What are the advantages of buying an electric car?
1.Fuel Savings
Electric cars are becoming increasingly popular due to their obvious economic advantage: their low operating cost. Electricity is a much cheaper energy source than fuel, which allows for significant savings. Electric car owners can easily recharge their vehicles at home by installing a charging station, or by using the increasingly available number of public charging stations.
Charging at home is particularly advantageous because it allows drivers to recharge in the comfort of their homes while benefiting from highly advantageous electricity rates. Additionally, many public charging station operators offer cost-effective monthly packages, reducing expenses for charging away from home. Transitioning to an electric car can represent substantial long-term savings for electric vehicle owners. The amount saved depends on several factors such as gasoline and electricity prices, the number of miles driven, the car model, and the technology used.
To get an idea of the savings you could achieve with an electric vehicle, check out Hydro Quebec's cost calculator.
2.Reduced Maintenance Costs
Electric cars offer another major economic advantage: reduced maintenance costs. Unlike internal combustion engine vehicles, electric cars have fewer moving parts and wear-prone components in their composition. This results in less need for regular maintenance such as oil changes, air filter replacements, and repairs related to complex mechanical systems.
Furthermore, regenerative braking systems in electric cars reduce brake pad wear, extending their lifespan. In the end, electric car owners spend less money on vehicle maintenance, contributing to a significant reduction in ownership costs over the car's lifespan.
3.Government Subsidies and Tax Benefits
Despite the energy and maintenance savings electric cars offer, their purchase and lease prices often remain higher than those of gasoline vehicles. Fortunately, the federal government and the government of Quebec offer subsidies to individuals and businesses to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles.
Moreover, several provinces offer their own incentives, which apply to the purchase or lease of eligible vehicles, replacing older vehicles, or installing charging stations. Since the amounts, programs, and eligible vehicles may vary depending on the province, year, or vehicle model, it's recommended to do thorough research before proceeding with an electric vehicle purchase or lease.
4.Access to Various Road Privileges
Electric car drivers can also enjoy several road privileges. Some provinces like Quebec and Ontario offer special license plates for electric and hybrid vehicle owners. These plates can grant access to several privileges such as using reserved lanes, getting discounts on parking, or accessing toll-free roads. These privileges save both costs and time!
5.Reduction of Carbon Footprint
In addition to economic benefits, electric cars play a crucial role in reducing carbon footprint. By using electricity as their energy source, they emit significantly fewer greenhouse gases compared to combustion vehicles. This significantly contributes to the fight against climate change and reducing air pollution. Electric motors convert a larger portion of electrical energy into motion, thereby reducing CO2 emissions. Governments and companies worldwide are working to promote this transition to clean energy.
Choosing to buy an electric vehicle comes with many economic, practical, and environmental advantages. However, before taking action, it's essential to consider another important aspect: choosing the right charging station. To evaluate which electric vehicle charging station suits your needs, feel free to make an appointment with one of our transportation electrification advisors.
