Good things about electric cars: Why switching to an EV makes sense

As Canada moves toward a greener future, electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming a first-choice pick for everyday Canadians. With increasing fuel costs and growing environmental concerns, with support from the Canadian government, those looking for their next vehicle are turning toward plug-in hybrid electric vehicles instead of conventional vehicles.

By 2035, the Canadian government wants all new light-duty vehicle sales to be emission-free. This is expected to cut greenhouse gas emissions by more than 360 million tonnes by 2050. If you're considering a vehicle with an electric motor or hybrid alternative, stick around to learn more about the numerous benefits electric cars offer to modern motorists.

Financial benefits of electric vehicles

Electric vehicles offer a range of financial and sustainability benefits, making them increasingly attractive to Canadian motorists. According to Stats Canada, between 2017 and the first three quarters of 2023, electric vehicle registrations in Canada increased exponentially, from 1.0% to 10.3%.

While the cost of electric cars may initially be higher than that of cars with combustion engines, with numerous rebates offered by both federal and provincial governments, this lower financial barrier to electric car ownership leads to more electric car sales across the country, improving public health and the local environment. Here's what you need to know:

Energy costs vs fuel costs

Compared to conventional vehicles, electric cars cost significantly less to charge than fuel costs. For example, BCAA states that charging your car can keep between $2000 and $3000 a year in fuel savings in your pocket.

Pro tip: Charge your battery electric vehicles during off-peak hours to save money on your monthly electricity bill!

Less routine upkeep

Another advantage of reliable electric cars is their maintenance costs. Without a conventional internal combustion engine and fewer moving parts, these vehicles require less maintenance over their lifetime. No more oil changes, transmission services, exhaust upkeep, and other mechanical complexities that require ongoing vehicle inspections! Regenerative braking in electric cars also extends the lifespan of brake pads, resulting in fewer replacements over time.

In fact, according to the Canadian Automotive Association Buyers Guide (CAA), vehicle maintenance costs are reduced by roughly 40% to 50% for EV owners, as they do not require as many ongoing service appointments as traditional gas-powered cars.

The resale value of electric vehicles

Although all electric vehicles are made differently, their resale value is expected to remain strong in the used car market, given the growing demand for electric and hybrid vehicles, especially in provinces that are leading the adoption of electric car driving habits, such as British Columbia (21.8%) and Quebec (50.8% of new electric car registrations in Q2 2024).

Environmental and sustainability: lowering greenhouse gas emissions

As you know, electric vehicles play a critical role in reducing emissions. For example, the Canadian government reports that electric vehicles in provinces like Quebec, Manitoba, and British Columbia that employ low-carbon energy production can produce almost no carbon dioxide emissions while travelling zero tailpipe emissions that lead to air pollution, unlike gas-powered vehicles. This is especially exciting given that greenhouse gas emissions from Canada's electricity sector decreased by 45% between 1990 and 2021, showcasing electric cars as a valuable clean transportation option for Canadians.

It's important to note that although the production of rechargeable batteries for electric cars has a higher carbon footprint than the production of conventional vehicles, we can argue that the long-term environmental benefits of driving electric cars outweigh traditional internal combustion engines, which can help combat climate change.

Furthermore, with advancements in battery recycling, eco-friendly manufacturing of EV chargers and batteries, and battery technology, EV drivers can rest assured that they are helping mitigate environmental concerns.

Charging infrastructure and vehicle charging convenience

If you're worried about having to travel to a gas station to charge your battery pack, rest assured that home charging stations offer EV drivers the convenience of charging up while they're at home. Although the total cost of installing a charging station at home will vary based on where you live, remember that provincial governments offer incentives, which can help lower these expenses.

Beyond this, if you need to charge your electric vehicles while out and about, you can head over to a public charger to charge your battery pack within 25 to 45 minutes. In order to increase accessibility for drivers, the government of Quebec has spent around $30 million installing more than 1,500 new EV charging stations. This growing infrastructure ensures that electric car owners will continue to have the convenience of charging their cars without having to wait long for a spot at a charging station.

Performance and driving expenses

If you're worried about sacrificing performance with an electric car, we're here to tell you this is something you won't have to worry about. Electric cars drive much more smoothly and have quieter engines than gas-powered vehicles.

The electric motor offers impressive performance, accelerating almost instantaneously when you press the gas pedal. Unlike fuel vehicles, you don't have to wait for the engine to gain speed or for the transmission to shift. Advanced features like regenerative braking make electric cars more energy efficient and improve battery range for a more comfortable driving experience that's backed by driver-assist technology.

Common concerns and misconceptions

A common concern among potential electric car buyers is battery lifespan and replacement costs. All electric vehicles have robust batteries that are meant to last without replacement up to 100,000 kilometres or more.

