The truth about electric vehicles by automobile en direct

Here are all the things that are often said about electric vehicles…do you have any to add ?

Electric cars are for rich people

FALSE, whether new or used, the rebates offered by governments (provincial + federal) for their purchase are at competitive savings, since you’re buying an innovative and non-polluting vehicle. What’s more, there are added subsidies for the installation of a charging station at home or by an employer at the workplace.

An electric vehicle is more costly than a gas-powered vehicle

FALSE, your investment quickly pays for itself since you won’t be needing gas fill-ups, won’t be dependent on prices at the pump; not to mention that maintenance costs for an electric car are 30 to 50% less. Plus, the charging station network is developing rapidly everywhere in Quebec and the rest of Canada… and more and more of them are free !

An electric vehicle can’t stand up to Quebec winters

FALSE, an electric vehicle will have the same limitations as a gas vehicle during winter. What we do know: the electric vehicle will start better, it can be warmed and defrosted from a distance without polluting, and it often holds the road better (since the battery is in the floor). We advise taking the heated seats and steering wheel (less electricity-gobbling than the classic heating system) and plugging it in during colder spells.

There are not enough charging stations in Quebec and Canada

FALSE, over 45% of electric vehicles circulating in Canada are in Quebec. That is why the network of charging stations is exploding all over the province of Quebec, as well as in the rest of Canada. Actually, the Hydro Quebec Electric Circuit foresees the installation of more than 1600 rapid-charging stations (level 3) from now until 2027, thus ensuring complete coverage throughout Quebec.

Finding charging stations for electric vehicles is complicated

FALSE, there are applications for smartphones that allow you to find charging stations in the area. It’s even possible to plan your route by charging stations and to check if they are occupied or out of service. That can make it easier than finding your way to a gas pump.

An electric vehicle is not suited to my road needs.

FALSE, whether it’s for the wide-open road or in the city, technological developments allow today’s electric vehicles to be equipped with ever higher-performing batteries (from 200 to 500 km of autonomy, depending on your needs) over the distance travelled, and the proliferation of stations throughout the territory ensures peace of mind.

Electric vehicles pollute as much as gas vehicles.

FALSE, whether it’s a question of the production or the recycling process of vehicles, as well as the exploitation of petroleum resources, electric vehicles are part of the solution to reduce greenhouse gases and air pollution.