With the price of gasoline reaching new heights and the environmental discourse becoming more and more of a concern, many Quebec motorists are now ready to say goodbye to their gas-powered car and turn to electric.
It even becomes a great problem, since the demand is so strong that car manufacturers are not able to deliver enough vehicles!
If you are still hesitating to put your name on a waiting list, here are 10 good reasons that could convince you to turn to an electric model.
No more oil
For many motorists, thumbing their noses at the oil companies is probably the number one motivation explaining the desire to go electric. When we see the fluctuations in the price of a liter of fuel as well as the profit margins of refineries, we can understand why!
A full vehicle every morning
Unlike gasoline models, electric vehicles can be refueled directly at home using a charging station. With a level 2 charging station (240 V), the vast majority of electric models can be fully charged in less than 10 hours, which means that you will wake up every morning with a vehicle full of energy. Provided, of course, that you have access to a terminal at your home.
In terms of range, several manufacturers now offer models capable of covering around 400 kilometers on a single charge. Even in winter, considering an energy loss of 40%, this allows you to cover more than 200 kilometers without hassle. And if you ever had to fill up with electrons on the way, know that Quebec has an excellent network of public charging stations, including hundreds of direct current stations that allow you to find a good percentage of charge in a few tens of minutes.
Photo: Kia
The environment
Many studies have shown that the environmental impact of an electric vehicle is less significant than that of a gasoline model when considering its complete life cycle. Although the production of an electric model is more polluting than that of an equivalent petrol model, the fact that the battery-powered vehicle does not emit CO2 during its travels means that it is indeed a environmentally sound choice. Still, if you really want to have an impact on the environment in your travels, the best solution is to start walking or cycling!
Less maintenance
Electric vehicles generally require less maintenance than gas-powered models. This is due to the fact that electric motors are technically less complex than gasoline engines. The simple fact of not having to think about oil changes is a real deliverance!
Reserved lanes
In Quebec, drivers of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles can legally travel on several reserved lanes, particularly in the metropolitan areas of Montreal and Quebec. This makes it easier to get around during rush hour!
Free access to paid bridges and ferries
Also in Quebec, electric vehicles can access highway 25 and 30 bridges free of charge in the Montreal area. Models with a green plate are also exempt from payment when using ferries managed by Quebec. Passengers must pay for their ticket, but access to the vehicle is absolutely free!
Current subsidies
Currently, Quebec motorists can benefit from government assistance totaling $12,000 ($5,000 federal and $7,000 provincial) for the purchase or lease of an electric vehicle. These grants won’t last forever, so might as well take advantage of them while they last!
Photo: Julien Amado
Surprising accelerations
Driving an electric vehicle is surprisingly fun! The accelerations they provide are sometimes comparable to those of a roller coaster. This is made possible thanks to the torque of the vehicle, which is delivered instantly as soon as you touch the accelerator pedal.
One-pedal driving
Several electric models are equipped with a function that allows them to be driven without using the brake pedal. By simply releasing the accelerator, the vehicle gradually slows down until it comes to a complete stop. This allows energy to be returned to the battery while sparing the braking system. Of course, the traditional brake pedal remains in place for emergency maneuvers or for those who simply prefer to drive in a more traditional way.
Vehicles in high demand
As we said in the introduction, electric models are in high demand in Quebec, so the waiting times to get one sometimes border on the ridiculous. For those who are lucky enough to obtain one, the financial risk is thus very low since the resale value of these models is very high. Everything indicates that supply will not be able to meet demand for a few more years.
Photo: Kia