Electric Vehicle FAQs
Accurate, impartial guidance for understanding questions about electric vehicles
Accurate information about Electric vehicles
There’s a lot of noise out there when it comes to electric vehicles—conflicting headlines, half-truths, and outdated assumptions. It can be hard to know what to believe.
That’s why we’ve created this FAQ: to give you clear, accurate, and unbiased answers to the most common questions about driving electric. Whether you’re just starting to explore EVs or already behind the wheel, you’ll find information you can count on—grounded in research, real-world experience, and the latest data.
Let’s clear the air and set the record straight on cost, environmental impact, performance, charging and range.
Cost FAQs
Yes, electric vehicles are cheaper to maintain and require less maintenance than gas cars.
Gas cars need regular oil changes, transmission maintenance, and upkeep of exhaust systems. In contrast, fully electric vehicles eliminate the need for these services altogether. The absence of an internal combustion engine means no oil changes are required, saving EV owners from the recurring expense and environmental impact associated with oil changes.
Furthermore, electric motors only have one moving part – the rotor – compared to the many moving components in traditional gas engines. This not only enhances reliability but also minimizes the likelihood of breakdowns or malfunctions. With fewer parts to wear out or fail, electric vehicles experience significantly lower maintenance costs and are inherently more reliable over the long term.
The overall cost of ownership for EVs is lower than gas-powered cars. While the upfront cost may be higher, factors such as lower maintenance expenses, reduced fuel costs (EVs are ¼ the cost to drive compared to a gas car and your typical EV driver saves up to $3000 per year on fuel), and government incentives make the total cost of owning an EV more economical than that of traditional gas cars over time. Use our Find your EV Match tool to find out how much money you will save over time through cost savings.
The development of more affordable EV models and advancements in battery technology have contributed to a more accessible market for electric vehicles – there are now over 80 different EV models available in Canada, from sedans to pick-up trucks and everything in between. A growing number of automakers are introducing budget-friendly EV options with reasonable price tags. In addition, many EVs are available on used car marketplaces like AutoTrader, giving consumers a cheaper alternative to buying an EV brand-new. Use our Find your EV Match to find the right EV for you.
Some argue that EV batteries have a short lifecycle and quickly degrade. In reality, advancements in battery technology have significantly improved the longevity and durability of EV batteries. Many modern electric vehicles boast warranties covering the battery for 8 years, dispelling the notion of rapid degradation. According to Car and Driver, an EV battery pack is assumed to be at the end of its life when it has no more than 70 to 75 percent of its original capacity, and hitting this mark may take 10 years or more for the average driver. A study from Recurrent Auto demonstrated that a significant portion of electric vehicles (EVs) with mileage exceeding 160,000 kilometres maintained at least 90% of their initial range. More often than not, an EV battery will outlast the car itself.
Environment FAQs
While it is true that power plants produce emissions, the amount of greenhouse gas emissions depends entirely on the source of electricity. A study published by ScienceDirect found that when charged with 100% renewable electricity, EVs are 89% lower emission than gas vehicles. Canada’s electricity grid is 84% non-emitting – most of it comes from Hydro and Nuclear. From a broad perspective, the average EV driver in Canada can reduce their vehicle’s greenhouse gas emissions by 60-90% depending on whether or not you drive a fully electric or plug-in hybrid electric car and the sources of electricity generation in your province.
Yes. Auto recyclers – you guessed it – recycle electric car batteries! They take apart the battery packs and break them into their separate elements: wires, circuitry, plastics, and the individual cells. Then, they crush the cells and circuits to extract and refine the different metals they contain, such as nickel and lithium (Car and Driver). Several car manufacturers, such as Tesla, Ford, and General Motors, are actively engaging in the recycling of battery materials. They are strategically opting to source materials from mines and manufacturers with reduced carbon footprints, showcasing a commitment to sustainable practices in the production of electric vehicles (Clean Energy Canada).
On a global scale, electric vehicles consistently boast lower overall life-cycle emissions when compared to traditional gas-powered counterparts. According to MyEV, electric motors convert 75 percent of the chemical energy from the batteries to power the wheels. By comparison, internal combustion engines (ICEs) only convert 20 percent of the energy stored in gasoline. This takes into consideration emissions from various stages, such as mineral sourcing involving mining and recycling, mineral processing, the manufacturing of vehicles and batteries, everyday car use, and, where applicable, the disposal and recycling processes at the end of a vehicle’s life. Moreover, a study from Ford Motors and the University of Michigan found that found that on average, light-duty EVs exhibit a remarkable 64% reduction in cradle-to-grave life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions compared to gas-powered vehicles. The research also states the transition from an ICE vehicle to an EV leads to more substantial emissions reductions in total tonnage, particularly for larger vehicles (e.g pick-up trucks), due to their higher fuel consumption.
Yes. There is legitimate concern regarding the adverse environmental effects associated with mining minerals and resources for EV batteries. Fortunately, initiatives are in progress to develop “green lithium mining,” which utilizes naturally existing and renewable geothermal energy for the extraction of lithium, according to GreenCars.
Performance FAQs
Electric motors deliver instant torque, providing rapid acceleration and a smooth driving experience. Many high-performance EV models have demonstrated superior acceleration and top speeds, debunking the myth that EVs do not perform as well as gas-powered cars – they actually perform better.