Performance in cold weather conditions is also something Canadians worry about, as it can reduce battery efficiency and performance. However, performing winter car maintenance on your electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles can help mitigate these concerns. Additionally, using a battery heating block while charging your car at home can also prevent damage.

Further, if you're worried about finding a power source to charge your electric car while on the road, know that most electric vehicles have long-range capabilities, additionally, with charging infrastructure growing across Canada, you can rest assured that consumer needs are being kept in mind, making EV ownership more practical for longer trips.

And, if you're not ready to fully commit to a battery electric car due to battery life concerns, hybrid cars are a great way to get the best of both worlds. They switch between electricity and gas depending on your speed. Hybrid cars typically run on a battery at lower speeds and use gasoline when you accelerate. They offer many of the same incentives as electric cars, and you don't have to worry about driving ranges, as you can easily make a quick stop at the gas pump.

The future of electric vehicles in Canada

The future of electric cars in Canada and the rest of the globe is promising. In an effort to promote EV adoption, the federal Incentives for Zero-Emission Vehicles program has so far given out more than 160,000 incentives between 2023 and 2024, and this is expected to grow even more.

With the automotive and transportation sectors investing heavily in long-range electric battery developments, future developments and faster charging times will only increase the popularity of these vehicles in the years to come. Innovations in renewable energy sources will also further advance the sustainability of all-electric vehicles.

Burning fossil fuels like gasoline and diesel creates harmful byproducts, such as nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide. Gas-powered vehicles also emit carbon dioxide, which is one of the most common greenhouse gases. As the electric grid becomes cleaner and sustainability technology improves, the infrastructure for electric vehicles will become cleaner.

Insuring your vehicle with BrokerLink

Reliable electric cars and hybrid vehicles are becoming the number one choice for consumers as they become more environmentally aware and technology improves. Protecting you and your car on the road is essential. With a trusted expert from BrokerLink supporting you along the way, you can find the right electric vehicle insurance policy. Some types of auto insurance you may need include:

• Third-party liability car insurance
• Uninsured motorist coverage
• Direct compensation-property damage
• Comprehensive coverage
• Collision coverage
• Accident forgiveness

BrokerLink has an extensive network of quality partners to give you the optimal package for your budget and coverage needs. Our insurance brokers in Ontario and other provinces will work closely with you to learn your unique driving history and personal information.

We give you a few of the best options to compare car insurance quotes and answer any questions you have so you can make the best choice. To work with BrokerLink and get car insurance in Toronto, contact us directly over the phone or get a free quote using our online quote tool today!

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Frequently asked questions about electric cars

Is it worth buying an EV?

Electric vehicles have many advantages, such as less maintenance, better fuel economy, no emissions, and long-term savings. With a quiet, smooth engine that responds well to good torque, you don't sacrifice performance.

Are there downsides to having an EV?

There are a few downsides to owning an EV. For example, there is less driving range than gasoline cars. Since you rely on EV charging stations, you may have to plan your route based on where you can charge the car during a longer road trip. They're also more expensive to own upfront.

How do you charge an electric vehicle?

You can have a home charger or go to a charging station. As electric vehicles become more popular, you can find chargers in parking lots, malls, restaurants, etc. It costs less to recharge your car battery than going to the gas pump, but it'll take longer. If you have a home charger, you can set it to charge your vehicle during off-peak hours or specific times to save some money and ensure your electric car has enough battery when you need to use it.

What is the range of electric cars?

Most electric cars have a range of 60 to 120 miles per charge. If you're driving long distances, you may have to plan your stops so you don't run out of battery. Gas cars have a greater range than their electric counterparts, and you can travel 300 to 600 miles on average with one single fuel tank. As gas stations are more common than electric charging stations, it's also much easier for you to make a quick stop almost anywhere you want to fuel up.

Is it cheaper to have an electric vehicle?

Electric cars have more upfront investment but provide more savings in the long run. You pay less for maintenance and have lower fuel costs. It takes longer for the battery to wear, and most electric cars have warranties, so you don't have to pay for the replacement. You can also apply for government incentives to offset some of the upf

How long does it take to charge my electric vehicle?

It depends on the type of charger you use. A Level 1 charger takes longer than a Level 2 charger to recharge the battery. You'll likely have to recharge sooner with a Level 1 than a Level 2 charger as well. If you have a charger at home, you can plug it into your car overnight to ensure the battery is full in the morning. It can take several hours for the battery to be fully charged. A fast charger recharges the battery much quicker, sometimes in less than one hour.

Does temperature affect my electric vehicle?

In colder temperatures, an EV's range drops drastically. Drivers may experience reduced battery performance and reduced driving range. You may also experience longer charging times. Warming up your car while it's still plugged into the charger before driving can help increase the car's temperature. It improves the battery performance as you won't have to rely on battery power to heat the car.

If you have any questions, contact one of our local branches.