Understanding Electric Vehicles (EVs)

Electric vehicles (EVs) are fun to drive, cheaper and easier to maintain than gas-powered vehicles, and contribute fewer emissions into the air. With tax incentives available and a fast-growing network of charging stations, find out if owning an EV is the right choice for you.

Which EV is Right for Me?

Battery Electric

Battery Electric

Fully electric cars offer the smallest environmental footprint and the biggest savings on maintenance and fuel.

Plug-in Hybrid

Plug-in Hybrid

Plug-in hybrids have a rechargable electric motor and a gas-powered engine to extend range if needed.

Traditional Hybrid

Traditional Hybrid

Powered by an electric motor and gas-powered engine, Hybrids recharge as you drive. Tax credits and other benefits may not apply.

Benefits of Plugging In

Federal Tax Credit

Federal Tax Credit

A federal tax rebate up to $5,000 is available on many EV models.

Local Incentives

Local Incentives

Even more savings from your province and/or utility company.

Low Cost to Own

Low Cost to Own

EV owners can expect to spend half as much on maintenance and repair (Consumer Reports)

Fuel Up At Home

Fuel Up At Home

Charge while you sleep, work, or at a growing number of public chargers.

Quick and Quiet

Quick and Quiet

Enjoy fast and smooth acceleration, better handling, and a quieter ride.

Best of Both Worlds

Best of Both Worlds

Plug-in hybrids provide electric range for short trips and gas-power for longer journeys.

70%
of Canadians who plan to buy a new vehicle in the next five years are likely to buy an EV.
Source: CBC

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Owning an EV

Understanding Charging


Charging times vary depending of the type of charger used.


Level 1 chargers use a standard household outlet and charge about 3-8 km of range per hour, making Level 1 a good choice for plug-in hybrid vehicles but not battery electric vehicles.


Level 2 chargers can be installed at your home by a professional electrician and charge about 16-32 km of range per hour. A good choice for any EV when charging overnight or all-day is possible.


Level 3 fast chargers are the most efficient and can be found at commercial locations. Level 3 can charge about 96-128 km of range in about 20 minutes, making it a good choice for any EV when a quick charge is needed on the go.

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Charging from Home

For plug-in hybrid vehicles a standard outlet (Level 1) will be enough for overnight charging. For battery electric vehicles, a Level 2 charger will require professional installation by a licensed electrician. If you live in an apartment or condo, consider talking with the property owner about installing a charger or use a nearby public charger. Talk to our sales staff to find out more about charging from home.

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Battery Care

Most batteries will last between 160,000 and 320,000 km when properly cared for. With battery technology continually advancing, that number will continue to increase. If you can keep your battery between 20% and 80% charged most days and avoid extremely hot temperatures, you can expect your maintenance to be minimal.

Charging Stations Near Guelph Toyota

Common Questions

What rebates and incentives are available?

A federal tax rebate of up to $5,000 is available on most EV models. Depending on where you live, provincial and local rebates and incentives may also be available. Check with your sales associate to find out if the model is eligible for rebates and incentives.

What other perks are available?

Other advantages of owning an EV:

  • Eligible EVs may also qualify for HOV lane access, which are normally restricted to vehicles with multiple passengers.
  • Many electric companies offer lower rates based on the time of use. With EVs, you can save money by charging during off-peak times.
  • If you're able to charge from work or home, there's usually no need to stop to refuel like you would in a gas-powered vehicle.
  • EVs produce zero tail-pipe emissions resulting in cleaner air and better health.

How much will I save on gas?

This will vary depending on the local price of electricity and gas and where you are charging (at home or public charger), but most EV owners can expect to save on fuel cost. A recent Consumer Reports study found the “typical EV owner who does most of their fueling at home can expect to save an average of $800 to $1,000 a year on fueling costs over an equivalent gasoline-powered car.”

Source: Benjamin Preston. October 08, 2020. EVs Offer Big Savings Over Traditional Gas-Powered Cars.

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/evs-offer-big-savings-over-traditional-gas-powered-cars/

How much will I save on maintenance?

A recent Consumer Reports study found “maintenance and repair costs for EVs are significantly lower over the life of the vehicle – about half – than for gasoline–powered vehicles, which require regular fluid changes and are more mechanically complex. The average dollar savings over the lifetime of the vehicle is about $4,600 USD.”


Source: Benjamin Preston. October 08, 2020. EVs Offer Big Savings Over Traditional Gas-Powered Cars.


https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/evs-offer-big-savings-over-traditional-gas-powered-cars/

How much range do I need?

Gas powered vehicles offer a range of 480-640km. Battery electric vehicles offer a median range of 400km. For EV owners who charge at home, this is more than enough for daily use. For longer drives beyond the range of your vehicle, check a public charger map for charger availability along your route.

How long does it take to charge?

  • Level 1 chargers use a standard household outlet and charge about 3-8 km of range per hour, making Level 1 a good choice for plug-in hybrid vehicles, but not battery electric vehicles.

  • Level 2 chargers can be installed at your home by a professional electrician, and charge about 16-32 km of range per hour. A good choice for any EV when charging overnight or all-day is possible.

  • Level 3 fast chargers are the most efficient and can be found at commercial locations. Level 3 can charge about 96-128 km of range in about 20 minutes, making it a good choice for any EV when a quick charge is needed on the go.

Can I charge at home?

Yes, Level 1 and Level 2 chargers can be used at home. In fact, the standard 120V outlet supports a Level 1 charger. Level 2 chargers require 240V and can be installed by a licensed electrician. If you do not own your home, you may need to work with your property owner to install a Level 2 charger.

How long does the battery last?

Most batteries will last between 240,000 and 320,000 km when properly cared for. With battery technology continually advancing, that number should continue to increase.

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