Drive Electric
EVs mean Clean Air – Clean Air means Healthy Lungs.
Choosing electric alternatives to gas powered vehicles protects both Human Health and the Environment.
Replacing an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle with an electric vehicle (EV) reduces air pollutants such as NO2, SO2, particulate matter and VOCs. Lower levels of these pollutants lead to measurable improvements in air quality and support better respiratory health.
At NB Lung, we are invested in reducing the number of conventional fossil-fuel-powered vehicles on the road. Expanding the use of electric vehicles is one important way to improve air quality, reduce pollution-related illness, and create healthier communities.
Health Impacts of Traffic Pollution
Exhaust fumes from gas and diesel vehicles contain pollutants like fine particulate matter (PM2.5), ground-level ozone, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene, a known human carcinogen.
Short-term exposure to pollutants in vehicle exhaust can cause an irritated throat, cough, or shortness of breath. It can also the symptoms of many lung and heart conditions. Long-term exposure to exhaust pollution can cause serious conditions.
Impacts on Lungs
Exposure to vehicle exhaust can exacerbate or trigger asthma, bronchitis, COPD, and other respiratory illnesses. Increased prevalence of COPD
Increased number of asthma symptom days, especially in children
Cardiovascular Effects
Increased rates of heart disease
Increased hypertension (high blood pressure) associated with long term exposure to NO2 and PM2.5
Immune System
Increased allergy sensitivity
Increased rates of diabetes
Increased risk of lung cancer, leukemia, breast cancer, other cancers
Who is at risk?
Children under 16 are more susceptible to health risks from poor air quality compared to adults. Children’s lungs are still developing, breathe more rapidly than adults, and inhale more air relative to their body size. This increases their exposure to harmful pollutants.
Pregnant people exposed to traffic related air pollution also increase their risk of pregnancy complications, adverse birth outcomes, and health effects for their newborns.
Older adults are more vulnerable to poor air quality because aging can reduce the body’s ability to respond to environmental stressors and respiratory infections.
Anyone with existing health conditions (such as asthma, COPD, heart disease, lung disease, and more) is more likely to experience worsening symptoms and serious health effects during periods of poor air quality.
FAQs about EVs and Charging
General
What is an Electric Vehicle?
Electric vehicles (often abbreviated to EVs) are cars, trucks, or buses that get their power from electricity instead of gas. Instead of filling up the tank they can recharge their battery by being plugged into an external source of electricity, such as a wall socket.
Some EVs are 100% powered by electricity. Others, called plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs), have both a gas-powered engine and an electric motor and can switch between gas and electric modes. All of these vehicles, as well as others like hydrogen-fuel-cell vehicles, are considered Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs).
E-bikes may also fall under the umbrella term “EV” or “ZEV”.
What are the benefits to owning an EV?
There are many benefits to owning an EV.
– EVs are cheaper to drive: Powering your car with electricity can cost as much as FIVE TIMES LESS than fueling a gas-powered car.
– EVs are cheaper to maintain: EVs have fewer moving parts than conventional cars. Oil filters? Spark plugs? Alternators? Clutches? Those parts don’t exist in an EV, which means less of your time and money spent on maintenance.
– EVs are convenient: You plug them in at your own home at night and wake up to a full battery each day. No more having to find a gas station on your way to work!
– EVs are performance driven: More agile than conventional gas vehicles, EVs are better suited to handle tricky driving conditions. Also, when you brake in an EV, the electric motor helps you slow down and recharges the battery by doing so. This helps you drive further on every charge. It also means your brake pads don’t get worn out as quickly and don’t have to be replaced as often – another saving!
– EVs are quiet: Without a noisy internal combustion engine EVs are whisper-quiet and help cut down on noise pollution in cities.
– EVs are better for the environment and public health: While gasoline combustion in a conventional vehicle produces greenhouse gases (like carbon dioxide) and particulate pollutants that contribute to smog and lung disease, EVs produce no tailpipe emissions.
Why are EVs Better for Human Health & the Environment?
Internal combustion engines produce by-products from burning gas that can harm the environment and air quality. Burning gasoline produces greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide that contribute to climate change.
