Myth buster: The truth about electric cars
Electric cars are becoming more popular around the world, as many people are looking for ways to decrease their personal carbon footprint. However, some are hesitant to make the switch and are unsure if an electric vehicle can meet their needs.
To help you understand if an electric vehicle is right for you, we’ve compiled a list of common myths and the truth behind them.
Myth: Electric cars can’t handle cold weather
Fact: It is true that cold weather decreases the range of electric cars, but that’s not unique — gas cars also lose fuel efficiency in cold weather. On average, at -6 C an electric vehicle’s range can decrease by one-third, whereas gas powered cars will see a decrease of about 15%.1
You can extend the range of your electric vehicle by pre-heating the car while it’s still plugged in and using seat warmers instead of cabin heaters while driving. Additionally, you likely don’t need your electric vehicle’s full range to get you through your day-to-day driving around town — many of the latest models have ranges of between 320-480 km, so you could expect to get at least 200km in cold weather.
Anecdotally, electric vehicles have even been known to handle a harsh winter in the Yukon. According to a CBC article, one Yukon driver found that his electric car performed well even at -39 C and had no problem starting at all temperatures.
Myth: There aren’t enough charging stations in Ontario
Fact: More charging stations are being added across the country every year — as of February 2021, there was a 22% increase in fast-charger installations since March 2020.2 In Ontario, there are a total of 1,593 charging stations in the province.3 By the end of 2021, the Ivy Charging Network plans to launch an additional 160 fast chargers at 73 locations across Ontario.4
When you’re on the go, you can use an app like Charge Hub to easily locate charging stations along your route.
Myth: Electric cars are unaffordable
Fact: Electric cars can cost more up front but are more affordable to run in the long term. In fuel costs alone, the average driver might spend only $300-400 to charge their electric vehicle in a year but would spend $1,000-$2,500 in gas for the same amount of driving. To incentivize use of electric vehicles, some cities have free public charging stations.
Electric cars also require less maintenance than gas powered vehicles and will last thousands of road hours longer between maintenance checks. Plus, they don’t require oil changes.4 Batteries will need to be replaced after around 130,000 to 200,000 km, but some manufacturers offer battery warranty to ensure that your battery lasts at least 10 years after your purchase.5
There are also incentives from the federal government to help Canadians afford electric cars. Depending on the model, you can get up to a $5,000 discount.6 With the government incentive you can get a new electric vehicle for $40,000, slightly below the average cost of a new car in Canada of about $40,900.7
Myth: Electric cars take too long to charge
Fact: The time it takes to charge your battery depends on what charging station you use. DC fast charging stations are the fastest, giving electric vehicles 95-130km per 20 minutes of charge. These types of charging stations are less common but are becoming more popular. Level 2 charging stations, similar to the type of outlet that powers your washing machine, can give about 40km per hour of charge. Level 1 charging stations, similar to your basic household outlet, give around 19km per hour of charge.5
If you frequently drive longer distances and are worried about finding fast charging stations, there are plug in hybrids that can use gas once their battery is depleted, allowing you to have the advantage of an electric vehicle for shorter distances and the convenience of gas fuel for longer trips.
Myth: No one is buying electric cars
Fact: Electric vehicle sales are increasing around the world, and Canada is no exception. In a 2021 survey, 68% of Canadians who plan to buy a new vehicle within the next five years are likely to buy an electric vehicle.8 As electric car ownership increases, the charging infrastructure will also increase, adding to the appeal of owning an electric vehicle.
Are you interested in purchasing an electric car? To find out how buying an electric car will impact your car insurance rates, get a quote from a OTIP Insurance Broker today by calling 1-833-615-9326. To add an electric vehicle to your existing OTIP car insurance policy, call 1-833-494-0089.