Why should I drive an EV?
How do I choose the right vehicle for me?
Buying and maintaining an EV
Learn more about charging options
Incentives and resources available to assist you
Why Drive an Electric Vehicle?
Electric Vehicles (EVs) are more than just vessels for travelling from place to place and running errands. EVs are stylish, are less expensive to maintain and operate, and help the environment.
Here’s some of the reasons why EVs might be the right fit for you:
- EVs are up to 70% more sustainable than gasoline/diesel vehicles over their lifetimes. They emit approximately 60-70% less carbon dioxide (CO2). The average Canadian driver can reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 90% by switching to an EV.
- You can save money on fuel and operational costs with an EV. Drivers can save as much as $20,000 in fuel annually driving an EV. EVS also have fewer moving mechanical parts – they don’t require oil changes, coolant flushes or exhaust system repairs – saving you hundreds of dollars a year.
- Driving an EV comes with perks: You’ll also be joining a tight-knit community of other EV drivers and enthusiasts. You can get a Green Vehicle license plate, which allows you to drive in HOV lanes with only one person in the vehicle. There are also designated parking spaces with charging stations reserved for EVs.
If you’re considering an EV and need some advice, call us or email us and we’ll answer any questions you may have.
How do I choose the right EV for me?
As EVs continue to evolve and vehicles become more commonplace, there are more options available to prospective buyers than ever before. There are EVs that run exclusively on electricity, and plus in hybrid EVs that can run on both electricity and gasoline.
To help you make an informed decision on the type of EV that best fits your lifestyle, here is a brief outline of the options you may have:
- Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)
Battery Electric Vehicles run entirely on a battery and electric drive train and get their “fuel” from plugging into an external source of electricity to recharge. Like all electric vehicles, BEVs recharge their batteries through regenerative braking: when the motor slows, the EV reuses some of the energy normally converted to heat by the brakes. - Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles run mostly on rechargeable batteries, but they’re also equipped with an internal combustion engine that can recharge the battery or replace the electric drive train when more power is needed. PHEVs are often cheaper and cleaner than traditional hybrids because they can be recharged by plugging into the power grid. - Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)
These are the traditional hybrids. Hybrid Electric Vehicles have two complementary drive systems: a gas engine and fuel tank, plus an electric motor, battery, and controls. The gas engine and the electric motor can simultaneously turn the transmission, which powers the wheels. HEVs are not plug-ins — they cannot be recharged from the power grid. - Fuel-Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV)
Fuel-cell Electric Vehicles use hydrogen and oxygen to generate electricity, and they have several advantages: they refuel in minutes, emit only water as exhaust, and have a range of about 500 kilometers – but they’re not yet widely available. There’s one model available in Canada — the fuel-cell Hyundai Tucson — and a handful of public hydrogen refuelling stations. - You can also use the Find My EV match tool to find the vehicle that best suits your budget and driving needs.
Buying and Owning an EV
When you’ve made the decision to switch to an EV, there are things you can done to make the process. Let Enova help make the process easier by outlining the steps involved.
- EV Match tool: Explore the options available to you with the Find your EV Match The tool can personalize the buying process and show you which vehicles will best fit your lifestyle.
- Find a dealership: Find a trusted dealer in your area who can advise you and answer any questions you might have
- EV Match tool: Explore the options available to you with the Find your EV Match The tool can personalize the buying process and show you which vehicles will best fit your lifestyle.
- Find a dealership: Find a trusted dealer in your area who can advise you and answer any questions you might have
Now that you’re ready to purchase your vehicle and get on the road, you need to finalize your purchase with insurance and registration.
- Insurance is calculated the same way it is for gasoline/diesel powered vehicles. It will depend on the claims history for your particular model, as well as your postal code, age, and driving record
- The location of your battery can also be a factor since some batteries are better protected than others. While some insurance providers offer discount rates on EVs, your insurance should be comparable to an equivalent gasoline/diesel powered vehicle
Chargers and Charging Options
Electric vehicles must be connected to an electrical system to charge. The amount of time it takes to charge your vehicle depends on your vehicle and on the charger you select.
There are three categories of chargers:
Level 1 charging uses a standard 120-V outlet. These are the most cost-efficient chargers and all EV models come standard with a portable 120-volt cord set that allows you to charge anywhere with a standard household outlet.
It’s cost-efficient, but charging with a Level 1 charge also takes the longest. It takes between 12-20 hours to charge a standard vehicle and 6-12 to charge a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle
These chargers are the most practical solutions for residential customers and workplace settings. Level 2 chargers have a higher power outlet than Level 1. They use a 240-volt outlet, similar to household ovens and clothes dryers.
Level 2 chargers take 6-10 hours to fully charge a standard vehicle and 4-8 hours to charge a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle. The price of Level 2 chargers can range from $400 to $1,200. Chargers designed for multiple users (like those at condo buildings or businesses) can range between $1,000 and $4,000
Level 3 chargers are the fastest on the market. You may be able to charge your vehicle in less than an hour. DC fast chargers are typically found at public charging stations because of the high load and infrastructure upgrades required to support these charges. Remember, not every EV model supports level 3 charging, so these may not work for your needs.
Charging my electric vehicle
Charging at home: If you’re looking at upgrading to a Level 2 charger, Enova can help. Contact our Customer Care department or call 226-892-2200 and we can ensure you have the power requirements you need. You’ll need a licensed electrician to install a Level 2 charger. To find one in your area visit the Electrical Safety Authority’s Find a Licensed Contractor Web Portal.
- Charging at an apartment or condo building: We encourage you to work with the building’s owner or condo corporation to identify the services you need before you purchase your EV. If you are part of a condominium corporation, you can access information and resources the on the Condominium Authority of Ontario (CAO) website. The CAO maintains information dedicated to assisting owners in applying for the installation of EV chargers.
- Charging on the go: Charging stations are more popular than ever and there are plenty available in Waterloo Region. Enova’s Country Squire office is equipped with public chargers for our customers and visitors. There are also online maps available to find charging stations in Waterloo and Kitchener. You can use platforms like PlugShare to locate available EV chargers in your area.
- Enova’s Public Chargers: There are six Level 2 public chargers available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in our parking lot at 526 Country Squire Road in Waterloo. The cost to charge is $1 per hour.
Transport Canada also has an interactive charging location map to help you find a convenient charging station near you. Find a charging station near you.
The Electrical Safety Authority has a helpful online resource to assist you in selecting a charger that will fit your needs while keeping you, your vehicle, and your property safe.
Available Incentives
There are programs and incentives available to assist EV drivers and encourage you to make the switch to an electric vehicle. If you have questions at any time, please reach out to our experts and we’ll work with you to complete the application program and find the incentive program that’s the right fit for you.
- The Canadian Government’s Incentives for Zero-Emission Vehicles Program offers incentives on qualifying vehicles to help fight climate change. Depending on the vehicle you drive, you may be eligible for up to $5,000 in incentives.