Burning gas or diesel also produces particulate hydrocarbons that contribute to smog and poor air quality, all of which negatively impact lung health. EVs have no tailpipe emissions (although, like gas-powered vehicles, there are emissions created in their production, transportation and end-of-life).
What is the Range on an EV?
Most new EVs available in Canada have ranges over 400 km on a full charge. In more expensive models across the globe, you can find ranges of 600-900 km on a single charge.
Having an EV means that your fueling station is as close as your nearest wall socket. In this way, EVs are more like cellphones than gas-powered cars. We typically don’t ask how long a cellphone can go on a single charge. Sure, it needs enough battery life to get you through a typical day, but whether it has 25% or 50% charge left once you get back home doesn’t really matter, because it can be topped up overnight!
How do EVs perform in Cold Temperatures?
We all know that bitter cold Canadian winters can be hard on regular car batteries, but what about EVs? Plugging your EV in at night means that electricity is keeping your battery warm, so EVs don’t have the same issues that some gas-powered vehicles do with failing to start in frigid temperatures.
However, very cold temperatures (-20°C or colder) can reduce an EV’s range by as much as 40%. This is because the battery is not only powering the car, it’s working hard to heat the car’s interior as well as running the motor. (Gas-powered cars also become less efficient in the cold, but the decrease is less noticeable.)
To minimize the effects of temperatures extremes on range try these tips:
– Warm up (or cool down in high heat) the cabin air before unplugging your EV from the charger.
– In cold weather, schedule charging so that it finishes just before you leave. Charging warms the battery. You can do this through many of the vehicles themselves, and through many of the charging devices as well.
– In hot weather, park your car in the shade or other cool spot.
How do I road trip in an EV?
– Plan your charging stops in advance. Plug Share, Flo, and A Better Route Planner are all excellent sources of charger location and availability. If you expect wet or snowy roads or a strong head wind, then expect to use more energy between charges.
– To reduce charging costs, book your overnight stays at places with chargers or at least an available 120-volt outlet.
– Preheat (or precool) your EV before unplugging. Once the cabin has been heated it takes much less energy to keep it heated. Also, note that using heated seats to help stay warm uses far less power than heating the cabin.
– For safety and the best range, check your tire pressure for the recommended level.
– If you are on the highway and you notice that the charge level is going down fast and you’re worried you won’t make it to the next charger, here are a few things to try:
– Slow down. Even driving 5 km/h slower makes a significant difference at any speed above 90 km/h.
– Reduce the amount of cabin heating/cooling. Use your heated seats more/instead, as they use less power.
– Check to see if there is a closer charger. Even a level 2 charger will be able to add enough charge to get you to the next fast charger.
How do I choose the right EV?
These days there are plenty of EV models to choose from. You can find a full list of electric vehicles models available in Canada from the Canadian Automobile Association.
The “EV Match” tool from Plug ‘n Drive can help you choose a model that is right for your lifestyle and budget. You can also use the tool to compare various EVs to you gas vehicle, showing the savings in charging.
Following this link will help you identify which models quality for the federal rebate.
Talking to local EV owners may also give you the information you need to ease concerns about owning electric in your area. You can find local groups under the question below.
Where can I find a community of EV Owners?
Atlantic Canada: Electric Vehicle Association of Atlantic Canada
New Brunswick: New Brunswick EV Owners Facebook Group
Prince Edward Island: PEI Electric Vehicle Association
Newfoundland and Labrador: Drive Electric NL Facebook Group
Nova Scotia: Electric Vehicle Association of Atlantic Canada is based out of NS, and is the province’s primary EV community
What are Regenerative Brakes?
Having regenerative brakes means that an EV can slow down, or come to a full and complete stop, without having to use its brake pads. Regenerative braking also recharges the battery.
When the driver takes their foot off of the accelerator, the tires begin turning the vehicle’s electric motor using the momentum of the vehicle, generating electricity. The force required to turn the electric motor is so great that the vehicle slows down or comes to a stop with the electricity captured in the battery. Not only does this reduce wear and tear on your brake pads, it extends how far you can drive on a single charge, especially with city driving.
