Are electric vehicles really cleaner than gas-powered cars?
In this episode of the True North EV Podcast, host James tackles one of the most debated questions in the EV world: the environmental impact of fossil fuel production versus battery manufacturing. We break down the facts for Canadian drivers—exploring short-term and long-term impacts, mining and manufacturing realities, and how Canada’s clean electricity grid changes the equation.

What you’ll learn:

• The continuous emissions from fossil fuel extraction, refining, and burning [Fossil Fue...ion part 1 | Word]
• The one-time environmental cost of battery production—and how quickly EVs “break even” on emissions
• Latest research showing EVs in Canada produce up to 75% fewer lifetime emissions than gas vehicles
• The challenges of lithium and cobalt mining, and how innovation is making batteries cleaner and more ethical
• Why the grid is getting greener every year, making EVs an even better choice over time
• Honest discussion of the real challenges—mining impacts, recycling, grid readiness, and subsidies

Whether you’re EV-curious or already driving electric, this episode gives you the facts, the context, and practical takeaways to make an informed decision. Tune in to discover why, despite their imperfections, EVs are a cleaner, smarter choice for Canada’s future.

Primary Sources Used:

• TD Economics (March 2025) – “Cradle to grave: Lifecycle emissions of electric versus gasoline vehicles in Canada”
• Canada Energy Regulator (2023) – “Canada’s Energy Future 2023”
• Natural Resources Canada (2024) – “Strategic Approach to Battery Innovation”
• Electric Mobility Canada (April 2025) – “Electrifying Progress: A Complete Economic Outlook of the Canadian EV Industry”
• Canadian Climate Institute (November 2025)
• CAA North & East Ontario (2025)
• Young Canadians for Resources (June 2025)
• Alberta Electric Vehicle Association, City of Edmonton, Municipal Climate Change Action Centre, AMA (Alberta Motor Association)
• CBC News (2023, 2025)
• Fraser Institute (2023–2025)
• Communications Earth & Environment (June 2025)
• PMC/National Institutes of Health

Key Statistics Referenced:

• Gas vehicle lifetime emissions: 89.5 tonnes CO₂
• Battery EV (no battery replacement): 21.6 tonnes CO₂
• Battery EV (one battery replacement): 28.4 tonnes CO₂
• Break-even point: Year 2 nationally; 6–18 months in some provinces
• Canada’s clean electricity: 82% non-emitting sources (2024)
• Alberta-specific: EVs reduce emissions by 41% currently; projected 74% as grid greens
• Health costs: Vehicle emissions cost $9.5B annually in Canada
• Economic projections: 1.34 million EV jobs and $171B GDP contribution by 2040
• Battery recycling: Up to 95% of materials recoverable
• EV adoption Canada: 17% of new vehicles in 2024 were EVs
• Global emissions: EVs consistently show 32–47% lower footprint than hybrids

Check out how green your grid is or  if you are in Alberta howgreen it is at this very moment at thegrid.albertaev.ca.  This is a great tool that Electric Vehicle Association of Alberta has put together. It will definitely help also when comparing evs to gas vehicles.Check Easy EV Install out if you are in Manitoba and looking at getting an EV. You can find and contact Marc on Linkedin and Facebook at Easy EV Install and on Instagram and Twitter at @EasyEVInstall. you can also call or text him at 431-999-EASY(3279) or email at [email protected].Here is the link to kilowatt podcast:

https://pca.st/podcast/09216500-6e77-0134-787d-4ffec63d9550

Check out Manitoba Electric Vehicle Association at  Manitobaev.ca

Facebook link is: @truenorthev

Email: [email protected]

Saskatchewan Electric Vehicle Association- sevaonline.ca

evfiresafe.com

Greenway Motors- https://greenwaymotors.ca/

Greenway Electric Youtube- @GreenwayElectric

Manitoba EV rebate Frequently Asked Questions and link to the ev rebate form: https://www.gov.mb.ca/lowercosts/evrebate/index.html

Check out how green your grid is or  if you are in Alberta howgreen it is at this very moment at thegrid.albertaev.ca.  This is a great tool that Electric Vehicle Association of Alberta has put together. It will definitely help also when comparing evs to gas vehicles.

If you would like more info or to contact Tyler at Envirodel feel free to check out his website at envirodel.com or email him at [email protected], on LinkedIn at Envirodel Zero Emissions Courier and also on Instagram @Envirodelwpg or call @204-806-9918

Check Easy EV Install out if you are in Manitoba and looking at getting an EV. You can find and contact Marc on Linkedin and Facebook at Easy EV Install and on Instagram and Twitter at @EasyEVInstall. you can also call or text him at 431-999-EASY(3279) or email at [email protected].

