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Going electric is an incredible way to reduce your emissions in Canada. Roughly 82% of Canada’s electricity comes from non-emitting sources, meaning you can drastically reduce your carbon footprint by driving an electric car. Transportation remains one of the top sources of carbon emissions, and cutting down on the pollution you create from driving is one of the most effective ways you can help the environment.
Of course, there are plenty of other reasons to drive an electric car. In some places, there are government incentives for buying an electric car, and you never have to worry about getting gouged at the gas pump ever again.
If you’re on the lookout for a small electric car in Canada but you haven’t committed yet, these are some of the things you should know about driving and owning an EV.
Potential EV owners who rent or live in a condo building should look into funding for EV chargers in multi-unit residential buildings.
Do You Need a Home EV Charger?
Most EVs come with a Level 1 charger which you can plug into any standard outlet in your home. If you have an outlet in your garage or somewhere you can plug it in from the driveway, this can work, although Level 1 chargers take a long time. It can take over a day to fully charge an empty battery.
Drivers looking for faster charging will want to install a Level 2 charger in their homes for faster charging. You will need to get a permit, have an electrician install it, and get it inspected, but it will make overnight charging quick and reliable.
How Good Is Public Charging Infrastructure in Canada?
A home charging station is a must, but what if you want to take your EV on a longer trip? Public charging infrastructure has been improving rapidly in Canada.
There are currently more than 16,000 public charging stations across the country. The infrastructure is well-developed in both B.C. and Quebec, and other provinces are beginning to catch up.
The main drawback to consider as EVs become more popular is that there may not be enough chargers to meet demand on highways today. In addition to the twenty minutes or so that it takes to charge up, you may have to wait in line, which can add a lot to your travel time. If you make regular multi-hour trips, EVs still remain a challenge.
How Will an Electric Car Handle Canadian Winters?
Canadians are used to tough driving conditions. Can an EV handle a classic Canadian storm? Here’s what you need to know.
- An EV’s maximum range depends on ideal weather conditions. The tougher demands of winter driving can reduce the range of a full battery.
- Heating your car can be a substantial drain on your EV’s battery during extreme cold.
- Preconditioning (warming the car up before you start driving) can help preserve range during the winter.
Winter is definitely possible with an EV, as long as you’re aware of how it can affect your battery.
All in all, owning an electric vehicle is an increasingly popular and easy choice. There are still a few questions to ask to make sure they will fit your lifestyle, but they can be a great option for many.
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