Planning to Buy an Electric Vehicle - updated October, 2009

• New Electric Cars
  • There have been a raft of announcements by the major (and not so major) automakers. Your best bet is to wait just a bit longer to see how things settle. This page is always updated with models that you can buy today in the US. Some of these are importable into Canada and some will be sold in Canada. Exotics electric sports models aside, be prepared to pay between $30,000 and $45,000 for an electric sedan meant for the masses. The Nissan LEAF among others is a best bet.
  • You can convert a light hybrid such as the Prius or Insight into a Plug-In EV using one of the several kits available. These range in price from $3,000 to $12,000. You can still run on gas when you need to. The average fuel consumption for active drivers comes down from 5L/100km to about 2.5L/100km - about half that of the stock hybrid. This setup can be had for $20-25,000 including the (used) hybrid.
  • You can electrify the compact car (new or used) of your choice by contracting someone to perform a conversion. Some people drag in their dying gas car, but it's recommended to convert a later model car such as a Miata, Echo or light pickup truck. Some Geo Metro and small pickup truck kits are available for those who want to do it themselves at home. The price for conversions averages $20,000 inluding labour.
  • When they become available for sale, you can buy someone's existing converted EV and save about $5-10,000.
  • For the cost of a conversion, you can buy a new neighbourhood electric vehicle (NEV). These tend to be small and slow (limited by law to 40 km/hr) but are perfect for inner city travel. The Dynasty IT is an aluminum/plastic under-40km/hr vehicle suitable for running errands around town. They were manfactured BC until 2008 and a few people have already purchased the $15k runabout. They are classed as an LSV (low speed vehicles) which are now legal in many Lower Mainland municipalities. The IT is now produced offshore but there are several still in stock. Contact for more details.

  Dynasty IT	Feelgood Zenn

• Used Electric Cars
  • Keep an eye on the back pages of the VEVA newsletter as there are a very few advertised for sale each year
  • You can import a used EV from the US. It's quite easy. A few VEVA members have done this already. A good place to start browsing is the largest listing available at EV Tradin' Post
  • NEVs can be found on the used market for under $10,000. Many just need batteries which are only a few hundreds of dollars due to the limited energy required for city center travel.
  
  
  
• Bikes and Scooters
  • There are a number of retailers around town. Prices range from $400-$3000. Local retailers are listed below:
    • e-Cycle, 1581 W. 4th Ave, Vancouver, BC, 604-732-3111
    • E-RIDE, 240 East 2nd Avenue, Vancouver BC, 604-331-0555
    • JV BIKE, 955 Expo Boulevard, Vancouver BC, 604-694-BIKE (2453)
    • Green World Electric Vehicles, 3825 Main Street, Vancouver, BC, 604-879-4559