According to Statistics Canada, electric vehicle sales grew in 2021 compared to the previous years, despite the vehicle industry experiencing double-digit sales reductions. While electric vehicles still have a long way to go before dominating the Canadian vehicle industry, sales figures from 2021 show that Canadians are gradually making the switch to electric vehicles.
As EV sales increase, more EV models become available to Canadian consumers. How can you choose the best electric or hybrid vehicle for you when there are so many EV models on the market?
We can’t tell you which electric vehicle is the best for your lifestyle, but we can help you narrow down your EV options. Keep reading this article to check out our list of the best 10 electric vehicles for Canadians in 2022.
Before we look at the best electric vehicles on the market for Canadians, it’s crucial to understand the factors to consider when choosing the best electric vehicle for you.
Budget
Typically, the sticker price for an EV can be higher than a gasoline vehicle of the same size. As a result, before considering EV’s ratings and performance, find out which EV models are best for your budget.
While EVs have higher price tags, the Federal, as well as Provincial Government, offers incentives to help offset the higher cost of EVs. The Canadian federal government launched Zero-Emission Vehicles (iZEV) programme back in May 2019 to help mitigate the higher costs of electric vehicles and accelerate their uptake. The entire $5,000 incentive is available for electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, as well as some plug-in hybrids with a greater electric range. Most electric vehicles are also eligible for provincial incentives and are available for residents in Quebec and British Columbia.
Battery Range
Consider your needs in terms of driving range when looking for the ideal electric vehicle. Most daily driving can be easily accommodated by today’s EVs. While a low-cost electric vehicle can go short distances, more advanced ones can travel longer distances.
Weather conditions in your location
In the harsh winters, Canadian drivers are used to driving on ice and snow, it might be critical to consider safety features. Additionally, during cold weather, an electric car’s battery range could be affected largely.
Consumers who are considering purchasing an electric vehicle with a lower initial range should account for these reductions in their range requirements estimates.
Charging station
Whether you have access to public charging stations or have a 240V charging station installed in your home. You must think ahead and determine how you will charge your electric vehicle.
The Best Electric Vehicles for Canadians
Now let’s take a look at the best electric vehicles available for Canadian car shoppers, check out our list and see which EV will best fit your needs.
1. Most popular electric vehicle – Tesla Model 3
Starting MSRP $46,389 (Standard Range); $74,990 (Performance)
Overview:
The Tesla Model 3 is probably the most popular electric vehicle in recent years. Model 3 is also the most cost-effective Tesla model. It’s a high-performance electric vehicle with a long-range driving range and a reasonable price tag, making it a compelling EV option for Canadians. With its low depreciation rate, the Model 3 has also been recognised as one of the best EVs for resale value.
The Model 3 comes in three different ranges: Standard Range Plus (250 miles or 400 kilometres), Long Range (322 miles or 520 kilometres), and Performance (299 miles or 480 kilometres).
2. Most affordable EV in Canada– Nissan Leaf
Starting MSRP $34,780 (base); $44,298 (Plus)
Overview:
The Nissan Leaf is a cost-effective electric vehicle with Nissan’s user-friendly technology and great driver assistance features. The base model of the Leaf is only $34,780. It’s an excellent solution for Canadian drivers who don’t require long-distance range and don’t want to pay extra for a longer battery range.
With the Leaf Plus variant, the second-generation Leaf can travel up to 243 kilometres. The Plus model starts at $44,298, which is a great price for the amount of range you can get. The Leaf includes a number of high-tech driver-assistance technologies, including a semi-autonomous driving mode, and the cabin is roomy and comfy.
3. Best budget-conscious hybrid – Toyota Corolla Hybrid
Starting MSRP $23,650
Overview:
The 2021 Toyota Corolla Hybrid has a starting price of $23,650, making it one of the most affordable hybrids and electric vehicles on the market. It’s an excellent choice for Canadians who searching for a compact, inexpensive hybrid for their daily commute.
The Corolla Hybrid offers an extremely affordable starting price for the class and a long list of standard features that create an excellent value and make it a great deal.
4. Best midsize electric vehicle – Ford Mustang Mach-E
Starting MSRP $52,995
Overview:
The Ford Mustang Mach-E is an electric SUV that draws on the company’s racing and sports vehicle heritage. By designing an electric crossover with stylistic cues and a performance-oriented driving attitude inspired by the Mustang coupe, and convertible that is still powered by gasoline, “Mustang” becomes a Ford sub-brand. The Ford Mustang Mach-E is a 5-seater with four trim levels to choose from.
