Did you know around 80 percent of Canadians remain open to one day owning an electric vehicle?
Using an electric vehicle will save you money and lessen your carbon footprint. If you’re ready to learn about buying an electric car, keep reading.
In this guide, you’ll learn about some helpful tips for buying an EV. You’ll also learn what essential factors to consider before making this investment.
Ready to learn more? Keep reading.
1. Electric Vehicles Aren't Cheap
There are some deals with electric vehicles. But they are usually more expensive than an internal combustion-powered vehicle. Even if you find a cheaper electric car, you’ll still spend a fair amount.
Your EV isn’t going to cost you anything regarding fuel. Filling your vehicle up with electricity is way cheaper than diesel or petrol.
If you’re a first-time car buyer, learn all you can about your options. Check out this guide for helpful tips.
2. Are There EV Incentives?
Some people will be able to get an EV because there are incentives. Research the federal electric vehicle incentives. Some of the federal incentives may have begun to expire.
Manufacturers have sold tons of EVs and don’t need as many incentives to sell them.
Most provinces usually offer EV incentives. For example, check out the incentive available in Prince Edward Island. The incentive is based on the cost of the car and the taxes.
Learn more about the eligible vehicles for the Incentives for Zero-Emission Vehicles (iZEV) Program.
3. Prepare for Unique Costs to EV Ownership
Owning an EV will involve unique costs. You won’t fuel your vehicle for free, but you will see a higher electric bill.
Consider the charging setup you can set up at home. Do a slow level one charger and a regular outlet work fine? Will you need to upgrade to a pricier level two charger that becomes semi-permanent in your garage?
Depending on your particular needs, expenses like this will add up. Electric vehicles are more expensive compared to gas-powered cars. However, think about whether your EV will save money in the long run.
4. What About the Warranty?
Electric cars have been around on the mass market for about 10 years. However, modern electric vehicle technology’s still growing. To give drivers peace of mind, manufacturers are pretty generous with warranties.
They also have generous warranties for electric drivetrains, batteries, and even plug-in hybrids.
Whether you buy new or lightly-used, you won’t need to worry about expensive battery issues for a bit. Warranties on the Nissan Leaf and the Chevy Bolt are 8 years for 100,000 miles.
Both will exceed the basic powertrain and warranty.
5. Will an Electric Vehicle Suit Your Lifestyle?
The EV landscape has consisted of compact vehicles like the Tesla Model 3 and the Chevy Bolt. Yet, SUV electric vehicles are popping up, as well.
SUV options include the Nissan Ariya, Ford Mustang Mach E, or the Volkswagen ID 4. The electric vehicle market has begun diversifying more and more.
There aren’t many electric options for specific segments like mini-vans, pickup trucks, or three-row SUVs. Consider these factors when picking a vehicle for your lifestyle.
6. Spend Time Researching the Vehicles
Today, electric vehicles come in varying sizes and shapes. You could get a city car from Volkswagen or a larger SUV with seven seats.
You’ll want to consider practicality, comfort, and handling when buying a vehicle. What does the vehicle brand offer you as a consumer? Will you have special access to charging ports or networks?
For range, will you drive 300 miles every day? On average, you probably aren’t going to be driving that amount of mileage. If you go on a longer commute later, consider renting a vehicle that can go the mileage.
7. Try Driving the Vehicle First
Before committing to an electric vehicle, it’s helpful to test drive it first. When moving your EV for the first time, you might be pleasantly surprised by the lack of noise.
Most EVs have regenerative braking systems. This harvested energy is lost when you begin slowing down. When you lift off the accelerator, your car will lose speed faster than typical vehicles.
Most EVs will allow you to adjust to the amount of regeneration, while others let you turn it off.
8. Where Will You Charge Your Vehicle at Home?
You will want to consider where you’ll charge your vehicle home for practical purposes. You could use a three-pin plug, but that will take a long time.
Charging a Zoe, for example, using a standard socket, could take 37 hours. If at all possible, look at installing a 7kW wall box on your drive.
Your dealership selling the electric car should be able to help you through this process.
A plug-in at home will dramatically change things for you as an EV owner. You can plug in your vehicle at night, so it’s fully charged for the morning.
9. What About Public Charging?
Charging your vehicle isn’t as straightforward as plugging it in somewhere.
Specific commercial chargers will let you pay as you go by using a contactless debit or credit card. With other providers, you will need to set up an account beforehand.
There isn’t a guarantee that the electric charger will even work when you arrive. It might not work with your vehicle correctly and only provide a slow trickle. Also, expect to deal with some waits, as well.
With an EV, you will need to handle some of the unpredictability of ownership.
10. Try Using Smartphone Technology
Some electric vehicles will have a dedicated mobile app. The mobile app will allow you to schedule charging and enjoy lower energy prices. have help with journey planning, and have more control over air conditioning.
With your app, you can tell it when you will leave. Your vehicle could have the windows defrosted.
11. You Could Sell an Older Vehicle
Some vehicle owners will look at keeping their old vehicles. But if you’d like some extra cash, look at selling your older vehicle. You can use the money you make on the car sale and put it toward your new EV.
An electric vehicle will serve you well for your unique purposes. You could always rent a fueled vehicle from a vehicle rental company if you need a fueled vehicle.
12. Begin Sharing Your Experience With Others
Share your experience with your friends about the electric car. Take your friends or family for a drive in the electric car. They might end up getting inspired to buy an electric vehicle.
Ask your friends and family what they would recommend, as well. Share your experiences, and keep learning about how to adjust to this new lifestyle.
13. Enjoy a Greener Option
People want to pursue green options when it comes to personal lifestyle choices. People invest in solar panels for their homes.
People are also becoming more interested in shopping locally and buying from farmers. You might be ready to take the next step with your vehicle and get an electric option now.
14. Find an Electric Vehicle You Love
Now, you’ll want to look at finding an electric vehicle that suits your needs and desires. You could discover an aesthetic car that looks cool but also saves your carbon footprint.
Look at getting a vehicle that will suit your needs and save money.
15. How Will You Pay for Your EV?
Once you determine what vehicle you will buy suited to your lifestyle, think about your budget. How will you pay for your vehicle? Will you buy a new or used electric vehicle?
There are some loans available to help with buying an EV. Learn about some of the loan options available for Canadians.
You could also begin planning to buy an electric vehicle. Pay off your remaining debt, and begin saving up money.
It would be helpful to put a couple thousand dollars down on your vehicle. This way, you can begin chipping away at the remaining balance over the next few years.
Begin the Process of Buying an Electric Car
Buying an electric car is exciting and sometimes overwhelming process.
Learning how to manage an electric vehicle and find decent chargers is part of the process. Look at working with a reputable electric car dealer who will help you through this new phase of life.
You might also want an in-home charger so your vehicle stays charged.
Would you like some help with getting a loan for your vehicle? Check out this page to learn more about your options. Our customer service team will help you through this process.