An abundance of hydroelectric power in this province has made it possible for Manitobans to pay some of the lowest rates for electricity in the world.
This reality, along with the economic and environmental costs of burning petroleum, has prompted numerous people in Winnipeg and across Manitoba, to choose electric vehicles over gas powered models.
Electric vehicle owners either purchase production cars from the factory (Tesla Model S, Mitsubishi I-MiEV, Nissan Leaf, etc.) for prices that range from $30,000 to $100,000; or they convert an existing internal combustion engine in their car to an electric engine using lithium batteries, with a conversion cost of $25,000 to $35,000; or they use lead acid batteries in their conversion that costs around $10,000 to $20,000.
Robert Elms, president of MEVA, Manitoba Electric Vehicle Association, joined Julien Cooper recently on the CKUW 95.9 FM show, People of Interest, to discuss this movement towards people driving electric vehicles in Manitoba.
After the interview, Robert Elms suggested listeners may want to take see what it’s like to take a ride in a new Tesla Model S, through a short video shot by Manitoba Electric Vehicle Association member Ric Lim. MEVA member, Lester Deane, gave Ric and some of his friends a ride in Lester’s Tesla Model S. You can see that video here: http://vimeo.com/106789707