Purchase of a vehicle | By the 2035 deadline

From 2035, it will no longer be possible to market a new vehicle emitting CO₂. At least, that’s the promise (or the threat, it depends) made by many governments, including that of Quebec. Many consumers are wondering today: should we postpone the electric option at the end of the term or put an end to this dependence on oil now? To try to enlighten them before they make their decision, here are a few things to think about.

Eric LeFrancois
special cooperation

Shall we hook up?

The future is electric. So why wait? This vehicle does not emit CO₂ in its path and virtually no particles. Its autonomy is progressing, its cost of use weighs less heavily on the family budget and the network responsible for supplying it flourishes. Even better, it can also be recharged at home. Other positive points, the subsidies remain, as do certain privileges (reserved lanes and parking). Finally, the offer appears more diversified than ever, especially in the most popular segments.

After the flowers, the pot. Autonomy remains generally lower than that of thermal models, the offer of public and fast terminals still scattered (especially in the region). Not to mention the purchase price, beyond the reach of many wallets. And there is availability. Months of waiting are to be expected.

Riding in an electric vehicle also means reconsidering travel as we define it today.

This one requires more planning because of the charging stops. And there is winter too. A season that undermines the autonomy and sometimes the comfort of the occupants (heating means a reduction in the load).

Finally, there is progress. Technological development is accelerating at high speed and many are counting on lighter, less bulky and above all superior energy efficiency dry batteries. Isn’t the obsolescence of the electric vehicles currently offered already programmed?

Half then?

For some consumers, the plug-in hybrid vehicle represents the ideal solution. This engine, which combines a combustion engine with an electric power unit, invites motorists to review their driving habits, without any real consequences. And, as a result, appreciable fuel savings at a time when the price at the pump continues to rise. The gasoline partition of this powertrain also makes it possible to consider long-distance journeys without feeling the slightest anxiety.

The technology is proven, but plug-in hybrids remain handicapped by limited electric range. In general, almost all of these vehicles equipped with two-headed mechanics struggle to travel 50 km without causing the combustion engine exhaust to smoke. Vehicles must therefore be plugged in, which some owners neglect to do, claiming that the vehicle can recharge itself. True, but at the cost of higher fuel consumption. In this case, this engine only gives good conscience to its user, but marks a setback for the environment.

We prefer the pump

The easy, proven and environmentally damaging solution, the good old gasoline engine, is struggling to cope with increasingly stringent anti-pollution standards. Devices for cylinder deactivation, variable compression ratio, automatic shut-off when stopping are no longer enough.

With the exception of a handful of manufacturers (the Stellantis and BMW groups in particular), the development of the gasoline engine is at a standstill.

But it reaches a level of reliability difficult to surpass, refuels easily and quickly. And if it hadn’t been paired too often with increasingly heavy vehicles (safety standards and consumers’ insatiable appetite for SUVs), its environmental footprint would undoubtedly be a little smaller. It is nonetheless a rational solution in these regions and neighborhoods where the charging network is scattered and limited to public terminals.

Now the decision is yours!