EV Life

“Driving an electric vehicle in the winter is awesome.” It might not be the sentiment most Albertans expect, but that's Shawn Thomas' experience after years of driving electric in our climate. In this episode, we catch up with Shawn, an EV Ambassador for Plug’n Drive, at its EVs are for EVeryone tour stop in Edmonton. He shares practical insights on some of the biggest questions Albertans have about electric vehicles, from winter driving and range anxiety to charging and road-tripping. He also explains how going on a test drive—with an EV Ambassador—helps people make more informed decisions about whether an EV is right for them.As part of the EVs are for EVeryone tour, the Mobile EV Education Trailer is parked at AMA Edmonton South until August 30. Test drives are available in a range of EVs Thursday to Sunday.Learn more about the Plug’n Drive event.

Welcome to EcoLife, AMA’s newest podcast exploring positive impacts we can have on our planet.In this preview episode, hosts Krystal Maharaj and Carly Weiss introduce the series, sharing what listeners can expect—from conversations with Albertans making a difference to ideas and inspiration on everyday sustainable living.Learn more about AMA.Learn more about AMA's Car Care events.

That's a wrap on another electrifying season of EV Life. In this short but sweet episode, we share all the best ways to stay plugged into the world of electric vehicles. Whether you're a seasoned EV driver or just curious about your options, we've got resources and spaces dedicated just for you!Join the EV Life communityVisit the EV section of our website for more resources

In this episode, we chat with Abdel Ali, CEO and Co-founder of Kiwi Charge to explore how robots, and AI are transforming EV charging in multi-residential buildings. Abdel explains how it works, the challenges it solves, and why it's a game changer for both property managers and EV owners. Learn more about Kiwi ChargeJoin the conversation in the EV Life group

EV batteries are finding a new purpose beyond the road. In this episode, Moment Energy’s co-founder, Sumreen Rattan, breaks down what second-life batteries are, how they differ from recycled batteries, and some of the different ways a retired EV battery can be repurposed.Learn more about Moment Energy and second-life EV batteriesJoin the conversation in the EV Life group

Did you know that Norway aims to hit 100% in electric vehicle sales in 2025? As one of the leading countries in EV adoption, we spoke with the Norwegian Automobile Federation to learn about where they’re at with this goal and how their EV industry is evolving to embrace the increase in EVs on the road. Season 1 Episode with NAFNAF 2025 EV winter test results Join the conversation in the EV Life group

You may be familiar with using a wireless charger for your phone, but what about your car? In this episode, we chat with Adam Halsey from InductEV about how wireless EV charging works, its benefits, and how common it may become in the future.Learn more about wireless charging at InductEVJoin the conversation in the EV Life group

Solid-state batteries are a hot topic in the EV world, predicting more range, faster charging, and increased safety. Linda Nazar, professor and Canada Research Chair at the University of Waterloo, joins us to break down what solid-state batteries are, how they perform compared to lithium-ion batteries, and how soon we may see them on the mass market.Learn more about Linda Nazar’s researchJoin the conversation in the EV Life group

A topic of conversation that’s made headlines in recent years is EV battery fires, and we’re here to talk about it. In this episode, Tim Burrows from the Electric Vehicle Society (EVS) breaks down some statistics on EV battery fires, how common they are, and what auto manufacturers are doing to address the risks. Learn more from EVSEVS WebsiteJoin the conversation in the EV Life group

In early 2025, the federal government hit pause on its Incentives for Zero-Emission Vehicles (iZEV) program after all funds were fully committed. Brian Kingston of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association unpacks how this impacts EV buyers, owners, and automakers, and where electrification might be headed next.  If you haven’t done so yet, subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode, and leave us a review wherever you listen so the information we share can reach more people!Learn more about CVMAJoin the conversation in the EV Life group

Welcome back to an electrifying new season of EV Life! Dive into our first episode where we chat with Chris Travell, Senior Vice President, New Vehicle Customer Study at Ipsos Canada, who shares the results of their research on EV adoption trends in Canada. If you haven’t done so yet, subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode, and leave us a review wherever you listen so the information we share can reach more people!Learn more from IpsosJoin the conversation in the EV Life group

