Experts predict new carbon tax will increase EV demand in Atlantic Canada

They expect the interest in EVs will continue to climb now that the carbon tax is driving up fuel costs. But a question remains: can the Atlantic provinces keep up with the demand?

Electric vehicle enthusiasts are hopeful more people will get behind the wheel.

They expect the interest in EVs will continue to climb now that the carbon tax is driving up fuel costs. But a question remains: can the Atlantic provinces keep up with the demand?

“You have EVs that basically on one charge can get you from Halifax, N.S. to Sydney, Cape Breton for about $10,” explains Ecology Action Centre climate policy coordinator Thomas Arnason McNeil.

The co-founder of the Electric Vehicle Association of Atlantic Canada says you’ll also spend less time and money on repairs.

“About two-fifths or a forty per cent reduction in vehicle maintenance,” explains Johnny Beckett. “These two things together in conjunction with the carbon tax creates a compelling savings profile.”

They predict the price on carbon will significantly increase demand, which has already been growing as governments roll out incentives.

In Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, you could get up to $10,000 off the sticker price by combining federal and provincial rebates.

“The amount of electric vehicles in Atlantic Canada is exponentially increasing every year because we have those incentives in place now. It’s only going to grow more,” says CAA Atlantic spokesperson Julia Kent.