With gasoline prices soaring and environmental concerns mounting, many Quebec drivers are now ready to ditch their gas-powered cars and switch to electric ones.
In fact, it becomes a big problem as the demand is so strong that the car manufacturers cannot supply enough vehicles!
If you’re still hesitant about getting on a waiting list, here are 10 good reasons that might convince you to go electric.
no more oil
For many motorists, turning their noses up at the oil companies is probably the main motivation for wanting to go electric. When we see the fluctuations in the price of a liter of fuel and refiners’ profit margins, we can understand why!
A full vehicle every morning
In contrast to petrol models, electric vehicles can be refueled directly at home at a charging station. With a level 2 (240V) charging station, the vast majority of electric models can be fully charged in less than 10 hours, so you wake up every morning with a vehicle full of energy. Provided, of course, that you have access to a device at home.
In terms of range, several manufacturers now offer models that can cover around 400 kilometers on one battery charge. Even in winter, with an energy loss of 40%, you can easily cover more than 200 kilometers. And if you’ve ever needed to top up on electrons along the way, know that Quebec has an excellent network of public charging stations, including hundreds of DC stations that can help you find a good percentage of charge in tens of minutes.
Photo: Kia
The environment
Many studies have shown that the environmental impact of an electric vehicle over its entire life cycle is less significant than that of a petrol model. Although producing an electric model is more polluting than producing an equivalent petrol model, the fact that the battery-powered vehicle emits no CO2 during its journey means it is indeed an eco-friendly choice. However, if you really want to make an environmental impact in your travels, the best solution is to walk or bike!
Less maintenance
Electric vehicles tend to require less maintenance than gas-powered models. This is because electric motors are technically less complex than petrol ones. The simple fact of not having to think about changing your oil is a real liberation!
Reserved lanes
In Quebec, drivers of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles can legally drive in multiple reserved lanes, particularly in the metropolitan areas of Montreal and Quebec. This makes it easier to get around during rush hour!
Free access to paid bridges and ferries
Also in Quebec, electric vehicles can travel free of charge on freeways 25 and 30 in the Montreal region. Models with a green license plate are also exempt from paying when using Quebec-managed ferries. Passengers have to pay for their ticket, but access to the vehicle is absolutely free!
Current subsidies
Currently, Quebec drivers are eligible for a total of US$12,000 (US$5,000 federal and US$7,000 provincial) in federal assistance for the purchase or lease of an EV. These grants won’t last forever, so you might as well take advantage of them while they last!
Photo: Julien Amado
Surprising accelerations
Driving an electric vehicle is surprisingly fun! The accelerations they deliver are sometimes comparable to those of a roller coaster. This is made possible by the vehicle’s torque, which is delivered as soon as you touch the accelerator pedal.
Driving with a pedal
Some electric models are equipped with a feature that allows you to drive without using the brake pedal. Simply releasing the accelerator pedal will gradually slow the vehicle until it comes to a complete stop. This allows energy to be returned to the battery and protects the braking system. Of course, the traditional brake pedal remains for emergency maneuvers or for those who just prefer to ride more traditionally.
Vehicles in high demand
As we said in the introduction, electric models are in high demand in Quebec, so the wait times to get one are sometimes ridiculous. Therefore, for those lucky enough to acquire one, the financial risk is very low as the resale value of these models is very high. Everything indicates that supply will not be able to meet demand for a number of years.
Photo: Kia