All across Canada, Electric Vehicle demo programs and incentives are being rolled out to allow drivers to experience driving an Electric Vehicle, but many consumers still aren’t sold.

Even a $5000 rebate from the government for anyone who purchases an EV, the chance to never pay for gas again, and having an easy way to help the environment hasn’t convinced the majority of Canadians to jump on the EV bandwagon.

According to Mary Mallin, of Plug n Drive, an Ontario EV education non-profit, the number one concern that most consumers have is what is known in the world of EVs as “Range Anxiety”.

Consumers are worried that they’ll be stranded on the highway, nowhere near a gas station with a car that has lost its charge.

This anxiety was a valid anxiety with the first few two generations of EVs that could only go 100 to 250 KM.

However, with models like the Tesla Model 3 that can go up to 507 KM, low driving ranges are no longer a thing.

Since solving the range issue hasn’t eliminated consumer anxiety, EV educators at programs like Plug N’ Drive allow consumers to experience what it is like to drive an EV. They also answer all their questions whether it be about range anxiety, driving in rain or how long an EV takes to charge. “Most people just need to experience driving one because they usually come away loving it,” said Mallin.

Yet despite enjoying the driving experience and being given an answer for every concern about EVs, consumers haven’t always followed that with a purchase. According to JD Power, interest in EVS in Canada has decreased by 13% and Ford has reported a 5-billion-dollar loss in its electric vehicle division.

In the middle of all of this anxiety, lagging sales and frustration, a PEI company in partnership with Natural Resources Canada has come up with an innovative solution to increase EV adoption levels.

Safe Drivers PEI driving school starts talking to drivers about EVs while they’re teaching them to drive.

Through the electric vehicle driver training project, drivers start learning about EVS before they even have a driver’s license.

This means that you’re also catching them right about the time that they’re going to purchase their first vehicle.

During the driver education program, drivers experience several hours of driving an EV.

To make this possible, Safe Drivers has already purchased 5 electric vehicles for driving lessons, and will soon have 7. This immersive experience also involved making updates to their curriculum.

The results are promising.

Former students have already called general Manager Eric Brookins to say that they purchased an electric vehicle.

This technique seems to be working due to it’s innovative, “get them early” approach.These drivers don’t have to think about making the switch. An EV is all they’ve ever driven and the experience was great.

The only remaining consideration is having the support that they need after purchasing the vehicle.

This means a solid EV infrastructure.

Maritime Electric has installed more than 50 Tier 2 charging stations on the island and there are also 6 fast charging stations.

The difference between a tier two charging station and a fast-charging station is plugging in your car to charge it overnight with a Tier 2 or charging the car in one hour at a fast-charging station.

The addition of fast charging stations is an important infrastructure consideration because the ability to charge quickly could be the difference between loving an EV and hating it.

Satisfied drivers are more likely to continue driving an electric vehicle.

The Province of PEI is currently increasing the number of fast chargers, with plans underway to put ½ a dozen to a dozen charges at various locations throughout the island.

These fast chargers will have a dual effect in that they will benefit not only the EV drivers on the island, but also tourists that visit the island every year.

Continuing to strengthen the EV infrastructure on the island will ensure that all those new drivers coming out of driving school will have the support that they need to become lifelong EV owners.

Right now, when it comes to grabbing hold of those new drivers, PEI is the only province that is taking this approach. PEI is Canada’s smallest province, but in the seemingly herculean task of EV adoption, it is leading the way nationally.

Brookins just hopes that even more people will have the opportunity to experience an EV.

“Everyone gets in gets, out and has that same thought. That was really nice”