Charging
What are the different kinds of chargers?
Level 1 Charger:
Level 1 charging requires a standard electrical outlet, which most homes have on the exterior. Charging for 10 hours will provide about 90km of range, so plugging in overnight will get you from A to B to C for all your daily commuting needs. This option provides a charging power of up to 3 kilowatts (kW).
Level 2 Charger:
Level 2 charging is also commonly used as a home charger but will require installation of a 240V outlet and/or the charger itself by an electrician.
Many publicly available chargers are Level 2. Depending on the power output, charging for an hour may provide about 30 km of range. Power output can be from 3-19 kW.
Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC):
DCFC is the fastest charging option available to all EVs and they are typically found along major travel routes, rest stops, hotels, and city centres. Charging can take as little as 15 minutes to charge from 10-80%, and up to 1 hour depending on the charger and the vehicle. Output can be up to 400 kW, which charges a vehicle ultra-fast, although some of the more affordable and older EV models have a max capacity of 50-75 kW, so will always take an hour to fully charge no matter how powerful the charger is.
How do I charge an EV at home?
Level 1 charging involves plugging your vehicle into a regular 120 volt 3 prong outlet. Most EVs on the market today come with a charging cord that you can use with a regular home outlet. And if you have an outlet in your garage or near your driveway, you can charge your vehicle with no infrastructure costs. Do not use an extension cord, as the cords can overheat when charging for extended time periods. This charging option takes approximately 10 hours to gain 90km of range, although this will vary depending on the temperature and outlet’s power capacity. Since most Canadians drive an average of 50km a day, this option is practical.
For those who want a faster charge, you can install a Level 2 charging station. Level 2 chargers require the same type of electrical outlet as your kitchen stove or dryer (240V). Level 2 recharge rates are around 30 km of range per hour. A level 2 charging unit can cost from $400-$1200. Depending on the system and what you already have wired, you may need to budget another $200-$1000+ for an electrician to upgrade your system and wire a new outlet or wire your charger directly.
How do I charge an EV in public?
Use online maps like plugshare.com to find chargers around the world, where you can also map out your travel routes and the chargers along the way.
In Atlantic Canada, ChargePoint, Flo, and E-Charge stations all work together. You need to create an account with one of these networks in order to activate them, a credit card will not work.
You can use either an app or a physical card to activate the charger. Best to have both!
Some EV charging stations (Petro-Canada, Electrify Canada, Irving) do accept credit card payments.
What happens if I run out of charge?
If you do run out of charge while driving, you can call a tow truck to get towed to the nearest public charging station. For EV drivers who are CAA members, you can call the Roadside Assistance line (1-800-222-4357) to get a tow to a charging station. Depending on your membership level, your tow could be free.
Maintenance
What kind of Maintenance does an EV need?
Without an internal combustion engine and its moving parts, EVs require much less maintenance than gas-powered cars. So, forget about oil changes, transmission fluid top-ups, replacing spark plugs, mufflers, etc.
EVs do need some TLC. Like all vehicles, wiper blades and washer fluid need to be changed out and topped up regularly. The tires should be rotated and cabin air filters replaced according to the manufacturers’ guidelines. The brakes need to be kept up, but an EV’s regenerative brakes don’t wear down like conventional brakes do.
The big cost for an EV comes when its battery needs replacement, but the standard warranty on the batteries covers 8 years or 160,000 km.
Read more about basic EV maintenance and upkeep tips here.
Where can I get mechanical work done?
It’s generally recommended to go to the dealer for service, although EV owners can go to their preferred mechanic if they have experience working on EVs. Call your mechanic in advance to find out if they have worked with EVs, and ask for proof of certification if possible.
Electric School Buses
Approximately 225,000 children ride the bus to school each day in the Atlantic Canada. Most of these school buses are powered by diesel engines. The exhaust from diesel engines causes serious physical and mental health issues for the students and bus drivers. Electric school buses are becoming a reliable alternative that have a lower cost to maintain and fuel.
