Author Archives: lukefrugalev

Recently I went to Montreal to attend a major sporting event. I was tempted to take my 2018 LEAF as it certainly can make the journey, perhaps a little slower than a gas car, but with much better economics and of course emissions. But alas, the sporting event is unlikely to end until late afternoonContinue reading “Taking the train to Montreal”

April 1st 2024, saw a schedule increase in Canada’s carbon tax, to $80 per tonne. This caused much grumbling and complaining, over what amounts to a price increase of $0.03/litre of gasoline. Interestingly, gas went up further later in April, when refineries switched to a summer blend of gasoline. That increase amounted to perhaps 5-10Continue reading “Carbon Tax Bruhaha”

Lately, the Detroit big three (GM, Ford and Stellantis), have all made big announcements on hybrids (source and source). The main motive is to improve carmakers profits as hybrids are seen as easier to make. Looking at past hybrid programs (GM’s Volts and the Toyota Prius), Hybrids are complex machines that are very tricky toContinue reading “Are Hybrids a good idea for carmakers?”

The Parks of the St. Lawrence runs a number of campgrounds that jut into the St. Lawrence near Cornwall ON. Generally less busy than the better known Ontario Parks, these campgrounds offer lovely campsites by the river. There is lots to do in the area, from the Upper Canada Village, to Cornwall and the SaundersContinue reading “Millie Roches Camping trip”

Recently, headlines were made, when Canada’s Innovation, science and industry minster said that his government was considdering levying tarrifs against Chinese EVs, similar to what the Biden administration has done in the US (source). A cynic might point out that Michigan is an important swing state, in a tight presidential race. There is some truthContinue reading “Why keep Chinese EVs out of Canada’s market?”

As EV demand has been less than expected, automakers are searching for ways to eh, dispose of excess inventory. Tesla has been fairly direct and just cuts the price on their website. Other automakers have been more creative and provided a “cheap-lease deal”. Lets explore these aspects of the auto-industry a bit further. Our analysisContinue reading “The cheap lease deal?”

Had a lovely chat with a fireman at a nearby electric car showcase. The gentleman tells me that the average fire truck might only do 50 km per day (usually far less). Given my experience with electric cars, wonderful for short trips, some headaches for cross provincial treks (source), 50 km is truely and mightilyContinue reading “Should city cars go electric?”

As the skis get put away, it is time for another used car survey. Last fall, we found over 200 EVs looking for a new home. A gently used Nissan Leaf, or a Model 3, plenty of these abound. We also see a few “older-flagships” cruising around looking for new owners. We find a whoppingContinue reading “Used EV survey, Spring 2024”

About 400 km south-west of Toronto sits the city of Windsor. Across the river from Detroit. We found a surprisingly vibrant city with many historic sites of interest. From the almost complete Gordie Howe bridge, to the underground railroad and a neat aviation museum . There is plenty to do. There is ample charging betweenContinue reading “Windsor”

Lets compare three common green projects people consider. Heat-pump installation, switching the gas guzzler to an electric vehicle (EV), and putting solar on the roof. We use Canadian green-house emissions statistics, and my experience with the first two (plus some planning/googling for the third), to see how the economics and user experience compare. As isContinue reading “Heat-pump vs electric vehicle (EV) vs Solar what should I do first?”