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Definition of an EV in Canada

  • Definition of an EV in Canada

What is an EV?

  • In Canada, the definition of Electric Vehicles (EVs) is primarily framed under the broader category of Zero-Emission Vehicles (ZEVs). This term is used by the federal government and many provincial governments for policies, regulations, and incentive programs.
  • A Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) in Canada is generally defined as a vehicle that has the potential to produce no tailpipe emissions. This is a key distinction because it includes vehicles that can operate solely on electricity for a significant range, even if they also have an internal combustion engine (ICE) as a backup.
  • Here are the main types of vehicles typically included in Canada’s definition of ZEVs.

Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)

These are fully electric vehicles powered solely by an electric motor. They draw electricity from a rechargeable battery pack and produce zero tailpipe emissions at all times. They are charged by plugging into an external electric outlet.

Examples Shown: Tesla, Chevrolet Bolt, Hyundai Kona, Ford F-150 Lightning.

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)

These vehicles combine an internal combustion engine (gasoline engine) with an electric motor and a rechargeable battery pack. They can be charged by plugging into an external electric outlet. They are considered ZEVs because they can operate in electric-only mode for a significant range (typically 40-80 km or more), producing zero tailpipe emissions during that electric-only operation. When the battery is depleted or more power is needed, the gasoline engine kicks in.

Examples Shown: Toyota RAV4 Prime, Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, Mitsubishi Outlander, Kia Sorrento.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs)

These are also fully electric vehicles powered by an electric motor. Instead of relying on a large battery pack for all power, they generate their own electricity onboard through a fuel cell that combines hydrogen gas (stored in a tank) with oxygen from the air. Their only emission is water vapour and warm air, meaning they produce zero tailpipe emissions. They are refuelled with hydrogen gas, similar to how a gasoline car is refuelled. While considered ZEVs, FCEVs are currently less common in Canada due to limited hydrogen refueling infrastructure.

Examples shown: Hyundai NEXO, Toyota Mirai.