While electric vehicles such as the Nissan Leaf, Tesla Model 3 and Chevy Bolt have made headlines recently, electric cars have a colorful history – indeed, they’ve been around longer than the internal combustion engine. However, EVs have evolved considerably since the 1800s, and today’s automakers have invested billions of dollars in research and development to design and build the next generation of electric cars that are more comfortable, efficient and affordable than ever.
If you’re in the market for a new car, is 2021 your year to jump aboard the electric vehicle bandwagon? Does an EV fit your lifestyle? Let’s look at some pros and cons of electric cars to help you decide whether it makes sense for you to invest in an electric vehicle.
Costs and Incentives
Today’s electric vehicles have a higher upfront cost than traditional gas-powered or even hybrid cars. New EVs from luxury automakers such as Tesla and Porsche can cost more than $100,000.
As technology advances and automakers develop increasingly more efficient batteries, the gap in pricing between gas- and electric-powered vehicles will narrow. For some buyers, that may represent a reason to delay your purchase until there are more affordable models to choose from. However, the Canadian government offers incentives of up to $5,000 for consumers who buy or lease a zero-emissions vehicle, which can help offset the initially higher price tag.
Convenience
You may hesitate to purchase an electric vehicle because you’re concerned about driving range and a possible lack of available charging stations on longer trips. The good news is that consumer demand and changing governmental regulations have pushed automakers to innovate in all aspects of electric vehicles, including how far they can travel on one charge.
Those who wish to use their EV for lengthier drives, including cross-country travels, can do so with a little bit of extra planning using the thousands of public charging stations throughout Canada. Cars with the longest driving ranges, including many Tesla models, can travel up to 500 km on a single charge.
Ease of Maintenance
If you’re shopping for an electric vehicle, you’re likely already aware of the money and time you’ll save by ditching the pump. However, as an EV owner, you can also look forward to less maintenance for your daily driver. EVs typically require less maintenance than conventional vehicles because:
- The battery, motor and associated electronics demand little to no regular attention.
- There are fewer fluids, such as engine oil, requiring regular upkeep.
- Regenerative braking significantly reduces wear and tear on the brakes.
- EVs have far fewer moving parts compared to a conventional gasoline engine.
Powering Your Electric Vehicle With Solar
If you rely on energy from the electrical grid, you can cut ties with your utility company by harnessing the sun’s rays to power your Ontario home, including charging your EV. Solar panel installation is more affordable than ever, plus you can benefit from the Government rebates of up to $5,000 for your solar panels installation in Ontario!
To learn more about solar panel cost and installation in Ontario, you can request a free estimate and receive quotes from multiple qualified, experienced installers.