If you are in the Winnipeg or surrounding area and would like an independent shop to look at your electric vehicle, check out Erickson Motors: https://www.ericksonmotors.ca/

 Here is the link to kilowatt podcast:

https://pca.st/podcast/09216500-6e77-0134-787d-4ffec63d9550

Check out Manitoba Electric Vehicle Association at  Manitobaev.ca

Facebook link is: @truenorthev

Email: [email protected]

Saskatchewan Electric Vehicle Association- sevaonline.ca

evfiresafe.com

Greenway Motors- https://greenwaymotors.ca/

Greenway Electric Youtube- @GreenwayElectric

Manitoba EV rebate Frequently Asked Questions and link to the ev rebate form: https://www.gov.mb.ca/lowercosts/evrebate/index.html

Check out how green your grid is or  if you are in Alberta howgreen it is at this very moment at thegrid.albertaev.ca.  This is a great tool that Electric Vehicle Association of Alberta has put together. It will definitely help also when comparing evs to gas vehicles.

If you would like more info or to contact Tyler at Envirodel feel free to check out his website at envirodel.com or email him at [email protected], on LinkedIn at Envirodel Zero Emissions Courier and also on Instagram @Envirodelwpg or call @204-806-9918

Check Easy EV Install out if you are in Manitoba and looking at getting an EV. You can find and contact Marc on Linkedin and Facebook at Easy EV Install and on Instagram and Twitter at @EasyEVInstall. you can also call or text him at 431-999-EASY(3279) or email at [email protected].

If you are in the Winnipeg or surrounding area and would like an independent shop to look at your electric vehicle, check out Erickson Motors: https://www.ericksonmotors.ca/

 Here is the link to kilowatt podcast:

https://pca.st/podcast/09216500-6e77-0134-787d-4ffec63d9550

Check out Manitoba Electric Vehicle Association at  Manitobaev.ca

Facebook link is: @truenorthev
Email: [email protected]

• Manitoba Electric Vehicle Association: Manitobaev.ca

• True North EV Facebook: @truenorthev

• Email: [email protected]

• Kilowatt Podcast (hosted by Bodie)

• Manitoba Electrical Museum "Watt a Season" exhibit (Nov 22 - Jan 10)

Saskatchewan Electric Vehicle Association- sevaonline.ca

evfiresafe.com

Greenway Motors- https://greenwaymotors.ca/

Greenway Electric Youtube- @GreenwayElectric

Manitoba EV rebate Frequently Asked Questions and link to the ev rebate form: https://www.gov.mb.ca/lowercosts/evrebate/index.html

Check out how green your grid is or  if you are in Alberta howgreen it is at this very moment at thegrid.albertaev.ca.  This is a great tool that Electric Vehicle Association of Alberta has put together. It will definitely help also when comparing evs to gas vehicles.

If you would like more info or to contact Tyler at Envirodel feel free to check out his website at envirodel.com or email him at [email protected], on LinkedIn at Envirodel Zero Emissions Courier and also on Instagram @Envirodelwpg or call @204-806-9918

Check Easy EV Install out if you are in Manitoba and looking at getting an EV. You can find and contact Marc on Linkedin and Facebook at Easy EV Install and on Instagram and Twitter at @EasyEVInstall. you can also call or text him at 431-999-EASY(3279) or email at [email protected].

If you are in the Winnipeg or surrounding area and would like an independent shop to look at your electric vehicle, check out Erickson Motors: https://www.ericksonmotors.ca/

 Here is the link to kilowatt podcast:

https://pca.st/podcast/09216500-6e77-0134-787d-4ffec63d9550

Check out Manitoba Electric Vehicle Association at  Manitobaev.ca

Facebook link is: @truenorthev
Email: [email protected]

In this episode of True North EV, James Hart delves into Tesla's recent shareholder meeting, where a $1 trillion pay package for Elon Musk was approved. The discussion covers the implications for EV drivers in Canada, the ambitious targets set for Tesla, and the broader impact on the EV market.

Saskatchewan Electric Vehicle Association- sevaonline.ca

evfiresafe.com

Greenway Motors- https://greenwaymotors.ca/

Greenway Electric Youtube- @GreenwayElectric

Manitoba EV rebate Frequently Asked Questions and link to the ev rebate form: https://www.gov.mb.ca/lowercosts/evrebate/index.html

Check out how green your grid is or  if you are in Alberta howgreen it is at this very moment at thegrid.albertaev.ca.  This is a great tool that Electric Vehicle Association of Alberta has put together. It will definitely help also when comparing evs to gas vehicles.

