Thanks to some rapidly advancing technology, growing consumer interest and government incentives, more and more electric vehicles are been marketed in Canada today. In fact, in 2017, 18,500 electric vehicles were sold in Canada, almost a 70% increase from the previous year. If you’ve been attracted by the thought of minimizing your carbon footprint and joining the thousands of Canadian electric car owners, there are likely some questions you have. Here are five things you should know about electric vehicles in Canada.
1. There are three basic types of electric vehicles.
Knowing the three basic types of electric powered vehicles you can choose from is the starting point in a search for an electric car. These include PHEV’s (Plug-In Electric Vehicles), Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV’s) and Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV’s). Hybrid Electric Vehicles are powered by both petrol and electricity.
2. You have more style choices than ever.
Consumers can choose from higher-end electric vehicles like a Tesla, Porsche or BMW or economic choices that include the Kia Soul, Ford Focus, and Nissan LEAF. Mitsubishi produces an electric SUV that is available in Canada. There are electric commuter cars and extended range electric cars. Choose the model that best fits your budget and your lifestyle.
3. There may be government incentives.
Depending on where you live, there may be government incentives available. Both British Columbia and Quebec offer consumer incentives for the purchase of electric vehicles. In British Columbia incentives include:
- $6,000 for the purchase or lease of a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle
- $5,000 for the purchase or lease of a new battery electric vehicle
- $2,500 – $5,000 for the purchase or lease of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle
In Quebec, incentives vary widely, including:
- Purchase/Lease rebates of up to $8,000 on a qualifying purchase
- Up to $600 for installing a charging station in a homeowners home
- Up to a $4,000 rebate for the purchase of an eligible used all-electric vehicle
4. There are a growing number of charging stations.
There are over 8,000 public charging stations across Canada. To find one near you, the CAA (Canadian Automobile Association) makes available a database that is searchable by city or postal code. Many consumers decide to invest in an in-home charging station.
5. You’ll still need auto insurance.
Electric vehicles fall under the same insurance regulations as traditionally powered vehicles. The good news is that generally, rates are comparable to those of traditionally powered vehicles and may even qualify for a discount. Like other auto insurance rates, premiums will be impacted by an individuals age, driving record, credit rating, and more. It is always a good idea to see how much a new vehicle will change your auto insurance rates before making a final decision on a car.
At DG Bevan, we provide coverage as unique as you are. We handle all types of auto insurance including electric vehicle insurance and high-end car insurance. In fact, we offer a full range of both personal and commercial loss prevention products. To learn more or for a free quote, we invite you to contact us.