Report: “Driving Towards a Healthier Future”
Read the “Driving Towards a Healthier Future: Protecting Children’s Health by Switching to Electric School Buses” health report and toolkit co-written by NB Lung with Ecology Action Centre, the Conservation Council of New Brunswick, and the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE).
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We all know that vehicle exhaust is bad for our health… but did you know that the pollution is higher inside the bus than outside? This puts our youth at risk.
Cognitive Development
Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from diesel exhaust has been linked to impaired cognitive development, memory difficulties, and reduced academic performance. Diesel exhaust can also contain carbon monoxide, which may contribute to headaches, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. These effects can make it harder for students to focus and learn.
Mental Health
Noise and air pollution from diesel school buses may contribute to stress and negatively affect students’ mental well-being. Quieter, cleaner electric school buses can help create a healthier, more comfortable journey to school.
Protecting Bus Drivers
Bus drivers spend even more time exposed to diesel exhaust and engine noise than students. Electric school buses offer a quieter, cleaner working environment, reducing exposure to harmful pollutants and excessive noise.
Quieter buses also make it easier for drivers to hear their surroundings and communicate with passengers, helping improve safety for everyone on board.
Setting Kids Up for Success
Electric school buses offer significant health and environmental benefits. Research has shown that reducing diesel exhaust exposure can decrease lung inflammation in children by up to 30% and reduce school absenteeism by approximately 10%, with particularly important benefits for children with asthma.
Electric buses also produce zero tailpipe emissions, helping reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Replacing diesel school buses is a practical step toward healthier students, cleaner communities, and a more sustainable future.
E-BIKES
E-bikes have a clear health benefit to anyone choosing to ride one. Cycling is a comprehensive cardio activity, improving heart and lung health, and strengthening muscle. As for your mental health, riding an e-bike is consistently rated as being more fun than regular cycling. Plus, all forms of exercise and being outdoors are both known to have a positive impact on your mental well-being.
Helps Riders Cycle Further
E-Bikers statistically use their bike more often than regular bikers, covering distances more than 2x what regular cyclists travel.
Accessible Exercise
Although it is less likely to be intense, they may be getting more consistent & more frequent exercise. This opens a form of travel and exercise to people of an age or fitness and ability level that find using a regular bicycle challenging or impossible.
Cheaper Than a Car
E-Biking is a realistic alternative to a car, especially trips under 5km. Thanks to the low cost of electricity and overall efficiency of bicycles, cycling is much cheaper than driving a car.
Some families or couples are able to become a single vehicle household rather than a two-vehicle household with the purchase of an e-bike. Because of the bike’s propulsion, you can arrive to work fresh and ready by increasing the bike’s power at any hills or strenuous sections.
Concerned about transporting groceries or children? E-bikes and bicycles alike can be customized by purchasing a trailer attachment, some that are suitable for children of many ages, and cargo of any kind. You can also purchase “cargo-bikes” that have these spaces built into the frame of the bicycle.
E-bikes make cycling easier and more accessible, even during the winter months. Many models accommodate wider tires for better traction on snow and uneven surfaces, while the electric motor provides an extra boost when navigating challenging terrain. Depending on the model, e-bikes offer pedal assistance, throttle-powered propulsion, or both, allowing riders to choose how much effort they put into their ride. Charging is simple, too! E-bike batteries plug into a standard household outlet and can either be removable or built into the bike’s frame.
ADVOCACY
Between the health and environmental cost of diesel exhaust pollution, our communities are paying the expensive cost of standard school buses. Replacing old diesel buses with electric buses will save our communities and governments in the long run. You can add your name to our current petition to increase electric school buses in Atlantic Canada.
Whether you are a teacher, parent, health professional, bus driver, or member of the public, you have a valuable voice when it comes to advocating for electric school buses in your region. Please take advantage of the various advocacy tools that can support you when you speak to members of the government or school boards about phasing out diesel buses.
If you are interested in advocacy in other areas related to clean air and lung health, including public transit and fossil fuel development, you can find more resources on our NB Lung Advocacy page.
NB Lung has been helping New Brunswickers breathe easier since 1933.
Thank you for your support!
Page Last Updated: 28/02/2023