Electric Cars In New Brunswick: How Many?

As of October 2022, there were 1,932 electric vehicles registered in New Brunswick, with 2.3% of new cars sold in the province being electric. This number has likely increased since, with electric vehicle sales in the province setting records in the first half of 2023. New Brunswick has set a goal of having electric vehicles make up 50% of new light-vehicle purchases by 2030 as part of its plan to combat climate change. The provincial government offers incentives such as tax rebates for electric vehicle purchases and charger installations to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Electric vehicle sales in New Brunswick

As of October 2022, there were 1,932 electric vehicles registered in New Brunswick, with 2.3% of new cars sold in the province being electric. This represented a significant increase from previous years, with 646 electric vehicles registered in the province as of February 2021, and only 437 the year before. Despite this positive trend, New Brunswick fell short of its target of having 2,500 electric vehicles on the road by 2020.

The provincial government has implemented several incentives to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles, including a tax rebate of up to $5,000 for electric vehicle purchases and up to $750 for the installation of electric vehicle chargers in homes, as of 2022. These incentives, along with growing concerns about the environmental impact of traditional fuel sources, have likely contributed to the increasing sales of electric vehicles in the province.

In the first half of 2023, 365 fully-electric vehicles were newly registered in New Brunswick, a 67% increase compared to the same period in 2022. This trend is expected to continue, with the province setting a goal of having electric cars and trucks make up six per cent of new light-vehicle purchases by 2025 and 50% by 2030. However, it is important to acknowledge that New Brunswick still lags behind other provinces such as Quebec and British Columbia, which have higher electric vehicle sales.

One factor that may impact the continued growth of electric vehicle sales in New Brunswick is the province's charging network. While the number of charging stations has been expanding, with 102 public AC charging stations and 27 public DC charging stations as of July 2022, some buyers may still have concerns about the adequacy of the infrastructure. Nevertheless, the provincial government and utility companies are working to address these concerns and improve the charging network to support the increasing number of electric vehicles on the road.

New Brunswick's charging network

New Brunswick has a growing network of public charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs). As of July 2022, there were 102 public AC charging stations and 27 public DC charging stations in the province. The number of electric vehicles in New Brunswick is also increasing, with 1,932 registered as of October 2022, a significant increase from the 646 registered in February 2021.

The charging stations can be found in various locations across the province, including gas stations, hotels, parking garages, restaurants, and shopping malls. However, some have expressed concerns about the adequacy of the charging network, which may be deterring potential EV buyers. Nevertheless, sales of electric vehicles in New Brunswick set a record during the first half of 2023, with 365 fully electric vehicles newly registered, a 67% increase from the same period in 2022.

The provincial government has set ambitious goals for electric vehicle adoption, aiming for 20,000 EVs on the road by 2030 and targeting six per cent of new light-vehicle purchases in the province to be electric cars and trucks by 2025. To encourage the switch to electric vehicles, the government offers tax rebates of up to $5,000 for vehicle purchases and up to $750 for installing home charging stations.

New Brunswick Power (NB Power) is actively working to expand and improve the charging network. In 2023, 19 Level 3 chargers were added to the eCharge network, and the utility company plans to partner with municipalities and businesses to add more charging sites, particularly along busy routes and at tourist spots. NB Power has also requested and received permission to lower the rate that charging station owners pay for the electricity they sell, making it more affordable to build and operate these stations.

The expansion of the charging network is seen as a crucial step in encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles in New Brunswick and helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, which contributes about 30% of the province's total emissions.

Electric vehicle rebates in New Brunswick

New Brunswick has a goal to have 20,000 electric vehicles (EVs) on the road by 2030. To achieve this, the provincial government offers various rebates to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles.

Plug-In NB Electric Vehicle Rebate Program

The Plug-In NB Electric Vehicle Rebate Program was announced in July 2021 and is funded by the Province of New Brunswick. Under this program, New Brunswick residents and eligible organizations can receive rebates when purchasing or leasing a new or used electric vehicle (EV). The rebates are available for eligible Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles (PHEVs) bought or leased after July 8, 2021. To be eligible, the vehicle must be purchased from a licensed dealer in New Brunswick. The rebate amount can be up to $5,000.

Rebate for Electric Vehicle Charger Installation

As of 2022, the provincial government offers a tax rebate of up to $750 for the installation of electric vehicle chargers in homes. This rebate is available for those who purchase an eligible vehicle under the Plug-In NB program.

