How EVs are changing the way we drive, and learn
The future of driving is already here but for many, it arrives quietly. Electric Vehicles (EVs) don’t roar to life. They don’t idle at intersections. In some cases, the only sound they make is an artificial hum, designed to let pedestrians know they’re there. It’s a subtle shift, but one that signals a much larger transformation taking place on roads across Newfoundland and Labrador.
At College of the North Atlantic (CNA), that transformation is becoming part of the classroom and everyday life.
“EV adoption is growing rapidly here,” says Steven Downer, an Automotive Service apprenticeship instructor at CNA. “Although Newfoundland and Labrador is a little behind the rest of Canada, we are starting to see more EVs on the road and more people considering them as a replacement for gas or diesel vehicles.”
With that growth comes a new kind of awareness, and a new kind of opportunity.
Changes to the program plans in automotive entry level programs and apprenticeship have integrated training on electric vehicles impacting students in the current automotive programs. This marks an important step in preparing the next generation of technicians for a rapidly changing industry. It’s a natural evolution of the work already happening behind the scenes, as the college develops programming focused on electric vehicle maintenance, service, and safety.
Electric vehicles are often described as safer, cleaner, and more efficient but they are fundamentally different. Instead of fuel tanks, they rely on large, high-voltage battery systems changing how energy is stored and how vehicles respond in situations like collisions or fires.
“Understanding basic safety principles helps prevent injury, reduces fire risk, and ensures EV owners know how to respond in emergencies,” Downer explains.
For most owners, the experience of driving an EV feels familiar. Airbags, braking systems, and crash protection operate much like they do in traditional vehicles. But the similarities stop there.
“The key difference is how energy is stored,” says Downer. “EVs use high-voltage battery systems, and that changes how fires can behave and how the vehicle should be handled after a crash.”
Those systems, often operating at a low range of 300 volts and up to 800 volts, are clearly marked by orange wiring. It’s a visual cue that carries real weight.
“Owners should never attempt to inspect, repair, or modify battery components,” he says. “If you see a warning related to the battery or electrical system, stop driving when it’s safe and seek professional service.”
Even something as routine as plugging in becomes part of that learning curve. Charging is one of the most noticeable shifts for drivers. Instead of weekly stops at the gas station, many plug in at home, making it both more convenient and, in many cases, more affordable.
And cost is where the conversation often turns next.
While electric vehicles can carry a higher upfront price, the day-to-day reality looks different for many drivers. Charging, particularly at home, can cost significantly less than filling a tank with gasoline or diesel. Over time, those savings begin to add up.
Maintenance tells a similar story. With fewer mechanical components, electric vehicles often require less routine servicing over time. Add in available incentives and rebates, and the financial equation starts to shift. For many, the question is no longer just about the purchase price, but about long-term value.
Still, as Downer emphasizes, ownership comes with responsibility, especially when something goes wrong.
Despite the attention they receive, EV fires are uncommon. But when they do occur, they behave differently.
“Fire ignition can be delayed depending on how much internal damage has occurred,” he says. “If you notice smoke, unusual smells, or damage to the battery area, move away and call emergency services.”
For first responders, those differences are more than technical, they’re critical. High-voltage systems may remain energized after a crash. Batteries can reignite even after a fire appears to be out. And because EVs often operate silently, a vehicle may still be “on” without any obvious indication.
“Recognizing these risks early helps protect responders and bystanders,” Downer notes.
Inside the shop, that same level of awareness becomes even more essential.
“Servicing EVs involves potential exposure to lethal voltages,” Downer says. “Only trained and certified technicians should work on high-voltage systems.”
In many ways, electric vehicles are simpler machines. But the systems they rely on, particularly those tied to high voltage, require a level of precision and training that goes beyond traditional automotive work.
“Before any high-voltage work, the vehicle must be properly powered down and locked out,” he explains. “Personal protective equipment, like insulated gloves, is essential.”
Even routine decisions depend on understanding the system. If a component is connected by an orange cable, it’s high voltage and off-limits without proper training. If not, it may be serviced more traditionally.
“It comes down to knowing what you’re working on,” Downer says.
As EV technology evolves, so does the need for training. Across the country, programs are adapting and preparing students for a rapidly changing industry. Because while electric vehicles may still feel new to some, they’re no longer a distant concept. They’re here, reshaping how we drive, how we work, and how we think about the road ahead.
And as Downer puts it, “Everyone plays a role in reducing risk… EV safety is a shared responsibility.”
Sidebar: Are electric vehicles worth it? Understanding the costs
For many people considering the switch, the biggest question is about cost.
While electric vehicles can come with a higher upfront price, the day-to-day expenses often tell a different story.
“Vehicle charging is one of the most common interactions that owners will have with EV electrical systems,” says Steven Downer. And compared to fueling a traditional vehicle, that interaction is typically far less expensive.
Charging at home, especially overnight, can significantly reduce operating costs compared to gasoline or diesel. Even when using public charging stations, many drivers find they’re spending less overall on energy than they would at the pump.
Maintenance is another area where savings add up over time.
Without components like oil systems, exhaust, and complex transmissions, there are simply fewer things that require regular service or replacement. While EVs still need routine care, such as brakes, tires, and software updates, the overall maintenance burden is often lower.
There are also financial incentives helping to bridge the gap between upfront cost and long-term savings. Depending on the program and location, rebates and funding opportunities can make EV ownership more accessible, encouraging more drivers to make the transition.
Taken together, these factors are reshaping how people think about vehicle ownership. The initial investment may be higher, but for many, the long-term value through lower fuel costs, reduced maintenance, and available incentives is becoming harder to ignore.
