EV VEHICLES BUYER’S GUIDE

General Motors is committed to putting each and every driver in an electric vehicle, helping to bring the world to an all-electric future with zero emissions. The quiet revolution has begun.

Because electric cars use electricity instead of fossil fuels, they are much more affordable to drive. This is especially true if you charge over-night or on weekends when the cost of electricity is typically lower. The average Canadian driver, travelling 20,000 km per year, can save as much as $2,000 per year on fuel alone.

In addition, electric motors are more sophisticated and durable than internal combustion engines. Electric motors do not require oil changes, coolant flushes, mufflers or exhaust systems, saving you hundreds of dollars per year on maintenance.

EV batteries do not need to be replaced. They are warrantied for at least 8 years and designed to last the lifespan of the car.

EVs go Everywhere. There are 5,000+ public fast charging stations in Canada and 1500+ in Ontario. Located in mall, restaurant, office and condo parking lots as well as at highway rest stops, many are free to use. Pay-per-use Level 2 stations typically charge a flat $2.50 or $1 to $2 per hour. Most fast charging Level 3 stations bill by the minute and can often charge a car in less than half an hour, but some suppliers charge a flat rate of $15/hour.

You can see a map of charging stations here: Plug Share

All electric cars need to be charged by plugging in. You can recharge using a standard wall socket or an EV charging station. The time it takes to fully charge is based on the level, or speed, of charging and how full the battery is.

1 Hour of Charging ~ 8 km of Driving Range  

All EV models come standard with a portable cord-set that lets you charge using any standard household outlet. This is called Level 1 charging and is the slowest speed of charging, but ensures that no matter where you are, you can always recharge.

If you are driving a plug-in hybrid, it is possible that Level 1 charging is all you really need. Level 1 will fully recharge most plug-in hybrids on the market over-night.

1 Hour of Charging ~ 30 km of Driving Range 

The most common way to charge. This is called Level 2 and most EV drivers will install a Level 2 charging station at home. All electric cars and charging stations sold in North America use the same plug standard, which means any car can use any Level 2 station across Canada and the United States.

Level 2 stations have similar electrical requirements to a clothes dryer or stove (240 Volts/30 Amps) and any certified electrician can install them.