ARE YOU CONSIDERING MAKING THE LEAP TO AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE? (PART 2)

4 factors to take into account before purchasing your next vehicle

In the previous blog, we discussed the overall cost and charging time of electric vehicles. Now we’ll have a look at autonomy and environmental impact.

1. Autonomy
   The autonomy of electric vehicles varies; some will need to be charged every 100 kilometres, while others will let you drive an impressive 500 kilometres before you need to plug them in. For most people, this is enough to meet their daily “kilometre requirements”.
   
   Generally speaking, autonomy is usually the most important concern for people considering the switch to an electric vehicle. The question What do I do if I run out of power? is often heard. The answer? No need to panic. The situation is no different than with a traditional vehicle (i.e., no one waits until their car is running on empty to look for a gas station).
   
   Numerous people also bring up situations such as, Well, I'd surely consider an electric vehicle, but every year, at Christmas, the whole family goes to visit Aunt Esther, who lives 6 hours away by car.
   Instead of trying to find the exceptions to your regular lifestyle, consider your driving habits in a realistic fashion, based on your daily routine. Let’s say you drive a total of 20,000 kilometres a year. This would amount to an average of just over 50 kilometres a day. With the money an electric vehicle saves you over an entire year, you can easily rent a traditional car (or better yet, carshare!) to visit Aunt Esther over the holidays!
2. Environmental impact
   
   It goes without saying that an electric vehicle releases zero pollutants in the atmosphere. Yet some people worry about the pollution generated when the electricity it needs to runs is produced and distributed.
   
   In Québec, over 99% of the electricity used is produced from renewable sources (think hydroelectricity). This allows us to limit the environmental impact to a significant degree, especially when compared to regions where electricity is produced from coal.
   
   ​As for the manufacturing process involved in the production of electric vehicles, yes it calls for more resources and therefore has a greater environmental impact. However, if we look at a vehicle’s entire lifecycle, the benefits are undeniable: up to 80% fewer greenhouse gas emissions.

And lastly, we cannot consider this issue without referring to the singular feeling one gets driving an electric vehicle. While I may be a true fan of everything with a motor, the sheer pleasure of driving in total silence, combined with the quickfire responsiveness of an electric car, can simply not be beat!

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