As electric vehicles (EVs) become more popular, it’s essential for potential and current EV owners to understand the maintenance requirements and benefits of owning an electric car. With governments and manufacturers investing heavily in EVs to reduce emissions, it’s crucial to be well-informed about the costs and responsibilities associated with EV ownership.

Understanding the Costs and Savings of EV Ownership

While the entry cost to EV ownership can be high, averaging just over $61,000, the long-term savings in fuel costs and maintenance can make them more affordable than gas-powered cars. Government incentives, such as those in New Brunswick, offer up to $10,000 for purchasing an EV, making them more accessible to the average consumer. Additionally, the cost of refilling an EV is significantly lower than fueling a gas-powered car, with Level 1 charging costing between $8 and $10.

Charging Stations and Travel Time

As EV ownership grows, charging stations are becoming more widespread, with locations in hotels, restaurants, and shopping malls. Charging rates vary between provinces, with New Brunswick charging $15 an hour and Quebec charging about $12 an hour. A typical recharging stop lasts 30 to 60 minutes, with 15 minutes of charging needed for every 90 minutes of driving on longer trips. Charging stations can be found on maps at chargehub.com and plugshare.ca.

Maintenance Requirements for EVs

EVs require maintenance just like gas-powered cars, but they have fewer parts that need attention. Electric motors have around 20 parts that may require maintenance, making them simpler to maintain than their gas-powered counterparts. However, EVs are heavier, causing their tires to wear down faster and require special tires. Replacing broken EV parts can be expensive, especially if the battery is faulty.

Government and Manufacturer Investments in EVs

With California setting a mandate for 100% of new vehicles sold to be electric by 2035, and at least 17 other states pledging to follow suit, the push for EVs is stronger than ever. Automakers are investing over $40 billion in new U.S. factories to assemble electric cars and battery manufacturing plants. Traditional automakers, such as Ford, are also making the transition to EVs, with plans to produce at least 150,000 F-150 Lightning a year by the end of this year.