To get the full picture of this episode and the test experience, we encourage you to head over to our YouTube channel to watch this episode on video! As Albertans, we know how to weather temperature extremes. But can EVs do the same? In this special bonus episode, we find out which EVs performed best in our real-world winter stress-test. Get the full test resultsDiscover the best electric cars for winters in AlbertaJoin the discussion in the EV Life groupA special thanks to our guests: Colin Fritz, AVP, Operations, AMATanya Weigelt, CAA Club Group Dan Sider, CAA NiagaraAlan Downward, Plug’n DriveStephen Tremblay, CAA Quebec

What was your favourite episode this season? We’d love to hear your feedback by leaving a review wherever you listen or connecting with us in the EV Life group on the AMA mobile app. In this episode, we share some highlights from this season and ways you can stay up-to-date and informed on EVs in the months to come.Watch this season’s videos on YouTubeCheck out AMA’s EV resourcesLeave a review on your platform of choice

In recent news, the Government of Canada announced a 100% tariff on imported Chinese-made EVs into Canada. What does this mean for you, the EV owner or potential EV owner? And what does this mean for the EV industry in Canada as a whole? Find the answers in this episode with Dr. Sumeet Gulati, Environmental and Resource Economics and the University of British Columbia.Sumeet Gulati UBC ProfileTariff detailsJoin the conversation in the EV Life group

Have a burning question about EVs? There’s a good chance it’s already been answered in a previous episode! We’re switching it up in this episode by answering some common questions that come up in the EV Life group on the AMA Mobile App. From cost considerations to battery lifespan, the EV Life podcast and community group are both helpful resources available to you on your EV journey. Mentioned in this episode:Season 1: Episodes 1, 4, and 11Season 2: Episodes 2, and 11Season 3: Episode 11Season 4: Episode 6AMA's EV Buyer’s Guide                                                                                      CAA Driving Cost Calculator

In this episode, we chat with Narinder Ghuman, Co-Founder of Blossom EV, also known as “the Airbnb of EV Charging.” Blossom EV offers a community-minded solution to the growing need for convenient and accessible EV chargers. Listen in to learn how the platform works and how EV owners can help build the EV charging infrastructure—all while making some extra passive income.Learn more about Blossom EVJoin the conversation in the EV Life group

Ever wonder what it’s like to drive across Canada in an EV? This is your chance to get the inside scoop! In this episode we chat with Richard and Nicole Ivity who have been on the road for over 18 months in their Rivian R1T electric pickup truck. Richard and Nicole dive into all the details from their road trip, from how their EV performed in different climates and terrains, to overcoming charging challenges, to connecting with EV owners across the country.Follow Richard and Nicole’s JourneyJoin the conversation in the EV Life group

Is an EV right for you? In this episode, Kurt Sampson, CAA Atlantic's Zero-Emission Vehicle Advocate, shares his personal EV journey and some important things you should know if you’re considering buying an EV. CAA Atlantic’s EV ResourcesWatch Watt’s Up with EVs with Kurt SampsonCheck out CAA’s EV Buyer’s GuideJoin the conversation in the EV Life group

In this episode, we chat with William Lemay-Choquette from Murbly, an online platform dedicated to helping multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs) implement electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Whether you're a tenant, building owner, or property manager, William breaks down some steps and considerations for making your building EV-ready. Get the EV Ready GuideLearn more about Murbly Join the conversation in the EV Life group

In this episode, we dip our toes into the world of EVs in motorsports. Jessie Derksen, Drivetrain Lead for the University of Alberta’s Formula Racing team, shares about the club’s very first electric racecar built in 2024. Learn how electric racecars perform compared to traditional combustion engine racecars, and the process of building one from start to finish. Learn more about the U of A Formula Racing clubJoin the conversation in the EV Life group

In this episode, we chat with Devon Award, President and CEO of Award Evolution. Being the only exclusive EV rental vehicle provider in Alberta, Devon explains what the process to rent an EV looks like, things people should know about renting an EV and discusses the different car models they have in their fleet, with many more to come. Learn more about Award EvolutionJoin the conversation in the EV Life group

In this episode, we chat with Erika Holtz, Program Manager and Lead Engineer for Electrification at Harbour Air. In 2019, Harbour Air’s eBeaver plane made history as the world’s first fully electric commercial aircraft. Listen in as Erika shares the details of Harbour Air’s journey towards electrifying its fleet and what the future of electric aviation could look like.Learn more about Harbour AirJoin the conversation in the EV Life group

