Top reasons to drive an electric vehicle in Ontario

By entering 2022, we have seen global EV sales increase by 80%. We’re seeing an increase in the number of electric vehicles on the road in Ontario, and EVs are becoming more popular. 

Maybe you are also planning to go electric as well, but you might wonder whether it is beneficial to your portfolio. If you’re still on the fence about switching to an environmentally friendly EV, here are some of the most compelling reasons to drive an electric vehicle in Ontario.

Cost savings with driving an electric vehicle

One of the obvious benefits of driving an electric vehicle in Ontario is the cost savings factor. This is due to the fact that power is typically less expensive than gasoline across Canada. The amount saved is determined by several factors, including the cost of gas and electricity, the number of kilometres driven, and even the EV model. In general, it might be four times cheaper per kilometre travelled, according to Natural Resources Canada.

Lower operating costs by driving an EV in Ontario

Because electric vehicles have fewer moving parts, and a battery EV has no gasoline engine, there is no need for oil changes. While internal combustion engines (ICEs) require a great deal of regular maintenance and repair, EVs are mainly free of these maintenance and repair procedures. There will be only a few low-cost maintenances that you must accomplish for your EV, so you will save money and valuable time with an EV.

Electric vehicles lower greenhouse gas emissions

Electric vehicles with little or no emissions contribute less to global warming and lower your carbon footprint. The combustion of fossil fuels emits toxic compounds as well as greenhouse gas emissions. Pollutants like these contribute to air pollution and climate change. An electric vehicle is better for the environment than a gas-powered vehicle over its full life cycle. Your electric car’s only source of greenhouse gas emissions is the generation of power. While it is true that the environmental benefit is less strong in jurisdictions that rely heavily on coal, the majority of Canada’s electricity comes from hydro and nuclear power, both of which are low emitting sources, and the average Canadian driver can reduce their car’s greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90% by driving an EV.

A better and healthier driving experience

While gasoline vehicles burn gasoline and diesel, emitting toxic gases that are damaging to our health, electric vehicles emit far fewer dangerous exhaust pollutants. Pollutants such as carbon monoxide, benzene, particulates, volatile compounds, formaldehyde, and diesel particulate matter have been linked to cancer and other major health problems.

EVs are also very quiet to drive. Research indicates that noise pollution is equally harmful to our health. EVs can be incredibly quiet to drive because they have no engine or transmission noise when powered by batteries.

EVs have a lower centre of gravity and, because their batteries are on top of the axles, the weight of an EV provides excellent traction and makes them less prone to flipping over.

The low center of gravity of electric vehicles improves handling, reactivity, and ride comfort. Aside from being quieter than internal combustion engine competitors, electric engines deliver smooth acceleration and deceleration, making electric vehicles more enjoyable to drive.

Expanding Charger Infrastructure in Canada 

The network of EV public charging stations in Canada and the United States continues to grow. According to an AFDC searchable map of electric vehicle charging stations, there are 51,895 facilities in Canada and the United States. In Canada, there were over 15,000 public charging stations in 6,578 locations across the country as of late 2021.  Because the Canadian government will reimburse up to 50% of the installation costs for businesses that install EV chargers, the charger infrastructure is still expanding across the country.

Range anxiety is no longer an issue

Today’s EVs can easily accommodate most daily commutes. Many of today’s EVs can travel more than 300 kilometres on a single charge, while the most modern versions may travel up to 600 kilometres between charges. 

Range anxiety is a major concern for most potential EV buyers. They are concerned that if they have a long journey ahead of them, they will not be able to complete it on a single charge. If you still believe the battery range is insufficient, plug-in hybrid electric cars such as the Toyota Prius Prime or BMW i3 can be a good option to go green. These plug-in hybrid electric vehicles have a small all-electric range (typically 60 to 80 km) and then a gasoline engine kicks in to make it a hybrid vehicle the rest of the way.

Avoid the gas station and the traffic

You may pass the petrol station with a totally electric vehicle. Instead of looking for the cheapest petrol station, you may charge your EV at home or at any public charging station. There will be no need to stop at the petrol station every week unless you need some snacks.

In addition, in provincial highway and municipal high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes, electric cars with an approved decal are permitted. It will save you time sitting in rush hour traffic if you have access to HOV lanes.

Government incentives are still available for electric vehicles

Governments worldwide are encouraging people to buy electric automobiles to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce air pollution, and combat climate change. The Canadian federal government provides a $5,000 purchasing incentive for electric vehicle purchases. Electric vehicles in Québec are eligible for up to $8,000 in incentives. They are eligible for up to $5,000 in incentives in British Columbia. Furthermore, both the federal and provincial incentives can be stacked. 

Now that you have learned the top benefits of driving an EV, you can decide if an electric vehicle is good for you. Whether you choose to become green or not, Carnex is here to assist you! If you’re looking for a quality used electric car at a reasonable price and with a worry-free purchasing process, you have come to the right place.

Simply choose the best used electric car for you, Carnex allows you to purchase your vehicle without ever setting foot in a showroom. You can complete the purchase paperwork and arrange financing online with Carnex.

Learn more about the benefits of buying from Carnex. We believe that all clients deserve to know the good and bad of what they’re buying. Because we wanted to know these when we bought cars. That’s why at Carnex.ca, we will proudly display every detail every step of the way. Browse all the best cars, automobile buying tips, auto insurance, young drivers, driving techniques, auto industry trends from Carnex Blog.