As battery-powered vehicles become more mainstream, they’re starting to hit a price sweet spot, and they’re becoming a great option for many drivers. However, there are several things to consider before making the switch.
Electric vehicle cars more to buy than their gasoline-powered counterparts, but they often make up for it in the long run with lower fuel and maintenance costs. If you’re looking to save money on your EV purchase, consider checking for federal and provincial incentives. Many of the models on our list qualify for financial largesse from Ottawa and some provinces, indicated by the iZEV marker.
Before you buy, also consider how much range your driving needs will require and if you’ll need to install a home charging station. If you do need to charge your EV on the go, you’ll also want to look into how far away public chargers are and their availability.
Mustang Mach-E Battery Size: What You Need to Know
Lastly, you should also be aware that EV owners report 79 per cent more problems with their powertrains than gas-powered vehicles, according to Consumer Reports. While this is largely due to the lack of widespread recharging infrastructure, you should still research the reliability of the car you’re considering.
Lastly, if you’re interested in the cutting-edge, consider hydrogen fuel cell EVs. These vehicles offer some significant benefits, including quick refueling times and long driving ranges. However, they’ll only work where there are hydrogen refueling stations, which aren’t yet widely available. Hybrids aren’t considered electric vehicles, and they may be a better option for drivers who don’t need the extra range offered by these cars.