What are the benefits to owning an EV?

Beyond the positive environmental result of reducing your CO₂ emissions, EVs and hybrids provide a number of overlooked benefits that make choosing electric more affordable and exciting.

Depending on where you purchase or lease your EV or hybrid, there are local rebates and incentives to make the switch more affordable. Plus, the control of charging your vehicle at times when the utility rates are lower, like at night and early morning, means you can save by simply planning and setting charge times.

Electric motors consist of fewer moving parts, which means your EV or hybrid may incur less maintenance costs. Regenerative braking can also extend the life of brake pads as hybrids use the electric motor to decelerate. Not to mention, full EVs will never require new spark plugs, fuel filters or oil changes.

By nature, EVs and hybrids are a thrill to drive. The battery and electric motor produce peak torque from a standstill, resulting in instant acceleration without the required buildup time experienced with gasoline engines. Handling also benefits from the design of EVs and hybrids with batteries placed below the cabin floor. These lower the vehicle’s centre of gravity to offer greater weight distribution, resulting in improved cornering and stability.

Are EVs good for the planet?

EVs offer many environmental benefits that make them more sustainable options for everyday drivers.

Naturally, among the most significant benefits is a zero-emission driving lifecycle. On average, more than two thirds of an EV’s carbon dioxide emissions come from its production – considerably reducing CO₂ emissions over the vehicle’s lifetime. This helps to reduce the driver’s overall carbon footprint, directly benefitting the planet at large, but more immediately affecting the air quality locally for pedestrians, cyclists and neighbours.

As demand for electric vehicles grows, there is a shift of priority when it comes to the renewable energy to power them. Rather than focus on fossil fuel production, governments and companies can focus on cleaner ways to produce electricity, promoting renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and hydroelectric power.

EVs are crafted to be energy efficient. While traditional gas engines operate with a certain amount of heat loss throughout the combustion process, EVs convert a higher percentage of energy to power each wheel. Increased energy efficiency means lower demand for energy generation, which can be met through cleaner and renewable sources. Plus, with fewer moving parts, there is less wear on your vehicle’s power source, which can result in longer vehicle lifespans, less material consumption and less waste generation from broken manufactured car parts.

Of course, there are certain types of electrified vehicles that might fit you best, depending on what you need your vehicle for. But, if you’re looking for less emissions to take care of the planet, an EV is a great place to start.