Electric vehicles (EVs) are quickly growing in popularity, and it’s easy to see why — they’re the greenest option on the road, with zero tailpipe emissions. In fact, Canada currently has more electric car sales than any other country in the world (with Tesla leading the way). These vehicles offer consumers more choices than ever before, with an array of models available from auto manufacturers such as Volkswagen, Nissan, Ford, BMW and even Tesla.

 

A new dimension in driving

Electric vehicles in Canada currently come in the following types:

Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)

These cars run completely on an electric motor and battery pack.

Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)

Combine an internal-combustion engine with an electric motor that is charged while driving.

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)

Plug-in hybrids are similar to hybrids vehicles have but have plug-ins recharging of the battery.

Fuel-cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs)

Car that use hydrogen or oxygen fuel cells to generate electricity.

 

Do Electrical Vehicles really save you money?

Electric-drive motors are significantly more efficient than gasoline engines, due to the efficiency of conversion from on-board storage to turning the wheels. Compared to gas, the average for electrical motors was 76% and for gas it was 16%, according to Statistics Canada.

Electric vehicles are not only less costly to operate they also increase efficiency because of regenerative braking.

Plug-in hybrid vehicles and all-electric vehicles can recharge from a power station that operates on a standard 240-volt outlet (similar to that found in most households for stoves and clothes dryers). Many of these vehicles can also recharge from a 110-volt power source, although charging time will be longer.

For example, a battery-electric vehicle costs 2 to 3 cents per kilometer at a price of 13 cents per kilowatt hour, whereas a traditional four-cylinder vehicle runs about 7 to 8 cents per kilometer at a price of $1.00 per litre.

 

Why are electric vehicles so popular in Canada?

As electric vehicles are growing in popularity, many questions remain about their actual cost savings over their combustion counterparts as well as their environmentally friendliness. But these concerns aren’t stopping governments from encouraging consumers to buy electric cars by providing them with incentives and subsidies. 

One of the perks of owning an electric vehicle in Canada is that the government is doing its best to help you make the switch. For example, in 2019 The Government of Canada announced the launch of the Incentives for Zero-Emissions Vehicles. This program provides between $2500 and $5000 in rebates depending on the make and model of the vehicle you're buying.

 

Types of EV-based Incentives in Canada:

• Purchase Incentives: depending on where you purchase your vehicle and what model you get, between $2500 and $5000 off your purchase or lease.

• ChargeHub provides a list of installation incentives and rebates for installing electric vehicle charging stations across Canada.

 

List of Electric Vehicles and Prices in Canada

 

 

Ready to go EV?

There's probably not a better time than now to trade-in your gas vehicle for something a little friendlier in terms of gas costs and climate. See how much you could get for your current used vehicle by getting your online valuation here.