Electric. Crafted by Mercedes-Benz.

Environmental Benefits

One of the most significant benefits of owning an electric vehicle is the positive impact on the environment. Electric vehicles produce zero emissions, which means they do not emit harmful pollutants into the air. Traditional gasoline-powered vehicles produce emissions that are harmful to the environment, including carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides (among others). EVs help to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, which can have a significant impact on the environment.

Financial Benefits

Another benefit of owning an electric vehicle is the potential for cost savings. Although the initial purchase price of an electric vehicle may be higher than that of a gasoline-powered vehicle, there are significant savings in the long run. For example, EVs have lower operating costs, as they require less maintenance and have lower fuel costs. Additionally, many countries and cities offer incentives for purchasing an electric vehicle, such as tax credits, rebates, and reduced registration fees.

Practical Benefits

Electric vehicles offer several practical benefits, including convenience and comfort. EVs are quiet, and they provide a smooth ride with instant torque, which means they have quick acceleration. Additionally, electric vehicles require less maintenance than gasoline-powered cars, as they have fewer moving parts and do not require oil changes. EVs also offer greater convenience, as they can be charged at home or at public charging stations, eliminating the need to visit a gas station.

Performance Benefits

Electric vehicles offer a unique driving experience that gasoline-powered cars cannot match. EVs have instant torque, which means they have quick acceleration and are more responsive than traditional cars. Additionally, electric vehicles have a lower center of gravity, which makes them more stable and maneuverable than traditional cars. EVs also offer smoother and quieter operation, providing a more comfortable and enjoyable driving experience.

Social Benefits

Owning an electric vehicle can have social benefits. EVs help to reduce air pollution, which can improve the overall health of the community. Additionally, owning an EV can be a statement of environmental consciousness and social responsibility, which can be a positive influence on others.

Myth #1: Electric vehicles have a limited range.

One of the most persistent myths surrounding electric vehicles is that they have a limited range and can’t travel very far. While it’s true that earlier models of electric cars had a limited range, this is no longer the case. Today’s electric cars can travel over 300 km on a single charge, and some of our Mercedes-Benz EQ models can even exceed 400 km. This is more than enough for most people’s daily driving needs.

Myth #2: Electric vehicles are slow and have no power.

Another myth surrounding electric vehicles is that they are slow and have no power. However, this is simply not true. Electric vehicles are capable of delivering instant torque, meaning they can accelerate quickly and smoothly. In fact, some electric vehicles can go from 0 to 60 mph in just a few seconds, making them faster than many gas-powered cars.

Myth #3: Electric vehicles are expensive.

While certain electric vehicles are more expensive than their gas-powered equivalents, electric vehicles not only have much lower operating costs than gas-powered cars, they often benefit from rebates through provincial and/or federal programs, meaning that they can save drivers money in the long run.

Myth #4: Electric vehicles are difficult to charge.

Another myth surrounding electric vehicles is that they are difficult to charge. While it’s true that electric vehicles require charging rather than filling up at a gas station, charging an electric vehicle is actually quite simple. Most electric vehicles can be charged at home using a standard 120-volt outlet, and many models can also be charged at public charging stations. We always recommend a professionally installed charging unit for people’s homes, that will fit their charging needs (see Types of Chargers in the Electric Vehicle Charging 101 section below). Additionally, many electric vehicle owners find that they rarely need to charge away from home since the range of modern electric vehicles is so long.

Types of Chargers

There are three main types of EV chargers: Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast chargers.

Level 1 chargers are the slowest type of charger and are typically used for home charging. They use a standard 120-volt outlet and can take up to 20 hours to fully charge an EV.

Level 2 chargers are faster than Level 1 chargers and are also commonly used for home charging. They use a 240-volt outlet and can take anywhere from 4-8 hours to fully charge an EV.

DC fast chargers are the fastest type of charger and are typically found at public charging stations. They can charge an EV up to 80% in as little as 30 minutes. However, not all EVs are compatible with DC fast charging, so it’s important to check your car’s specifications before using a DC fast charger.

Charging Times

Charging times can vary depending on the type of charger you use and the battery capacity of your EV. As mentioned above, Level 1 chargers can take up to 20 hours to fully charge an EV, while Level 2 chargers can take anywhere from 4-8 hours. DC fast chargers are the fastest option and can charge an EV up to 80% in as little as 30 minutes.

It’s also important to note that EVs can be charged to different levels depending on your needs. For example, if you only need to drive a short distance, you might only need to charge your car to 50% or 60%. On the other hand, if you’re planning a long road trip, you’ll want to charge your car to 100%.

Finding Charging Stations

One of the biggest concerns for new EV owners is finding charging stations. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to locate charging stations, including using smartphone apps, websites, and GPS systems. Click Here to see charging stations near you.

Purchase Price

The first cost to consider is the purchase price of the EV. This will be higher than a comparable gasoline vehicle. You can look at the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for the EV and compare it to the MSRP of a similar gasoline vehicle. Keep in mind that the price of an EV may be offset by government incentives, which varies by province.

Estimate the Cost of Electricity

One of the biggest advantages of an EV is the cost savings on fuel. However, it’s important to estimate the cost of electricity to charge your vehicle. This will depend on your local electricity rates and the size of your EV’s battery. You can typically find this information on your electricity bill or by contacting your utility provider. Here in Manitoba we have some of the lowest electricity rates in the country, which our local customers are extremely happy about. According to Manitoba Hydro – An EV that travels 15,000 km per year would use approximately the same amount of energy every year as a typical electric water heater. This equates to approximately $0.01 to $0.02 per km driven.

Maintenance Costs

Maintenance costs for an EV are typically lower than for a gasoline vehicle since EVs have fewer moving parts. However, there are still costs to consider, such as tire replacement, brake pad replacement, and battery replacement. It’s important to check the warranty on the battery, as this is often the most expensive part of an EV.

Keep your battery warm.

Cold temperatures can reduce the efficiency of your EV’s battery. To mitigate this, try to park your EV in a garage or other sheltered area, or invest in a battery heater or insulation to keep your battery warmer.

Use seat and cabin heaters.

Instead of cranking up the heat, use the seat and cabin heaters to keep yourself warm. This is more energy-efficient and will help preserve your battery life.

Plan ahead.

Plan your routes and charging stops in advance, especially in cold weather, to ensure you don’t get stranded with a dead battery. Cold weather can reduce your EV’s range, so make sure you have enough charge to get where you need to go.

Precondition your EV.

Use your EV’s app or timer to preheat your cabin and battery before you leave. This will help improve your EV’s efficiency and range.

Invest in winter tires.

Winter tires provide better traction on snow and ice, which can be especially important for EVs due to their instant torque. This can help improve your EV’s performance and efficiency in cold weather.

Manage your EV’s charging.

In very cold temperatures, it may be best to charge your EV slowly to help maintain the health of your battery. Also, try to avoid letting your EV sit at a low charge for extended periods of time, as this can also impact the health of your battery.

Keep your windshield and wipers clean.

Snow and ice can build up quickly on your windshield and wipers, reducing your visibility and increasing your risk of accidents.