Government of Canada's iZEV Program

In addition to the provincial rebates, New Brunswick residents can also take advantage of the Government of Canada's iZEV Program. This program encourages the purchase and use of Zero-Emission Vehicles (ZEVs) by offering incentives of up to $5,000. Combined with the Plug-In NB rebates, individuals can receive up to $10,000 in rebates.

Benefits of Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles are promoted as a key solution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, which is the second-largest source of such emissions in Canada. They are also becoming more affordable, with a growing number of models available on the market. Furthermore, EVs require less maintenance than traditional gas-powered vehicles due to having fewer moving parts, no oil changes, and no exhaust system.

Electric vehicle registrations in New Brunswick

As of October 2022, there were 1,932 electric vehicles registered in New Brunswick, with 2.3% of new car sales in the province being electric. This represented a significant increase from previous years, with 646 electric vehicles registered in the province as of February 2021, and 437 registered in 2020. Despite this growth, New Brunswick fell short of its target of having 2,500 electric vehicles on the road by 2020.

In the first half of 2023, New Brunswick saw a record number of electric vehicle sales, with 365 fully-electric vehicles newly registered, a 67% increase from the same period in 2022, and more than four times the number registered in the first half of 2021. This growth can be attributed to various factors, including government incentives and the increasing availability of electric vehicles.

New Brunswick has set ambitious goals for electric vehicle adoption, aiming for 6% of new light-vehicle purchases to be electric by 2025 and 50% by 2030. The provincial government offers tax rebates of up to $5,000 for electric vehicle purchases and up to $750 for the installation of home charging stations. These incentives, along with the environmental benefits of reduced greenhouse gas emissions, make electric vehicles an attractive option for many residents.

However, one challenge that New Brunswick faces is the adequacy of its charging network. While the province has acknowledged the need for expansion, the current network is described as "spotty," with a mix of Level 2 and Level 3 charging stations located across the province. This has not deterred all buyers, as many residents find that most of their charging is done at home, with longer trips requiring some additional planning. Nevertheless, an expansion of the charging infrastructure is necessary to support the growing number of electric vehicles in the province and to encourage further adoption.

Electric vehicles in New Brunswick: the future

The future of electric vehicles in New Brunswick looks promising, with a steady increase in the number of electric vehicles (EVs) on the roads and active efforts by the provincial government to encourage their adoption. As of October 2022, there were 1,932 electric vehicles registered in the province, with 2.3% of new car sales being electric. This marks a notable shift towards electrification in the province's automotive sector.

Government Incentives and Targets

The New Brunswick government has implemented several incentives to promote the adoption of electric vehicles. As of 2021, the provincial government offers a tax rebate of up to $5,000 for electric vehicle purchases and up to $750 for the installation of electric vehicle chargers in homes. These incentives aim to reduce the upfront cost of electric vehicles, making them more accessible to residents. Additionally, the province has set ambitious targets for EV adoption. It aims to have 20,000 electric vehicles on the road by 2030 and for electric cars and trucks to make up 50% of new light-vehicle purchases by that year. These targets demonstrate the province's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change.

Charging Infrastructure

New Brunswick is actively expanding its charging infrastructure to support the growing number of electric vehicles. As of July 2022, the province had 102 public AC charging stations and 27 public DC charging stations. The expansion of the charging network is crucial in addressing "range anxiety," a concern among potential EV adopters about driving long distances. The provincial government and utility companies are working to increase the number of charging stations and improve their accessibility. This includes adding more Level 3 chargers to the eCharge network and partnering with municipalities and businesses to add charging sites in convenient locations.

Consumer Perspective

The increasing popularity of electric vehicles in New Brunswick is evident from the sales records set in the first half of 2023. Despite initial concerns about the adequacy of the charging network, an increasing number of residents are recognizing the benefits of electric vehicles. The lower operating costs, ease of maintenance, and environmental advantages are attracting more New Brunswickers to make the switch. However, some challenges remain, including the availability of charging stations during long-distance travel and the time required for charging, which can extend travel times.

The future of electric vehicles in New Brunswick is bright, with the province taking significant steps towards electrification. The combination of government incentives, expanding charging infrastructure, and growing consumer interest sets the stage for a more sustainable transportation sector in the province. As New Brunswick continues to embrace electric vehicles, it moves closer to achieving its emissions reduction goals and contributes to the broader global effort to mitigate climate change.

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