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8 Frequently Asked Questions About Electric Vehicles

17 July 2024

We get a lot of questions about electric vehicles, and we thought we'd collect and answer them here.

1. Is an electric car really less polluting?

Yes. Over its entire life cycle, in other words, from manufacture to end-of-life, an electric vehicle will emit up to 80% fewer GHGs than a gasoline-powered car. At the time of manufacture, the plug-in vehicle has a higher environmental impact. However, at the end of their life, electric vehicles have a much better environmental record than gasoline-powered vehicles, not only in terms of GHG emissions, but also in terms of human health, ecosystem quality and fossil fuel resource conservation.

Even in regions where electricity grids are powered by fossil fuels, electric vehicles are still less polluting than gasoline-powered vehicles. It's the petrol consumption of a gasoline-powered vehicle that weighs heavily in its environmental balance sheet.

Of course, the most environmentally friendly means of transportation remains walking, cycling or using public transport whenever possible.


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2. Does an electric vehicle cost more than a gasoline-powered vehicle?

When we compare the total cost of ownership (purchase + use), the electric vehicle wins hands down. According to a study by Clean Energy Canada, the savings are most impressive in Québec: the total cost of ownership of an electric vehicle over 10 years (i.e. all costs related to the initial purchase of the vehicle, its maintenance and use) is up to 47% less than that of a gasoline-powered vehicle.

This difference is due to the lower energy and maintenance costs of an electric vehicle.

For example, it costs around $2 to drive an electric car for 100 km, and you don't have to worry about oil changes.


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3. How long is the waiting list for an electric car?

As with conventional vehicles, delivery times vary greatly depending on the model and options required. Some manufacturers manage to deliver within a few weeks, while for other EVs, the wait can be counted in months. At present, several brands have vehicles in stock and can deliver them very quickly, which means they can still benefit from the full financial aid available until the end of 2024.

The market for used EVs is increasingly well-stocked, making it possible to obtain a vehicle in a matter of days.

According to our latest Running Electric survey conducted in November 2023, 46% of respondents obtained their electric vehicle in less than 6 months.

4. Is the range of electric vehicles sufficient?

Yes. You need to choose a model that meets your needs from the wide variety of plug-in vehicles available in Quebec today.

According to Clean Energy Canada, given that Canadian drivers travel less than 60 kilometers a day, and that the average range of 100% electric vehicles currently on sale exceeds 450 kilometers, this is more than enough to cover the majority of daily trips, even in winter.


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5. What is the range of an electric vehicle in winter?

Whether gasoline-powered or electric, vehicles consume more fuel in winter. Electric range can vary from 10% to 40%, depending on vehicle model, weather conditions, use of a heat pump and driving style. To maximize range, several techniques can be used, such as eco-driving, scheduled charging sessions and energy recovery.

On the other hand, the electric car offers undeniable advantages in winter. Since you don't start an electric vehicle, but rather switch it on, starting problems are virtually non-existent with an EV, even in extreme cold. The car can also be preheated using electricity from the grid without consuming battery power. This increases the battery's performance while enhancing passenger comfort with a warm interior.


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6. How long does an electric vehicle battery last?

The warranty on an electric vehicle's battery is usually 8 years, but in many cases it can last up to 15 years or 500,000 km. This means that it is rare for a battery to have to be replaced during the vehicle's lifetime.

A battery can have a second life, for example as an energy store, and then a third life, with up to 95% of its contents recycled here in Québec by Lithion.

End-of-life electric vehicle batteries are therefore not only reusable, but also recyclable.


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7. What if I need to charge my car on the road?

First and foremost, 80% to 90% of charging is done at home, meaning that charging on the road is fairly limited for the majority of EV drivers.

Secondly, the charging network in Québec, particularly the fast-charging network, is expanding rapidly. Most of the territory is already effectively covered, with over 10,000 public charging stations in Québec, including more than 1,200 fast charging stations and 300 Tesla Superchargers.

Finally, the number of fast-charging stations is set to continue rising: by 2030, one public charging station will be available for every 16 electric vehicles on the road, compared with the current ratio of one station for every 23 electric vehicles (source: MELCCFP).


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8. Could Hydro-Québec's power grid run out of electricity to charge the entire electric vehicle fleet?

Hydro-Québec relies on a diversification of renewable energy sources, an improvement in the capacity of existing dams and better demand management (particularly during peak periods) to meet future energy needs without having to build new hydroelectric infrastructure.

Nevertheless, it's important for EV drivers to take a few simple steps to reduce their consumption during peak periods. Using the vehicle's dashboard or mobile app, you can program charging times to avoid peak periods, as recommended by Hydro-Québec, particularly during cold winters. You can even earn cash rewards for optimizing your electricity consumption (Hydro-Québec dynamic pricing and the Hilo program). Avoiding peak hours helps reduce pressure on the power grid during periods of high demand and contributes to the energy transition.


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