Sara Ganowski is a Senior Manager at EY, specialising in both emobility and the power and utilities sector, and carries over ten years of experience within sustainability. In 2022, Sara was awarded as an Emerging Leader within Canada’s Clean50 awards, in recognition of her work to support EV adoption.
We caught up with Sara to find out more about how her career led to her current role, and her experience being a woman within the technology and mobility sector.
What inspired you to pursue your current career in emobility?
I always knew that I needed a career that allowed me to drive a positive impact. I’ve also always been drawn to complexity. My path to eMobility started with my education in environmental science and my passion for energy sustainability. When I was studying socio-technical transitions in grad school, we worked with the concept of “wicked problems.” These are complex challenges that can seem insurmountable but are critical to address as they have massive implications for our prosperity as a society. To me, there is no problem “more wicked” than the energy transition and building a career in which I could contribute to a sustainable energy future became very important to me.
My studies led me down a focused path into the energy industry, where I began my career working in energy innovation with my local utility. I was inspired by the impact that clean energy solutions were having on our climate crisis, and I began to specialize in the electric mobility space. Fast forward 12 years, and I now have the privilege of working with energy stakeholders across the country on transportation electrification programs.
Do you currently drive an EV? If so, what model is it, and what do you love most about it?
I always try to opt for active transportation whenever I can – in fact, I rarely drive anymore given our proximity to the city. My husband and I are currently down to his work fleet vehicle – a Hybrid Ford Escape, but we recently placed an early order for the Rivian R2 when it comes out, and we are looking forward to going EV again (I was an early adopter of the Nissan LEAF back when we lived in Toronto). My favourite part of driving electric is the torque and quiet ride. Living in Vancouver, we have a lot of EVs on the road (over 20% of all car sales here are electric!), and I can’t help but smile when an EV drives past me, and I hear that unmistakable hum. I always joke with my colleagues about the unique traffic sounds here in Vancouver with all our EVs – but it’s so true!
What lessons can Canada learn from established EV nations such as Norway and China, to meet its 2035 100% ZEV goal for light-duty vehicles?
Canada can learn several key lessons from established EV nations like Norway and China. Firstly, strong government incentives and subsidies are crucial in encouraging EV adoption. Norway’s extensive incentives, such as tax exemptions and free parking, have significantly boosted EV sales. Secondly, investing in robust charging infrastructure is essential. China has rapidly expanded its charging network, making it convenient for EV owners to charge their vehicles. Lastly, public awareness and education campaigns can help shift consumer perceptions and increase acceptance of EVs. By adopting these strategies, Canada can accelerate its progress towards our 2035 100% ZEV goal.
How significant is the role of energy providers and utilities in helping to drive widespread EV adoption?
As the Lead for Transportation Electrification within our Canadian Power & Utilities Practice, I often advocate for the critical role that utilities play in the EV transition. They are quite literally the E in EV – the backbone that will power this emerging market. Utilities have a key role to play across the entire EV value chain – from customer education and awareness to providing a flexible power network that can harness the full potential of EVs as distributed energy resources.
Energy technologies like EVs, paired with changing consumer expectations, are driving utilities to evolve their role from passive commodity providers to proactive solution providers. The utility industry is now heavily investing in EVs as flexible grid assets, which can help them modernize their networks for efficiency and reliability, decarbonize their operations to meet climate goals, and deliver flexibility and resiliency on their system in new ways. Utilities are also instrumental in developing and deploying the necessary charging infrastructure, managing the increased electricity demand, and integrating renewable energy sources to support the transition to a low-carbon future. Their involvement is essential in ensuring that the energy ecosystem can accommodate the growing number of EVs while maintaining grid stability and reliability.
What further changes need to be seen to Canada’s power and utilities sector, ahead of the 2035 sales goal?
Canada’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan projects that 60% of new light-duty vehicles (LDVs) on the road will be zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) by 2030. This will represent approximately 10% of total electricity demand in the US and Canada. The transition will require utilities to develop coordinated plans for grid modernization, adopt digital technologies, and evolve their business model and regulatory frameworks. It will also call upon utilities to establish new roles in public charging infrastructure deployment, residential managed charging, and V2X innovation. Additionally, there needs to be a focus on integrating renewable energy sources and enhancing grid resilience to support the increased demand from EVs.
EY is driven by innovation and sustainability, how do you see the drive for sustainability changing the working world?
Sustainability has become a driving force for innovation and new ways of working. As governments, companies, and consumers are turning to clean energy options to reduce our environmental impact, EVs are transforming the way we live, work, and play. The need for developing charging infrastructure and enhancing battery technology is creating new jobs, fostering innovation, and pushing traditional automakers and energy stakeholders to rethink their operations. With sustainability as a driving force, eMobility is not only reducing carbon emissions but is also reshaping the economy, technology ecosystems, and regulatory policies.
In your view, what are the essential steps businesses and companies must take to push for decarbonization?
From an EV standpoint, pushing for decarbonization first requires organizational alignment and commitment to the electrification of transportation. Having a clear vision and leading by example is key. Companies in the energy space are recognizing the role they play in EV adoption and the positive impact they can have by investing in electrification across their own operations, such as electrifying their fleets or deploying charging infrastructure. Another key step is engaging their customers in electrification by providing incentives, education, and new programs and services to promote a smoother EV customer experience. Collaborating with the broader ecosystem in research and innovation, testing new technologies, and developing business models to drive decarbonization is also essential. By making these changes, businesses will not only achieve their own decarbonization goals but will also help drive the broader sector in the right direction.
Companies worldwide are turning to emobility, how have you seen the transition benefit business?
In working with utilities and energy companies, I continue to see the positive impact that eMobility has on their business. Electrification is not only allowing companies to reduce their carbon footprint to meet their sustainability goals but is also opening new opportunities for growth and innovation. It has stimulated the development of new technologies, services, and business models, leading to economic growth and operational efficiencies. Fleet transitions, for example, are providing utility cost savings in fuel and maintenance expenses. eMobility programs like managed charging and ultra-low EV rates are helping utilities enhance customer satisfaction while offering network resiliency benefits.
Please can you share your experience as a woman in the tech and mobility sectors?
It has been challenging, yet full of growth and rewarding opportunities. In my early career, I used to be intimidated by being one of few women in a room of (often very senior) men. Over the years, I have been fortunate to meet inspiring female mentors and male allies who have empowered me to own my space, be bold, and challenge the status quo in what is still a male-dominated industry. More importantly, I’ve been grateful for the opportunity to pay this forward by coaching young female colleagues who share my passion in the sector and are growing into tremendous leaders themselves.
What can we do to encourage more women to pursue careers in the industry?
We can encourage more women in the industry by building bridges with both female champions and male allies. Promote more women to lead, mentor, and network. Tackle gender bias and stereotypes head-on, not after the fact. Make flexibility and work-life balance the rule, not the exception. Encourage young women’s interest in tech and mobility early on. Celebrate our wins in the field and amplify our voices even at the smallest opportunities, not just with dedicated campaigns.
Our thanks go out to Sara Ganowski for offering her time to take part in this interview. You can find out more about what EY do in Canada, here.
