Cottage weekends. Beach days. Camping trips. You have a lot to pack into the next two months. But how will you get where you need to go? It all depends on your needs. In this article, we’ll look at a few of the most sustainable ways to get around this summer.
No fossil-fuels on campus
Enrolled in the summer semester? Consider riding an electric scooter to campus. They can save you from a long walk in the heat, and they produce zero emissions. On top of that, most models can safely reach 20 km/hr. Rest assured, you’ll never miss a lecture.
The City of Ottawa partnered with Bird Canada and Neuron Mobility to make e-scooters available to the public. You can rent them from deployment areas around the city.
For more information about e-scooters, visit the City of Ottawa’s website.
The green commute
When you hear the term “green commute,” you probably think of Ottawa’s new zero-emission buses. But there are other sustainable ways to get to work. Consider the hybrid vehicle. They have a relatively short all-electric range, but hybrids can manage most daily commutes without tapping into their gas reserves. This means you can drive to and from work without producing any tailpipe emissions.
And it’s easy to charge a hybrid. Plug your vehicle into a standard wall outlet, and let it sit overnight. Your battery should be charged by the time you leave for work in the morning.
Today, we tend to think that electric vehicles (EV) have made the hybrid obsolete. But this isn’t true. Hybrids remain a great choice for the daily commuter.
Eco-friendly road trips
From Ottawa, you can drive to Kingston, Montreal or even New York. So make this the summer of the road trip. And if you’re planning one now, we recommend you do it sustainably in an electric vehicle. If you haven’t made the leap yet to buy one, consider a rental. It’s a great way to test drive an EV before you buy.
Today’s electric vehicles have impressive ranges. Still, it’s important to charge your EV before you hit the road, especially if you’re driving through rural areas that lack charging infrastructure. Use a website like PlugShare to locate charging stations on the way to your destination, and plan your route accordingly.
You should also factor charging times into your itinerary. A Level 3 DC Fast Charger can charge your vehicle to 80 per cent in 30 minutes. That’ll give you enough time to stretch your legs. Consider ripping open a snack or catching a meal.
A Level 2 charger, on the other hand, could take anywhere from 4 to 10 hours to bring your EV back to life. Plug it in, and call a hotel.
No matter the level of charger you’re using, it’s important to follow station etiquette. Share the space with other vehicles, return the charger to its place, and report any equipment issues you run into.
To learn more about planning the perfect EV road trip, check out our blog post on the subject.
Electric car-camping
Ottawa is close to some of Ontario’s most beautiful parks, including Algonquin, Fitzroy and Murphys Point. This summer, break the seal on your Ontario Parks passport, and reconnect with nature. Bonus: Thanks to the Canada Strong Pass, all Parks Canada operated sites have free admission this summer.
But consider ditching the tent. Pack your essentials into an EV, and camp in comfort.
Today, you’ll find several electric SUVs on the market. These vehicles can take you from park-to-park on a single charge, making it easy to camp sustainably.
An electric SUV also gives you plenty of space. You’ll have enough room for a car mattress, a sleeping bag and your travelling companion.
To make the most out of your nights in the car, bring a headlamp and a few Haunted Canada books. Or consider loading a movie or two onto your tablet or laptop.
Sustainable glamping
If you want both wilderness and comfort, consider buying or renting an electric camper van. The market isn’t exactly saturated, but companies like Grounded, Maxwell and Volkswagen currently offer spacious and luxurious options for the glampers among us.
And a few more vehicles will hit dealerships soon. Winnebago is hard-at-work on an electric RV that will blend indulgence and sustainability. We can’t wait.
Photo via @OttawaBoatCruise Instagram
Take a carbon-neutral cruise
If you’re having friends visiting from outside of the city this summer, or are enjoying a staycation, consider going on an eco-friendly tour of the Rideau Canal.
Ottawa Boat Cruise | EKEAU Tours offers excursions on the canal aboard an electric vessel. Passengers can learn about the region’s history and cultural heritage while taking in beautiful views of the canal bed.
Learn more
For more information about electric vehicles, visit our website. You’ll learn more about charging your EV at home and in public, how it will handle the winter and how far it will go on a single charge.
