2026 BCAA & CAA EV Circuit Road Test: EVs go the distance, but charging, efficiency and costs vary

BURNABY, BC, Sept. 22, 2026 /CNW/ — The question for British Columbians considering an EV may no longer be how far it can go, but how efficiently it uses energy, how quickly it charges and how much it costs to recharge. Results from the 2026 BCAA & CAA EV Circuit Road Test found significant differences across vehicles in all three areas.

“For many of today’s EVs, the question is becoming less about whether you can complete a trip and more about how efficiently you can make it, where you will charge, how long charging will take, and what it will cost,” says Shawn Pettipas, BCAA’s Director of Corporate Purpose.

All 22 electric vehicles that participated in the BCAA & CAA EV Circuit Road Test completed the same 230-kilometre route without needing to charge, including the vehicle with the shortest advertised range. All vehicles completed a 15-minute charging test at a public Tesla charger at the end to capture further data. The route started in Blue Mountain, ON and ended in Vaughan, ON. On average, the vehicles used only 40 per cent of their battery charge over the route.

EVs demonstrate a significant energy-efficiency advantage over traditional gasoline-powered vehicles

The electric vehicles in the Circuit used the energy equivalent of approximately two litres of gasoline per 100 kilometres. By comparison, the average Canadian passenger vehicle consumes roughly eight to 10 litres of gasoline per 100 kilometres.

Energy consumption among the participating EVs ranged from 11.43 kilowatt-hours per 100 kilometres to 28.91 kilowatt-hours per 100 kilometres, illustrating the variation among vehicle sizes, weights and designs. A more efficient EV generally requires less electricity to travel the same distance, which can contribute to lower charging costs and less time spent charging.

A notable finding was that the vehicles in the September 2026 BCAA & CAA EV Circuit Road Test consumed approximately 40 per cent less energy, on average, than the vehicles evaluated during the February 2025 BCAA & CAA EV Winter Test. While the tests were conducted under different conditions and with different vehicles, the difference highlights the significant impact that temperature can have on EV efficiency.

A short charging stop can meaningfully extend a trip

When it comes to charging experience, during the standardized 15-minute charging session, participating vehicles added an average of 110 kilometres of displayed range. Almost two-thirds of the vehicles added at least 100 kilometres, demonstrating that a brief charging stop can provide a meaningful boost during a longer journey.

Results differed significantly among vehicles. The displayed driving range added during the 15-minute session varied from 58 kilometres to 178 kilometres. Charging performance can be affected by the vehicle, charger, battery temperature, battery state of charge and conditions at the time of charging.

These results also highlight the effect of Canadian climate variations. Vehicles tested in the September 2026 BCAA & CAA EV Circuit Road Test added approximately 15 per cent more displayed range during the charging session than the group evaluated during BCAA & CAA’s 2025 EV Winter Test. 

“Just as Canadians compare fuel economy when buying a gasoline-powered vehicle, they should compare energy efficiency and charging performance when considering an EV,” says Pettipas. “Where and how often someone expects to charge can make a substantial difference to their experience and road-trip costs.”

Tips to optimize EV performance

The BCAA & CAA EV Circuit Road Test is the latest initiative in BCAA’s consumer education on electric vehicles, which includes providing unbiased information about the price and performance of electric vehicles. BCAA has a few tips for drivers on ways to maximize EV performance:

• Travel light: Extra weight increases the amount of energy consumed.
• Preheat or precool the cabin while the vehicle is still plugged in to save battery power.
• Drive efficiently: Avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking. High-speed driving has a big impact on battery range. Use cruise control whenever possible.
• Limit accessory use: Climate control systems like air conditioners and heating consume a lot of electric energy. Keep this in mind when deciding what to use and when. 
• Protect your EV from extreme temperatures: Park in the shade in summer or you’re your EV plugged in during cold weather. Check your owner’s manual for manufacturer-specific advice. 

A data snapshot of the BCAA & CAA EV Circuit Road Test results is available in the charts below and full results available here. Information and resources on electric vehicles, including a cost calculator and buyer’s guide are available at bcaa.com/ev.

About the BCAA & CAA EV Circuit Road Test

The BCAA & CAA EV Circuit Road Test was conducted on September 16, 2026, with 22 electric vehicles travelling the same 230-kilometre route from Blue Mountain to Vaughan, Ontario, across city streets, rural roads and highways. Using a neutral data-driven methodology, all vehicles followed the same route, operated under consistent settings and participated in a standardized charging session. Performance data was collected throughout the drive and validated by CAA’s business intelligence and automotive experts.

About BCAA 

Driven by its purpose to move British Columbians forward, BCAA (British Columbia Automobile Association) is a long-standing BC Top Employer (Mediacorp) and serves 1 in 3 BC households with industry leading mobility and protection services, including Membership, Insurance, Evo Car Share, Evolve E-Bike and E-Scooter Share, BCAA Auto Marketplace and Auto Service. BCAA invests in programs and initiatives to make a positive impact by protecting the people and the Province of BC, recognizing that the place we call home is all of Ours to Protect. BCAA holds itself accountable to its purpose by setting goals related to its impact on People, the Planet and Prosperity, and sharing results in its annual Impact Report.

2026 CAA EV Circuit Data Snapshot

Most kilometres gained in a 15-minute charging session

Least kilometres gained in a 15-minute charging session

Lowest energy consumption (kWh/100 km)

Highest energy consumption (kWh/100 km)

Lowest cost per 100 kms

Highest cost per 100 kms

SOURCE British Columbia Automobile Association (BCAA)