenance costs.
- Electric motors are more durable than conventional gas or diesel motors and require fewer part replacements. Battery electric vehicle motors only have one moving part and do not require oil changes, transmission, or exhaust systems found in gas and diesel vehicles.
- Brakes on battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles last longer than conventional gas and diesel vehicles due to their regenerative braking systems.
Driving range
- New fully electric cars can typically travel at least 200 kilometres on a single charge. Some plug-in hybrid electric cars can travel 40-80 kilometres on electric, with an additional 500-900 kilometres of gas range. The distance an electric vehicle can travel depends on:
- the vehicle technology (battery electric or plug-in hybrid)
- battery size
- weight carried
- temperature
- accessories in use
- an individual's driving style
Lower vehicle emissions
- Drivers could reduce their vehicle’s greenhouse gas emissions by 60-90% by driving battery electric vehicles or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and using Ontario’s low-carbon electricity to power their vehicles.
Programs for low carbon vehicles
Ontario is supporting the uptake of electric vehicles with:
- Ontario’s Green Licence Plate Program
- reserved parking for electric vehicle charging spaces
- required emissions testing for the province’s biggest polluters
Investments in Ontario’s automotive sector
We are ready to become a North American hub for the next generation of electric vehicles.
We’re matching a $295 million investment with the federal government to retool the Ford Oakville Assembly Complex into a global hub for battery electric vehicle production. This $1.8 billion project is one of the most significant investments in Ontario’s auto sector in a generation.
We are also investing $56.4 million to create the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN). The OVIN will accelerate the development of next generation electric, connected and autonomous vehicle and mobility technologies, as well as supporting Ontario’s role as the manufacturing hub of Canada.