When Harvey Soicher lost his wife to cancer last year, he set out to fulfill a dream they shared of driving across the country in an electric car.

In June, he left his home in Vancouver, dipped his tires in the Pacific Ocean and set out on “Mary Ann’s Electric Drive,” named after his wife. On Monday, he introduced his wheels to the waters of Quidi Vidi.

Soicher says the country crossing was a chance to prove that electric vehicles are up to the task. He says he feels his wife was with him the entire way.

While the car had a higher up-front cost, he says the 7,800 kilometre trip only cost him about $240 to fuel up. As the market progresses, he anticipates the cost of electric vehicles will become more accessible.

Soicher says the journey wasn’t always easy, and required much planning — particularly in Newfoundland and Labrador. He says while it was possible to make it across the island, it’s not possible if you’re in a rush. He says that’s partly due to Newfoundland and Labrador’s current level of electric vehicle infrastructure.

There are few available ‘Level 3’ charging stations, which greatly reduce the time needed to charge a car’s battery. Otherwise, charging can take between 8 and 12 hours.

Soicher says his time in Newfoundland lived up to his expectations. Both he and his late wife Mary Ann heard about the island’s beauty and its kind population, so they wanted to experience it for themselves. He says Newfoundland was the highlight of his trip, whether it was visiting Gros Morne, meeting people along his drive, or getting screeched In.

Soicher’s next route involves driving back home to Vancouver through the United States, but he plans to come back for a longer visit. Next time though, he will catch a flight.

You can follow along with his adventure here.