Choosing an electric car

Many wonder if the switch to the electric car is worth it. Are they really ecological? Are they economical? How much do they cost? Can they withstand the harsh Canadian winters?

Electric cars are more expensive to buy than cars that run on gasoline. Prices range between $ 30,000 and $ 40,000, but some provinces offer discounts and incentives that can make them more affordable. For example, in Quebec we are entitled to discounts of up to $ 8,000 and $ 5,000, respectively.

Yes, electric cars cost a little more to buy, but are cheaper to drive than gasoline cars. Charging an electric vehicle can cost you anywhere from $ 300 to $ 400 a year, depending on when and where you charge it. It will be a bit more expensive for a plug-in hybrid, usually around $ 700 per year. To give you an idea, you put $ 1,000 to $ 2,500 of gasoline into your current vehicle each year. Electric cars are also much less expensive to maintain because they have fewer moving parts and do not need oil changes. They can even save you money on your auto insurance.

Many people choose electric vehicles for their green side. Fully electric cars do not produce exhaust emissions, but they are not 100% "clean" either. Most electric car batteries run on lithium, and they require more energy to manufacture than traditional car batteries. However, studies confirm that if you take into account their entire life cycle, electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids still produce less polluting emissions than gasoline-powered cars.

In winter, the battery of an electric car can lose more than half of its range (English only). You can partially compensate for the effects of the cold by starting the car while it is still plugged in, using economy mode and carefully observing the speed limits. If you drive 20 to 100 km per day and have access to a charging station, you could still find your account with an electric vehicle, even during the winter season. You can also buy an electric car with a greater range, but you will obviously pay more for it.

Here are several reasons that might help your thinking.

Your individual portfolio

- Your “fuel” bill will decrease by 60% to 90%.
- Your maintenance costs (oil, filters, etc.) will be 30% to 50% lower.
- Your brakes will last 5 to 10 times longer.
- You can cross the A25 and A30 bridges for free.
- You can park for free in some cities
- You can use Quebec public ferries for free.
- You will have access to reserved lanes
- Your auto insurance costs will go down thanks to discounts for electric vehicles.
- You will have access to a growing number of businesses (restaurants, hotels, etc.) that offer free recharging.
- You will have access to government discounts of up to:
* $ 4000 for a used electric car (government of Quebec)
* $ 8,000 for a new plug-in hybrid or electric car (government of Quebec)
* $ 5,000 for a new electric car (Government of Canada)

Result: The total cost of ownership of an electric car is therefore generally cheaper than that of a petrol car of the same class.

Our collective portfolio

- We will collectively enrich ourselves by using our electricity from Hydro-Quebec rather than enriching foreign oil companies.
- We will help create thousands of new quality jobs in a multitude of Quebec companies specializing in the sector.
- We will reduce the costs of our health care.

Your environment and your health

- You will emit much less air pollutants (over its entire life cycle) than in a gasoline car.
- You will emit much less GHGs (over its entire life cycle) than in a gasoline car.
- You will collectively contribute to improving heart and lung health and reducing cancer in Quebecers.
- You will be driving a car whose “fuel” does not stink.
- You will be driving a car whose "fuel" is not likely to spill, soil the ground and water, catch fire or explode like gasoline can.
- You can preheat and defrost your electric car in winter without polluting.
- You will decrease noise pollution by driving a quiet car, less stressful for passengers and the surrounding community.
- You will be driving a car whose energy source is 99% renewable.
- You will drive a car whose batteries are reusable and up to 95% recyclable.

Your daily life and your driving pleasure

- You will have access to reserved lanes on Quebec roads.
- You will no longer experience the nasty backlash associated with changing gears in gasoline cars.
- You will have access to more and more electric cars with a range now exceeding 200, 300, 400 and even 500 kilometers, depending on your needs.
- You will have access to more and more plug-in hybrid vehicles that will allow you to drive 100% electric 50% to 90% of the time.
- Your main “gas station” ... will be your own residence (90% of recharging is done at home or at work).
- Your electric car will start much easier in winter and heat up instantly.
- You will have access to an increasingly large network of charging stations on the roads of Quebec (of which the main network belongs to us collectively) as well as elsewhere in North America.
Furthermore,
- Electric cars are statistically more reliable than gasoline cars.
- The handling of an electric car is better than that of an equivalent gasoline car.
- Electric cars have faster acceleration.

At Automont, experience the Chevrolet Bolt. The best choice of Protect yourself!

The Chevrolet Bolt EV is ready to take you where you need to go. This affordable fully electric car gives you a range of up to 417 km when fully charged. In addition, it features the latest advanced security technologies, a lot of space, and a beautiful look. With the Bolt EV, nothing will hold you back.