Under the powerful style and a maximum driving range of 483 kilometres. The Mustang Mach-battery E’s pack may be recharged at home or on the road at one of the public charging stations for electric vehicles.
5. Best overall plug-in vehicle – Toyota RAV4 Prime
Starting MSRP $41,495
Overview:
Toyota RAV4 Prime is the best-electrified vehicle of 2022, thanks to its renowned RAV4 – the most popular SUV in North America. When coupled with the gas engine, the Toyota RAV4 Prime has a driving range of up to 979 kilometres without needing to refuel or recharge. If you’re searching for a powerful and capable family crossover, the Toyota RAV4 Prime is a great option. The RAV4 Prime has a good all-electric range and accelerates quickly, and there are two trims available. The RAV4 Prime qualifies for the federal $5,000 EV subsidy as well as an additional $1,500 in British Columbia and a stunning $8,000 in Quebec, thanks to its enormous 18.1-kilowatt-hour battery.
6. Toyota Prius Prime
Starting MSRP $33,550
Overview:
The Toyota Prius Prime is now in its second generation, making it one of the more durable electric vehicles on the market. The Prius Prime also has an affordable starting MSRP of $33,550, making it one of the most affordable EVs in Canada.
Its electric-only range of 40 kilometres qualifies it for the Federal $2,500 iZEV incentives, and it can go up to a total of a combined range of 995 kilometres before needing to refuel or recharge. Canadian car shoppers who pay attention to fuel efficiency are familiar with the Prius name It achieves a great combined average fuel consumption of 1.8 Le/100 km along the way.
7. Best selling electric vehicle – Tesla Model Y
Starting MSRP $69,995
Overview:
With an annual sales rate of 100,000 units, the Tesla Model Y immediately outsold all of Tesla’s other models. Tesla Model Y accounted for about one-third of Tesla’s Canadian sales last year. The Tesla Model Y is a compact, fully electric SUV that can be recharged at any public station or at home.
The Model Y is available in two trims: Long Range (316 miles or 508 kilometres) and Performance (315 miles or 506 kilometres), with seating for seven. The Model Y offers the same excellent balance of driving performance and interior comfort. In comparison to Model 3, the Y has additional space and load capacity. While the space of Model Y, on the other hand, is under-utilized, and the falcon-wing doors are more bother than they’re worth. All-wheel drive is standard, and the high-tech interior is packed with amenities. This Model Y is expected to get 115 MPGe in town and 106 MPGe on the interstate.
8. Best luxury battery-electric – Porsche Taycan
Starting MSRP $125,995
Overview:
The Porsche Taycan is the most expensive EV on our list. The Porsche Taycan is a fully electric vehicle with all of Porsche’s technology and distinction. It’s better made and has a more luxurious, identifiable design, and it drives with the same passion as a sporty Porsche. Porsche’s Taycan Model-S-fighter is capable of a quick surge of charging that can give you 25 kilometres of range in one minute as the manufacturer claims. Taycan’s ‘DC fast-charge system’ charges the car to 80% in around 20 minutes, which is faster than Tesla.
9. More cost-effective small hatchback – Hyundai Ioniq Electric
Starting MSRP $33,749
Overview:
With a starting MSRP of $33,749, the Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in has quietly been one of the more cost-effective PHEV vehicles in Canada for several years. With robust standard driver-assist technologies, the Hyundai Ioniq Electric is a fantastic family car for the shorter-range commuters or do-it-all hatchback. It features a 28-kilowatt-hour battery and can go 274 kilometres on a single charge. It’s one of the most economical electric vehicles on the market in Canada. Its 47 km of all-electric range qualifies it for a $2,500 Federal incentive. It can go up to 954 kilometres with the combination of the battery and gas tank and consumes only 2.0 Le/100 km.
10. Best electric SUV – Volkswagen ID.4
Starting MSRP $47,995
Overview:
Volkswagen’s ID.4 compact SUV is a long-distance electric vehicle. With a range of 402 kilometres when fully charged, it strikes a balance between sporty and practical.
The Volkswagen’s ID.4 is a standard small crossover with plenty of cargo and back seat space. Compact crossovers are quite popular in Canada because they provide the body style and size that most people want. With its affordable pricing and familiar interior controls, the sleek ID.4 is a compelling electric SUV for those who tempting to join the ranks of EV owners. The Volkswagen ID.4 is expected to get 167 kilometres per gallon in the city and 143 kilometres per gallon on the highway.
Carnex, your online electric vehicle expert, can help you select the best electric vehicle for your needs. Check out our inventory for quality pre-owned electric vehicles from budget-friendly Nissan LEAF to a range-extending Tesla.
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