The 7 best EVs for Canadian Drivers

Electric vehicles are getting more and more prevalent. As EV sales surge, there are more and more models available for car buyers. With so many new electric and hybrid vehicle models popping up on the market, how do you decide on the right one for yourself? We can’t tell you exactly which EV is the best car for your lifestyle, but we can narrow your choices down. Here are our top picks of the seven best EVs for Canadian drivers.

Best EVs for Canadian Drivers

Before we take a look at the best EVs on the market for Canadian drivers, it’s important to take a look at the factors that you should consider to find the right EV for your life.

Budget 

Typically, the sticker price for an EV can be higher than a gasoline vehicle of the same size. Therefore, before you value ratings and car performance, you should consider the best model to suit your budget. 

Driving Range 

Thinking about what your needs are on the car’s driving range is an important step to find the right EV. Today’s EVs can easily accommodate most daily drivings. While a low-cost electric vehicle is effective over shorter distances, the more performance advanced models can reach about 600 km between charges.

Charging stations

You need to consider how to charge your EV. Whether you have access to public charging stations or install a 240V charging station at home.

Weather conditions

Canadian drivers are familiar with driving on ice and snow in the harsh winters. Thinking about safety features may be very important. 

Best EVs for Canadian Drivers

Now let’s look at the best electric cars available for Canadian car buyers, and help you to find the most suitable EV to meet all of your needs.

Most affordable EV – Nissan Leaf

Starting MSRP $34,780 (base); $44,298 (Plus)

Overview: The Nissan Leaf is an affordable electric car with Nissan’s user-friendly tech and excellent driver assistance features. The Leaf’s base model price is only $34,780. It’s a great choice for those who do not need long-distance range and avoid paying extra for a range they don’t really need. With the second-generation Leaf, the Leaf Plus model, which can top 243 kilometers. The Plus model starts at $44,298, which is quite reasonable, especially for the range you get. The Leaf’s has a host of high-tech driver-assistance features available including a semi-autonomous driving mode, the cabin is comfortable and spacious.

Best budget-conscious hybrid – Toyota Corolla Hybrid

Starting MSRP $23,650

Overview: The 2021 Toyota Corolla Hybrid starts at $23,650, which is one of the lowest MSRPs among hybrid and electric cars. It’s a great option for those who are looking for a small and low-cost hybrid. It has a low base price for the class and a long list of standard features that create an excellent value.

Best midsize electric vehicle – Ford Mustang Mach-E

Starting MSRP $52,995

Overview: The Ford Mustang Mach-E is an electric SUV that channels its performance and sports car heritage. That makes “Mustang” a Ford sub-brand by creating an electric crossover with styling cues and a performance-oriented driving character inspired by the Mustang coupe and convertible that are still powered by gasoline. Under the muscular styling and a 300-mile maximum driving range. The Mustang Mach-E’s battery pack is rechargeable at home or on the road at one of the many electric-vehicle charging stations. The Ford Mustang Mach-E is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 4 trim levels. It is estimated to deliver 100 MPGe in the city and 86 MPGe on the highway.

Best overall plug-in vehicle – Toyota RAV4 Prime

Starting MSRP $41,495

Overview:  With its iconic RAV4 – the most popular SUV in North America, Toyota RAV4 Prime is the best-electrified vehicle of 2021. The Toyota RAV4 Prime is an excellent choice if you are looking for a powerful and capable family-friendly crossover. And thanks to its large 18.1-kilowatt-hour battery, the new RAV4 Prime not only qualifies for the federal $5,000 EV subsidy but an additional $1,500 in British Columbia and a whopping $8,000 in Quebec.

Best selling electric vehicle – Tesla Model Y

Starting MSRP $69,995

Overview: With an average of 100,000 units sold a year, Tesla Model Y quickly eclipsed demand for all of Tesla’s other offerings. The Tesla Model Y is a compact, fully electric SUV that offers up to 326 miles of emissions-free driving range. It can be recharged at home or any roadside station. 

The Model Y has the same great blend of driving performance and comfortable interior design. Compared to the Model 3, the Y gives you more space and greater cargo capacity. However, its size is not well utilized and its falcon-wing doors are more trouble than they’re worth. It has 68 cubic feet of space for cargo. The Tesla Model Y is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 3 trim levels. All-wheel-drive is standard, and the high-tech cabin comes with extensive features. This Model Y is estimated to deliver 115 MPGe in the city and 106 MPGe on the highway.

Best electric SUV – Volkswagen ID.4

Starting MSRP $47,995

Overview: A long-distance electric vehicle with the ID.4 compact SUV from Volkswagen! A balance between sporty and practical with 250 miles range when fully charged. It’s a conventional compact crossover with ample cargo and back seat room. Compact crossovers are wildly popular because they deliver the body style and size that most North American consumers are seeking. The stylish ID.4’s with its low price and familiar interior controls make a reason to join the ranks of EV ownership. The Volkswagen ID.4 is estimated to deliver 104 MPGe in the city and 89 MPGe on the highway.

Best luxury battery-electric – Porsche Taycan

Starting MSRP $11,995

Overview: The Porsche Taycan released in 2019, it is the pricier EV on our list. The Porsche Taycan brings all the technology and prestige to the fully electric market. It is better built and has a luxurious recognizable design, it drives with all the enthusiasm of a sporty Porsche. At 326 kilometers per charge, Taycan’s ‘DC fast-charge system charges the car to 80% in about 20 minutes, which charges even faster than Tesla. 

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