There’s no controversy in saying that Alberta is a province that has lived and died by its dependence on the oil and gas industry. A 2023 poll by the Pembina Institute showed that about 70% of Albertans believe that the province’s economy relies too much on O&G, with another 82% believing that the provincial government should be more active in planning for a viable future in the energy sector. One of the most significant aspects of Alberta’s oil-and-gas bedrock – and one of the biggest roadblocks to its evolution – is the automotive industry.
However, the province has shown its reticence to explore alternative forms of fuel for its cars. In 2021, statistics showed that only 3% of households in the province owned an electric or hybrid vehicle, falling short of the national average of 5% and paling in comparison to provinces like British Columbia and Quebec, who have experienced significant strides in EV adoption. With the pausing of the federal iZEV program, which allowed for a $5,000 rebate on full battery-electric vehicles, as well as the recent introduction of a $200 fee on annual EV registration renewals, Albertans have little incentive to make the switch.
In spite of these setbacks, it is fundamental to continue exploring the potential of alternative fuel vehicles when we consider the future of the automotive field. As a writer in the automative industry, I believe that highlighting these alternatives is key to promoting their continued growth and development.
Electric Vehicles (EVs)
From re-imagined classics like the Dodge Charger Daytona to innovative new models like Hyundai’s IONIQ series, EVs stand at the forefront of the industrial shift towards all-electric fuel. These battery electric vehicles gather their energy from electric motors powered by rechargeable batteries, which offer a cleaner and more efficient mode of transportation.
The simplicity and environmental benefits of EVs are their main appeal, as they produce no emissions while in operation. When the batteries are fully depleted, they can easily be recharged by plugging them into a power source, making them convenient and viable for daily use. That said, the infrastructure that supports the viability of EVs is lacking in Calgary, particularly compared to comparable hubs like Vancouver and Montreal. To compare,
Calgary has 608 public charging station ports with a 15km radius, while the two latter cities have 1,495 and 2,420 charging stations, respectively. This underscores the importance of renewable energy initiatives, like the Peaks to Prairies Network, which spearheaded the installation of 20 fast charging stations around Southern Alberta, including 5 in Calgary and the surrounding areas of Bearspaw and Canmore. This process was helped by $2 million in funding from local partners like Southgrow Regional Initiative, as well as the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and the Government of Alberta, illustrating that the adoption of electric vehicles is something that can continue to grow when driven by people embracing its capabilities and advocating for better supporting infrastructure and support.
Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)
PHEVs offer the ideal combination of benefits from both electric and gasoline-powered vehicles. They are able to operate on electric power alone for distances ranging from 45 to 97 km, making them ideal for commuters. They can be charged overnight using a Level 1 or 2 charging port and have lower maintenance costs due to having fewer moving parts compared to traditional gas engines.
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCEVs)
One of the most exciting new horizons in zero-emission automotive technology is the hydrogen fuel cell. Using polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells, these vehicles convert hydrogen into electricity, with the only byproduct being water vapour. Moreover, FCEVs can be refueled in about five minutes and offer a range of over 480km, comparable to traditional gasoline vehicles in terms of long-distance travel, which is a common concern when people think of electric vehicles.
Hydrogen fuel cell technology is an ideal avenue to diversifying energy sources and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Infrastructure for this technology has already gained traction in Canada within the commercial transportation industry – British Columbia currently has 5 hydrogen fuelling stations owned by HTEC, while the Nikola Corporation unveiled Alberta’s first commercial hydrogen refuelling station in early 2024, located along Highway 2 between Edmonton and Calgary. Edmonton Global also launched an initiative to establish 5,000 hydrogen or dual-fuel vehicles operating in Western Canada by 2028, a goal that reflects a systemic interest in hydrogen vehicles and their transformative potential within the automotive landscape.
Natural Gas Vehicles (NGVs)
As one of the world’s leading natural gas producers, Alberta’s investment in fuelling vehicles with natural gas is an obvious step towards a cleaner, greener future. Natural gas vehicles can be factory-built or converted from conventional gasoline vehicles, providing flexibility for those looking to make the switch. Those still a fossil fuel, natural gas is a much more eco-friendly alternative to diesel, with a CO2 emissions profile that is 20% lower. Natural gas is also generally more affordable than gasoline, making it a cost-effective choice for high-use vehicles like fleet trucks or buses.
One of the most prevalent examples of natural gas vehicles in Calgary is Compressed Natural Gas, which has seen significant use in transit and commercial transportation. Calgary Transit’s current bus fleet includes more than 240 40-foot buses that run on CNG, with an additional 210 planned for integration by 2027. These buses have a dedicated CNG fuelling station, one of three in Alberta and a milestone in the long-term plan to build around 20 CNG fuelling stations throughout Western Canada.
In Canada, approximately 20,000 natural gas vehicles are on the road. Additionally, NGVs have robust fuel systems designed to withstand accidents better than their gasoline counterparts, enhancing their safety profile. With the continued success of NGVs as industrial vehicles, this combination of economic and safety benefits could make them a practical choice for many drivers, especially when considering CNG options.
Summary
The continued exploration of alternative fuel in Calgary and wider Alberta reveals a diverse array of potential options, each with their own challenges and benefits. From the promised zero-emissions of electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles to the practical and economic advantages of natural gas, there are avenues for drivers of every stripe to make the switch from traditional gas-powered vehicles and reduce their environmental impact.
Calgary has already shown their commitment to this shift, as seen in the adoption of CNG trucks and busses, as well as investment in EV charging and hydrogen fueling infrastructure. With the further implementation of supportive policies, alternative fuel vehicles can become more practical and accessible for your average Calgarian. As technology continues to evolve and interest grows, the efficiency and affordability of these vehicles will only improve, making them an increasingly viable option for our city’s residents.