In this episode, we chat with Tim Murphy, CEO of ChargeStop, Canada’s first dedicated electric vehicle charging station, which opened in September 2024 in Edmonton, Alberta. Listen to Tim share the inspiration behind opening ChargeStop, how the station will serve EV owners and communities, and their exciting plans for future expansion.Learn more about ChargeStopJoin the conversation in the EV Life group

Welcome back to another exciting season of EV Life! There have been so many developments in the EV industry in 2024 and we’re here to talk about it. This season we will be diving into hot topics we’ve never covered before, and talking to electrification experts who are moving the needle in their respective spaces. Sneak peek into next week's episode: we'll be speaking to the CEO of the FIRST EV fueling station in Canada. It's a conversation you don't want to miss!Have an idea for a future episode? Want to share your thoughts on a topic we discussed? Our EV Life group on the AMA Mobile App is the perfect place to share them! It’s a community made just for you, whether you’re curious about EVs or are an EV owner yourself. We look forward to chatting with you there!

Welcome back to the EV Life podcast. In the final episode of season 3 of the EV Life podcast, we’re joined by two Albertan drivers. Both are recent owners of electric vehicles, and they give us some insight into what their experiences have been like in the first year of switching from full ICE vehicles. Sherri is the owner of a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and Manuel is the owner of a battery electric vehicle (BEV).The EV Life podcast will be back for season 4 in the fall of 2024! Make sure you subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen so you’re the first to know when the next episode will be out. Have an idea for an episode? Join the community below and let us know what we should talk about next.More:Join the conversation in the EV Life group

Welcome back to the EV Life podcast. On this episode, we continue our conversation on EV maintenance with Steve Elder of the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Steve shares how BCIT is preparing technicians to work on hybrid and fully electric vehicles in the future. He also shares considerations for EV upkeep and tips for owners of EVs. Make sure you check out episode 9 of the EV Life podcast to hear the first part of this series.More:Join the conversation in the EV Life groupLearn more about BCIT’s EV Technology and Service course

On this episode of the EV Life podcast, we start a two-part conversation on electric vehicle maintenance. We’re joined by Taylor Waldbauer and Kelsey Bilyk, the service director and marketing director of Lacombe Quick Lane, respectively. Taylor and Kelsey walk us through some of the maintenance requirements for EVs and share some tips for owners to reduce wear and tear on their cars over time.More:Join the conversation in the EV Life groupLearn about Lacombe Quick Lane

Join us for another episode of the EV Life podcast for a conversation with Jason Arnold of EV Underground, an electric vehicle conversion shop located in Calgary, Alberta. We chat about the work Jason and his team are doing to help car owners convert their internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to EVs. He also shares some tips for our listeners who are considering this option. More:Join the conversation in the EV Life groupLearn about EV Underground

In this episode of the EV Life podcast, we explore what the electric vehicle supply chain looks like in Canada, from mining all the way to sales. We speak to Matthew Fortier, CEO of Accelerate, to discuss the current EV supply chain in Canada and to learn how it’s evolving. Tune in to hear the conversation. More:Join the conversation in the EV Life groupLearn about Accelerate

In this episode of the EV Life podcast, we’re joined by Shayna Rector Bleeker who is the co-founder of 7 Generation Capital (7Gen), which helps businesses and organizations shift their fleets to zero-emission modes of transportation. The company assists with mobilizing capital and provides the ‘know-how’ on electrifying fleets. Listen to Shayna share her insights and steps needed for fleet electrification.More:Join the conversation in the EV Life groupLearn more about 7 Generation Capital  

In this episode of the EV Life podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Lance Mortlock, managing partner of energy and resources Canada at Ernst & Young (EY) Canada. Dr. Mortlock explains what micromobility means and how it can help expand cities and accessibility. EY conducted a study on the evolving landscape of e-mobility in Canada and we discuss some of the findings of that report. Tune in to learn more about how e-bikes, e-scooters and other micromobility modes of transportation are redefining the mobility landscape.More:Join the conversation in the EV Life groupLearn more about EY and Micromobility