In addition, the inherent design of electric motors contributes to a lower centre of gravity in EVs, enhancing their handling and overall driving dynamics. Because of this, EVs exhibit nimble and responsive handling characteristics.
EVs undergo the same rigorous safety tests as gas cars and are fully licensed to drive on Canada’s roads and highways. EVs come with all of the same safety features as gas cars, including airbags, rear-view cameras, lane assist warnings, etc. It can be argued that EVs are actually safer because gasoline is highly combustible and flammable. In terms of fires, statistical analyses and industry reports consistently show that EVs do not have a higher incidence of fires compared to gasoline cars. In fact, fires occur one in every 4,000 EVs compared to one in every 65 gas cars, according to a study by AutoInsuranceEZ (Clean Energy Canada).
EVs seamlessly blend luxury and comfort with features equivalent to or exceeding those found in traditional gas cars. Standard amenities include heated seats and steering wheels, high-quality sound systems, built-in navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, spacious interiors, and smart connectivity features. In essence, EVs are very comfortable and incorporate advanced technologies to provide an intuitive driving experience.
Charging FAQs
Yes. All EVs come standard with a cord set that lets you charge using a regular wall socket. Many EV drivers will install a level 2 charging station that will easily charge an EV battery from empty to full overnight. Just plug your car in, walk inside and wake up the next morning to a full charge. Most drivers will only use ¼ of the battery in a typical day of driving, which means it will take ¼ of the time to charge. In addition, a number of Canadian provinces are installing DC-Fast stations. These stations are gas station replacements designed for highway driving that will fully charge your EV from empty to 80% in 20-30 minutes.
Yes. Home charging is a significant advantage for EV owners, and a major contributor to the overall affordability of electric vehicles. Charging at home costs less than charging at public stations, and many utility companies offer discounted electricity rates during off-peak hours. Therefore, it is recommended EV owners charge overnight to get the most bang for their buck. According to GreenCars, 85 percent of households travel less than 160 kilometres on a typical day and the average range of new EVs sold is 468 kilometres. Not only is charging an EV overnight the cheapest option, you won’t even have to plug in every night to drive the next day. There are many economical home charging options available, and we can help!
Yes. Concerns about range anxiety often lead to the belief that planning a long trip with an electric vehicle is challenging due to the perceived scarcity of charging infrastructure. In reality, EV drivers have access to at least 20,478 charging ports located at 8,732 charging station locations across Canada, according to Electric Autonomy Canada. Plus, various mobile apps like PlugShare and ChargeHub have emerged to ease this process. These apps leverage GPS for real-time location-based services, offering details on station types, charging speeds, and costs. They also help users plan routes by incorporating charging stops at strategic points, ensuring a seamless and stress-free journey.
Yes. Charging an electric vehicle at a public charging station is cheaper than filling up a gas-powered car, however pricing does vary depending on the location of the charging station and the manufacturer. Some public charging companies provide free charging as part of promotional campaigns or loyalty programs. Additionally, advancements in payment systems and subscription plans make public charging more cost-effective and convenient.
Canada has ambitious goals for EV uptake. By 2035, automakers will be legally required to sell only zero-emission vehicles in Canada. A concern associated with this is that the grid will not be able to keep up and support mass EV adoption. However, A federal government study on the anticipated electricity demand from EVs found that they would represent 3.4%, 16.1%, and 22.6% of the electrical power demand in 2030, 2040, and 2050 respectively. While significant, the majority of the growth will be happening during the 2030 to 2050 timeframe, giving Canadian utilities plenty of time to refine the load forecast and plan for grid expansion (Clean Energy Canada).
Also coming down the line is vehicle-to-grid (V2G) charging. V2G provides the capability to draw electricity from the grid during periods of abundant, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective power, typically during nighttime. This energy is then stored in the batteries of electric vehicles. Subsequently, when an electric vehicle has fulfilled its operational cycle, it can release its stored energy to contribute power back to the grid. (Electric Autonomy Canada).
Range FAQs
85 percent of households travel less than 160 kilometres on a typical day and the average range of new EVs sold is 468 kilometres (Clean Energy Canada). It is very rare that you would ever run out of charge, especially since charging at home is so convenient. The range of electric vehicles is becoming more comparable to their gas-powered equivalents every year.
Yes. While it’s true that cold temperatures can reduce the efficiency of EV batteries, manufacturers have implemented technologies to mitigate these effects. Some EVs even feature advanced thermal management systems to maintain optimal battery performance in diverse weather conditions. During winter months, it is recommended to keep an EV plugged in overnight, to ensure the battery has not been sitting cold. Our rule of thumb: EV batteries will lose 5% of range for every 5 degrees below 5°C. Despite this, drivers still have ample range to get them through the day if they charge every night!
Yes. Most Canadians drive less than 50 km per day, they just don’t realize it. This is well within the range of every single electric car on the market, with the average new EV now being able to travel 460+ kms. EVs also handle traffic jams better. When you are stopped, the electric motor doesn’t draw energy from the battery, whereas gas engines are continually burning fuel, and money, the entire time. EV drivers also enjoy the perk of accessing High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes, even with a single occupant.