FAQs & Resources

Do you still have questions? Still looking for more info on EV? Below are a few commonly asked questions we have answered.

Want to hear from someone who has made the switch to an EV?

If you are thinking about buying an electric vehicle for the first time, one of the most helpful things you can do is to take in the experience of other EV owners. EV Society invites you to watch, listen and read the firsthand experiences of those who've already made the switch. Electric Vehicle Society is a not-for-profit organization helping drivers transition to electric vehicles. They have chapters and affiliates across the country with EV owner volunteers who can answer any questions you may have.

Does the environmental impact of producing electricity outweigh the benefits of using an electric vehicle?

That depends on the source of electricity. In Canada, most of our electricity is generated by low-emitting hydro and nuclear sources. That means EV ownership can help reduce your personal vehicle greenhouse gas emissions by more than 60%. Not to mention, this can result in savings of nearly $3,000/year on fuel.

How well do electric vehicles perform in winter?

Norway has one of the world’s highest EV adoption rates. Tests in this Nordic country found that, on average, electric vehicles lost on average 18.5% of their official driving range in cold conditions. There are also ways to reduce these efficiency losses. For example, there are apps that enable you to pre-warm the EV battery and the car’s interior.

How long do EV batteries last?

Current manufacturer warranties cover electric vehicle batteries for eight years, but they are built to last the life of your car. Over time, EV batteries will degrade, which leads to a loss of driving range. Recycling gives these batteries another life. However, there is still a lot experts are discovering, such as the cost to replace batteries.

How far can I drive before having to recharge my electric vehicle?

On average, Canadians drive less than 100 kms per day. That’s well within the range of today’s new EVs, which can run for 400 kms and more on a single charge. Planning a long road trip? There are more than 5,000 public charging stations across Canada and growing. You can drive an EV from coast to coast using that charging network, and it’s only going to get easier. And, depending on your vehicle, the latest quick-charge technologies enable you to top-up your battery in as little as 30 minutes.

What is the true life-cycle cost of an EV on the environment?

Some people worry about whether they are really doing the planet any favours by buying an EV, or whether they will actually save money in the long-run if they buy one. After all, the battery is the most expensive component by far. What will it cost to replace it? EVs have only been on the mass market for a couple of years, and batteries last up to a decade, so it is too early to know for sure. One way to avoid the uncertainty is to lease. As with other new products, we can also assume that as supply increases, price will come down, but that is not a sure thing.

On the environment, what if your electricity supply comes from coal? What about the mining to get the precious metals that go into a battery? Again, it is early days to have a complete, final answer, but early work suggests EVs are better for the planet.

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