In this episode of the EV Life podcast, Susan Courty, a construction electrician and leader of the Edmonton chapter of Women in Renewable Energy (WiRE) joins us for a conversation on how construction sites can integrate zero-emission vehicles into their work sites. She discusses the benefits and challenges for companies to make the transition, and she also shares some information on WiRE and the work they’re doing to foster a diverse and inclusive community in the renewable energy sector.More:Join the conversation in the EV Life groupLearn more about WiRE

In this episode of the EV Life podcast, Jean-Christophe Lambert of Lithion Technologies joins us for a conversation on recycling lithium-ion batteries. Lambert shares some insights into the process of how electric vehicle and other rechargeable batteries are recycled here in Canada and how recycling technologies are evolving.More:Join the conversation in the EV Life groupLearn about Lithion Technologies

Franzi Tschurtschenthaler, solar engineer at Create Solar, joins EV Life host Krystal Maharaj for a conversation on off-grid charging. Franzi tells us what off-grid charging means, and spoiler alert, it doesn’t involve moving to a cabin in the woods. But if you did want to move to a cabin in the woods, he shares some EV charging options for you, too. We also learn a little about the company’s solar village project, a first of its kind in Canada.Learn more:Join the EV Life groupCreate Solar

Welcome to season three of AMA’s EV Life podcast! In our first episode of the season, we chat with Simon Pillarella, head of marketing and business development at ChargeHub. Simon joins host, Krystal Maharaj, to chat about EV roaming and a nation-wide initiative between multiple organizations, government, and businesses known as Agora. Agora was created to build awareness and educational resources for Canadians on connecting to multiple charging networks using a single account. We hope you enjoy this episode and if you’d like to share your thoughts on EV roaming or anything else related to zero-emission vehicles, join the EV Life group on the AMA Mobile App. Learn More:ChargeHubAgora

The EV Life podcast is back for another season! In season 3 we’ll be speaking to more experts and everyday Albertans as we continue to explore the world of electric vehicles. You can expect to hear interviews on lots of research and development and emerging technologies in the zero-emission vehicle industry. New episodes will be coming out every Tuesday, so don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!Here’s a sneak peek at some of the interviews to come:Episode 1: EV Roaming with ChargeHub: What exactly is EV roaming? Join us as we chat with Simon Pillarella from ChargeHub to talk about how they’ve joined forces with organizations, businesses, and the government to help make using public charging networks a seamless process for Canadians. Episode 2: Off-Grid Charging with Create Solar: Today, most electric vehicle owners charge up using the electric power grid, but Create Solar is working on giving Canadians options. We’re joined by a solar engineer, Franzi Tschurtschenthaler, to discuss the options available for off-grid EV charging. Episode 3: Recharged: EV Battery Recycling with Lithion Technologies: Lithium-ion battery recycling is a hot topic. Last season we spoke to Maria Kelleher of Kelleher Environmental to talk about EV battery recycling. This season, we continue the conversation with Lithion Technologies to learn even more about the process of recycling lithium batteries in Canada. We want to hear from you! Have an idea for a future episode? Want to share your thoughts on the interviews we do? Or just looking to connect with like-minded Albertans on the topic of zero-emission vehicles? Then we’d love for you to join the EV Life group on the AMA Mobile App. We can’t wait to connect with you.

EV Life podcast host Krystal Maharaj and producer Allison Bench bring you a special episode for our Season 2 finale. We went out to AMA Car Care events in Edmonton, Red Deer and Calgary and met with Albertans like you to explore what the biggest questions are around electric vehicles. And stick around until the end, because we also have a special interview with a rural EV owner.Join AMA’s EV Life group

In this episode of the EV Life podcast, we’re joined by CEO of Optiwatt Casey Donahue. Casey talks to us about how the Optiwatt app works to inform EV owners on the best times to charge their vehicles—which can help manage grid loads and further reduce emissions.Join AMA’s EV Life groupLearn more about Optiwatt

In this episode of the EV Life podcast, we’re joined by sustainability engineer and consultant Matt Grace who is researching the potential benefits of converting taxi fleets to EVs in Alberta. The research project, which is being spearheaded by Green Calgary and funded by Alberta Ecotrust, aims to support zero-emission goals, and identify possible challenges that may come if there is a large-scale adoption of EV taxis in the province.Join AMA’s EV Life groupGreen CalgaryAlberta Ecotrust ProjectsLearn more about Matt Grace

