It’s no secret there are misconceptions about Electric Vehicles (EV's)! Deciphering what is fact and fiction can be challenging for students. How much do you know about electric vehicles? Continue reading to discover some interesting facts and myths about EV’s, amazing resources for your school and events for your students!
How much do you know about EV’s?
1) Transportation accounts for approximately 25% of Canada’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Fact! According to Natural Resources Canada, transportation accounts for approximately 25% of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), of which almost half comes from everyday passenger cars and light trucks. Why? The Internal combustion engine (ICE) is a gas powered vehicle and gasoline is made from oil, a fossil fuel.The gasoline is combusted to operate the engine and emits harmful pollutants into our atmosphere.
2) Electric vehicles are cars that operate on an electric motor without the use of gasoline (or a combination of gas and electricity).
Fact! There are 3 different types of EV's:
- Hybrid: Powered by gasoline and an electric motor. Battery is recharged while the vehicle is running on gas.
- Plug-in hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV): Similar to conventional hybrids, except they can be plugged in to recharge the battery.
- Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV): Powered 100% by an electric motor and battery.
3) Electric vehicles were invented decades before the internal combustion engine vehicle.
Electric vehicles were around for 40 years before gasoline-powered cars were invented
Making this a fact! In 1832, Robert Anderson invented the first crude electric car, powered by anon-rechargeable battery. This meant the battery had to be changed every time it ran out. If you want to teach your students more about the history of electric vehicles, then check out this activity!
4)The first gasoline-powered vehicles were quick and easy to start, which is why they became more popular than electric vehicles.
Myth! How did ICE cars become so popular? According to the US Department of Energy, by 1912, gasoline cars only cost $650, whereas an electric roadster sold for $1750. During this year, Charles Kettering introduced the electric starter, eliminating the need for a hand crank, which increased gasoline-powered car sales.
Help your students learn about EV’s: Live Event!
If you have enjoyed this blog, you will love our upcoming student webinar! Our Electrifying the EV Future: Charging Ahead with Learning Pathways for Students In this interactive 45 minutes workshop, students will learn more about our student-led EV conversion project, EV myths and facts, discuss the pros and cons of EV's and more! For grades 7-12. Make sure to register your class today! This event will be live on November 21st at 1 pm ET. If this time doesn’t work for you let us know. Fill out this form here!
Electrifying The Future Pilot Project
GreenLearning piloted Electrifying the Future in Calgary, Alberta which offered high school students and educators in the Calgary Board of Education the opportunity to convert two internal combustion vehicles into electric and install a charging station at a local high school. Learn more about this exciting project and resources you can use at your school here!
We are also excited to announce that we are expanding the project to Ontario! GreenLearning has partnered up with Peel District School Board (PDSB) and The Woodlands Secondary School in Mississauga, Ontario to complete an electric vehicle conversion and install a charging station.
For more information about our Electrifying the Future Pilot Project, please view our blog post or this video.