If you would like more info or to contact Tyler at Envirodel feel free to check out his website at envirodel.com or email him at [email protected], on LinkedIn at Envirodel Zero Emissions Courier and also on Instagram @Envirodelwpg or call @204-806-9918

Check Easy EV Install out if you are in Manitoba and looking at getting an EV. You can find and contact Marc on Linkedin and Facebook at Easy EV Install and on Instagram and Twitter at @EasyEVInstall. you can also call or text him at 431-999-EASY(3279) or email at [email protected].

If you are in the Winnipeg or surrounding area and would like an independent shop to look at your electric vehicle, check out Erickson Motors: https://www.ericksonmotors.ca/

 Here is the link to kilowatt podcast:

https://pca.st/podcast/09216500-6e77-0134-787d-4ffec63d9550

Check out Manitoba Electric Vehicle Association at  Manitobaev.ca

Facebook link is: @truenorthev

Email: [email protected]

Saskatchewan Electric Vehicle Association- sevaonline.ca

evfiresafe.com

Greenway Motors- https://greenwaymotors.ca/

Greenway Electric Youtube- @GreenwayElectric

Manitoba EV rebate Frequently Asked Questions and link to the ev rebate form: https://www.gov.mb.ca/lowercosts/evrebate/index.html

Check out how green your grid is or  if you are in Alberta howgreen it is at this very moment at thegrid.albertaev.ca.  This is a great tool that Electric Vehicle Association of Alberta has put together. It will definitely help also when comparing evs to gas vehicles.

If you would like more info or to contact Tyler at Envirodel feel free to check out his website at envirodel.com or email him at [email protected], on LinkedIn at Envirodel Zero Emissions Courier and also on Instagram @Envirodelwpg or call @204-806-9918

Check Easy EV Install out if you are in Manitoba and looking at getting an EV. You can find and contact Marc on Linkedin and Facebook at Easy EV Install and on Instagram and Twitter at @EasyEVInstall. you can also call or text him at 431-999-EASY(3279) or email at [email protected].

If you are in the Winnipeg or surrounding area and would like an independent shop to look at your electric vehicle, check out Erickson Motors: https://www.ericksonmotors.ca/

 Here is the link to kilowatt podcast:

https://pca.st/podcast/09216500-6e77-0134-787d-4ffec63d9550

Check out Manitoba Electric Vehicle Association at  Manitobaev.ca

Facebook link is: @truenorthev

Email: [email protected]

1.    Manitoba Electric Vehicle Association: [https://manitobaev.ca](https://manitobaev.ca) - A fantasticlocal resource with real owners who can answer your questions 

2.    PlugShare and ChargeHub apps: Useful for finding charging stations across Canada 1.

3.    Plug'n Drive Canada: [https://plugndrive.ca](https://plugndrive.ca) -Comprehensive information on incentives across all provinces, including their "Find My EV Match" tool where you can personalize incentives by your postal code 

4.    Provincial Government Websites forCurrent Incentive Programs:

o   Manitoba: [www.gov.mb.ca/lowercosts/evrebate](http://www.gov.mb.ca/lowercosts/evrebate) 

o   British Columbia: [https://goelectricbc.gov.bc.ca](https://goelectricbc.gov.bc.ca) 

o   Quebec: [https://quebec.ca/transports/electric-transportation](https://quebec.ca/transports/electric-transportation) 

o   Prince Edward Island: [https://princeedwardisland.ca](https://princeedwardisland.ca) (searchfor electric vehicle incentive) 

5.     If you're interested in working together, shoot me an email at [email protected] and put "EV Consulting" in the subject line. We'll set up a time tochat about your situation and how I can help.

6.    Used EVs in Canada - Buying Tips,Depreciation, and Hidden Gems: [SpotifyEpisode](https://open.spotify.com/episode/1By1xp1ySET9n7qMbilnhn?si=67821232820846be) 

Saskatchewan Electric Vehicle Association- sevaonline.ca

evfiresafe.com

Greenway Motors- https://greenwaymotors.ca/

Greenway Electric Youtube- @GreenwayElectric

Manitoba EV rebate Frequently Asked Questions and link to the ev rebate form: https://www.gov.mb.ca/lowercosts/evrebate/index.html

Check out how green your grid is or  if you are in Alberta howgreen it is at this very moment at thegrid.albertaev.ca.  This is a great tool that Electric Vehicle Association of Alberta has put together. It will definitely help also when comparing evs to gas vehicles.