In this episode of the EV Life podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Stephen Wong, assistant professor at the University of Alberta in Transportation Engineering. Stephen shares some insights into research his team is working on around the use of electric vehicles in disasters, including evacuation equity and power management.Join AMA’s EV Life groupLearn more about Dr. Stephen Wong

In this episode of the EV Life podcast, environmental engineer Maria Kelleher joins us to chat about the recycling of electric vehicle batteries in Canada. Kelleher, who started Toronto-based environmental consulting firm Kelleher Environmental, explains the process of recycling lithium-ion batteries, second life uses, and how companies and researchers are helping shape the future of the industry.  Join AMA’s EV Life groupLearn more about Kelleher Environmental here

In this episode of the EV Life podcast we’re joined by Greg Brannon, Director of Automotive Engineering for AAA. Greg shares research that AAA has conducted on EV range testing, including how some results have differed from EV range estimates provided by auto manufacturers, as well as the advocacy work being done to ensure consumers are receiving accurate information about the vehicles they purchase. Join AMA’s EV Life groupRead the 2019 study on EV range testing here

In this episode of the EV Life podcast, we’re joined by Jennifer Shillam and Dave Hunka of FortisAlberta. They share FortisAlberta’s plans for expanding EV charging infrastructure and supporting development in rural areas, plus we discuss how the province’s power grid could handle mass adoption of electric vehicles.Join AMA’s EV Life groupLearn more about FortisAlberta’s Rate 62

In this episode of EV Life we’re joined by Matt Carpenter, an instructor at the Southern Institute of Technology’s School of Transportation. Matt—who has worked at SAIT for 20 years and has extensive automotive knowledge—shares how the school is preparing technicians to work on electric vehicles, hybrids, and with new and evolving technologies like regenerative breaking systems.Join AMA’s EV Life groupLearn more about SAIT here

Join us for another episode of EV Life as we chat with Adam Thorn from the Pembina Institute. Thorn, who is the director of Pembina’s transportation program, shares some insights into research the think-tank has conducted around electric vehicles and why it’s so important for researchers to be exploring the future of clean energy options in Canada.  Join AMA’s EV Life groupPembina Institute Study on Electric School Buses

Dr. David Layzell joins the EV Life podcast to discuss zero-net transportation research in Alberta, including what hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) are and how they may be used in the future. Layzell is a professor at the University of Calgary and the director of the Canadian Energy Systems Analysis Research (CESAR) initiative. He also helped found and is an energy systems architect for Transition Accelerator, a non-profit focused on net-zero energy transitions in Canada.Join AMA’s EV Life groupLearn more about David Layzell and CESARLearn more about Transition Accelerator

In this episode of the EV Life podcast we’ll dig into EV charging in Alberta. ATCO senior engineer Will York shares how the power utility company is contributing to the electrification of transportation in Alberta and more. Plus, we hear from Albertan EV owner John Epler, who joined us to talk about his experience of having to rely on public chargers to fuel his vehicle.Read more: ATCO and EVs https://electric.atco.com/en-ca/energy-future/electric-vehicles.htmlJoin our EV Life group

Northwestern University Ph.D Candidate Jenna Trost joins us on the EV Life podcast to speak about the research she is conducting at the Dunn Lab around the environmental impacts of lithium battery production, as well as what solutions there are to this complex issue.Northwestern University’s Dunn LabJoin the conversation 

In this episode of the EV Life podcast we’re joined by Emma Jarratt, executive editor for Electric Autonomy—a Canadian online publication that shares research and news on EVs. She shares why this platform is important and gives us some insight into how it helps inform Canadians on EVs and more.Visit Electric Autonomy CanadaJoin the EV Life group  

In this episode of EV Life, we’re talking about buying electric vehicles in Alberta with two dealerships, Go Auto and Martin Motor Sports. Phil Abram, CEO of Go Auto, joins us to talk about the supply and demand of EVs in Alberta along with advice on what potential buyers should be asking when considering an EV. We also chat with Chad Leys and Chris Parsons from Martin Motor Sports about the fully electric Zero Motorcycles.Join our EV Life group to connect with other EV curious and enthusiast Albertans Read More : Go AutoMartin Motor Sports