There are two types of electric vehicles for sale in Ontario:
- Battery electric vehicles, or BEVs: run only on a battery and an electric drive train; plug into an external source of electricity to recharge
- Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, or PHEVs: plug into an external source of electricity to recharge; also use an internal combustion engine should the battery run low
Why drive an electric vehicle?
With an EV you can:
- Save money. You will use less (or no) fuel and benefit from lower maintenance and operating costs. You can also take advantage of lower electricity rates when you charge at off-peak times.
- Get money back. You will receive an incentive of up to $14,000 (based on the capacity of your new EV’s battery capacity, seating capacity and retail price). You may also receive an incentive of up to $1,000 on a new Level 2 home charging station.
- Enjoy green licence plates. These plates identify you as an EV owner and allow you to drive in all provincial high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes – even with only one person in the vehicle.
- Help make Ontario greener. By consuming less (or no) fuel, you will help reduce emissions of harmful air pollutants and greenhouse gases.
- Recharge easily. You can recharge your EV at home or at public charging locations.
- Get where you need to go. BEVs can typically travel at least 100 kilometres on a single charge, and PHEVs can generally travel more than 500 kilometres using a combination of battery and gasoline engine technology.
Help your employees make green transportation choices by providing EV charging at work. For details about funding, please visit the Electric Vehicle Incentive Program page.
Purchase Electric Vehicles for your business fleet. Benefits to your company could include:
- making your business operations greener
- contributing to Ontario’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting the goals of Ontario’s Climate Change Strategy
- saving money
- taking advantage of incentives available from the province, such as: an incentive on up to 25 fleet EVs per year; an incentive on a charging station for each fleet vehicle purchased
Dealerships are key sources of information for drivers looking to buy an EV. By promoting EVs, you can:
- help your customers understand the benefits of EVs so they can make more sustainable choices and save money
- help reduce emissions of harmful air pollutants and greenhouse gases in your community
Show customers your green side by installing EV charging for their convenience. It could establish your business as a green destination in your community and give customers one more reason to visit you.
Several major Canadian companies are already leading the way. For details about funding towards the purchase and installation of public EV charging stations, please visit the Electric Vehicle Chargers Ontario page.
Electric car charging in multi-unit residential buildings will be in high demand in the near future. Condo boards and property management companies that are prepared will stay ahead of the curve and attract EV drivers as tenants and owners.
You can get three LEED points for the installation of EV chargers, helping you maintain a green building and demonstrate your commitment to a sustainable Ontario.
Installing charging in condos can present unique challenges but planning and proper placement will eliminate risks and help keep costs down.
There are many ways municipalities can promote EVs, from installing public charging and special parking spots for EVs to informing the public about the EVs already in use in your corporate fleet.
The benefits of promoting EVs in your community could include:
- reducing the health and environmental effects of traffic, as EVs emit far fewer harmful air pollutants than regular cars
- reaching municipal greenhouse gas reduction goals
- encouraging EVs as a viable option for your residents’ personal transportation needs through visible public charging in your community
- contributing to Ontario’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting the goals of Ontario’s Climate Change Strategy