If you would like more info or to contact Tyler at Envirodel feel free to check out his website at envirodel.com or email him at [email protected], on LinkedIn at Envirodel Zero Emissions Courier and also on Instagram @Envirodelwpg or call @204-806-9918

Check Easy EV Install out if you are in Manitoba and looking at getting an EV. You can find and contact Marc on Linkedin and Facebook at Easy EV Install and on Instagram and Twitter at @EasyEVInstall. you can also call or text him at 431-999-EASY(3279) or email at [email protected].

If you are in the Winnipeg or surrounding area and would like an independent shop to look at your electric vehicle, check out Erickson Motors: https://www.ericksonmotors.ca/

 Here is the link to kilowatt podcast:

https://pca.st/podcast/09216500-6e77-0134-787d-4ffec63d9550

Check out Manitoba Electric Vehicle Association at  Manitobaev.ca

Facebook link is: @truenorthev

Email: [email protected]

UMSAE Polar Bear Racing Electric -umsae.com/formula-e

Vickar Automotive Group-https://www.vickar.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopGvqrD9DgMJp1iY_r64GH6cv3vvbWsTrkboE87u5KLPUs_JYfO

Manitoba Eco- Network-https://mbeconetwork.org/

Manitoba Electrical Museum -https://www.electricalmuseum.ca/

Saskatchewan Electric Vehicle Association- sevaonline.ca

evfiresafe.com

Greenway Motors- https://greenwaymotors.ca/

Greenway Electric Youtube- @GreenwayElectric

Manitoba EV rebate Frequently Asked Questions and link to the ev rebate form: https://www.gov.mb.ca/lowercosts/evrebate/index.html

Check out how green your grid is or  if you are in Alberta howgreen it is at this very moment at thegrid.albertaev.ca.  This is a great tool that Electric Vehicle Association of Alberta has put together. It will definitely help also when comparing evs to gas vehicles.

If you would like more info or to contact Tyler at Envirodel feel free to check out his website at envirodel.com or email him at [email protected], on LinkedIn at Envirodel Zero Emissions Courier and also on Instagram @Envirodelwpg or call @204-806-9918

Check Easy EV Install out if you are in Manitoba and looking at getting an EV. You can find and contact Marc on Linkedin and Facebook at Easy EV Install and on Instagram and Twitter at @EasyEVInstall. you can also call or text him at 431-999-EASY(3279) or email at [email protected].

If you are in the Winnipeg or surrounding area and would like an independent shop to look at your electric vehicle, check out Erickson Motors: https://www.ericksonmotors.ca/

 Here is the link to kilowatt podcast:

https://pca.st/podcast/09216500-6e77-0134-787d-4ffec63d9550

Check out Manitoba Electric Vehicle Association at  Manitobaev.ca

Facebook link is: @truenorthev

Email: [email protected]

Saskatchewan Electric Vehicle Association- sevaonline.ca

evfiresafe.com

Greenway Motors- https://greenwaymotors.ca/

Greenway Electric Youtube- @GreenwayElectric

Manitoba EV rebate Frequently Asked Questions and link to the ev rebate form: https://www.gov.mb.ca/lowercosts/evrebate/index.html

Check out how green your grid is or  if you are in Alberta howgreen it is at this very moment at thegrid.albertaev.ca.  This is a great tool that Electric Vehicle Association of Alberta has put together. It will definitely help also when comparing evs to gas vehicles.

If you would like more info or to contact Tyler at Envirodel feel free to check out his website at envirodel.com or email him at [email protected], on LinkedIn at Envirodel Zero Emissions Courier and also on Instagram @Envirodelwpg or call @204-806-9918

Check Easy EV Install out if you are in Manitoba and looking at getting an EV. You can find and contact Marc on Linkedin and Facebook at Easy EV Install and on Instagram and Twitter at @EasyEVInstall. you can also call or text him at 431-999-EASY(3279) or email at [email protected].

If you are in the Winnipeg or surrounding area and would like an independent shop to look at your electric vehicle, check out Erickson Motors: https://www.ericksonmotors.ca/

 Here is the link to kilowatt podcast:

https://pca.st/podcast/09216500-6e77-0134-787d-4ffec63d9550

Check out Manitoba Electric Vehicle Association at  Manitobaev.ca

Facebook link is: @truenorthev

Email: [email protected]