15 things to know when buying your first electric vehicle

Buying your first electric vehicle is an exciting step, but it also comes with its share of questions and adjustments. Unlike gasoline-powered cars, EVs require a certain amount of learning, particularly when it comes to recharging, essential accessories and the technological tools that make life easier for electric drivers.

Here are 15 essential things to know before you embark on your electric adventure.

RANGE VARIES ACCORDING TO SEVERAL FACTORS

The range advertised by the manufacturer is often calculated under ideal conditions. Climate, driving style and the use of heating or air conditioning can have a significant impact on the distance you can cover on a charge. This means you should always plan your journeys accordingly, to avoid any unpleasant situations!

NOT ALL CHARGING STATIONS ARE EQUAL

There are three types of charging station:

• Level 1: This plugs into a standard household socket (120V) and offers very slow recharging. We’re talking here about several hours, or even days if your battery is completely flat.
• Level 2: The Level 2 residential charging station (240V) offers faster recharging, so you can fill up your electric vehicle overnight.
• Level 3 (BRCC): This is the ultra-fast charging available on the public grid, ideal for long journeys. On average, it’s possible to fill up (up to 80%, remember!) in less than an hour.

THE INSTALLATION OF A HOME CHARGING STATION IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED

To get the most out of your EV, installing a Level 2 charging station at home is a wise investment. Check the subsidies available in your region, as many governments offer financial assistance for the purchase and installation of charging stations.

CHARGING APPLICATIONS ARE VITAL

There are a number of apps you can use to locate charging stations and plan your journeys. Among the most popular are :

Circuit Électrique (for Quebec and Eastern Canada)
Flo
ChargePoint
PlugShare (a community of users who share information in real time)
Tesla (if you own a Tesla)

These applications let you pay for charging, plan your trips and locate available charging stations in your area.

ESSENTIAL ACCESSORIES

If you’re installing a home charging station, there are a number of accessories available to make your life easier! These include a gun guard and an eco-dome, both of which protect the gun when charging the vehicle. Needless to say, they’re both indispensable in Quebec due to the snow and cold, to name but two.

The charging station protective holster protects the gun only from the elements, preventing it from freezing in place and leaving you in an unpleasant situation.

The eco-dome, on the other hand, completely covers the gun and connector. These two accessories extend the life of the connector by protecting it from the elements and dirt.

Another indispensable accessory, especially in Quebec, is the retractable cables. This accessory allows you to store your bollard cable neatly, keeping it out of the snow, mud and slush! As a bonus, it also saves you from getting your hands dirty!

Finally, a slightly different but oh-so-useful accessory: the charge controller. This means you can always charge your electric vehicle with peace of mind, as it ensures that only the energy available on your electrical panel is used for charging. So there’s no risk of overcharging!

Discover all our accessories here.

CHARGING TIME DEPENDS ON SEVERAL FACTORS

Recharging time is influenced by the type of terminal used, battery capacity and outside temperature. In winter, recharging can be slower because of the cold. We therefore advise you not to wait until your battery is empty before recharging your car, as this will save you time and money!

RECHARGING COSTS MUCH LESS THAN A FULL TANK OF PETROL

Recharging at home generally costs between $2 and $5 for a full charge, depending on the electricity rate and your EV’s battery capacity. Needless to say, this cost is much lower than a full tank of gas!

PLANNING IS KEY FOR LONG TRIPS

Even if the network of rapid charging stations is improving, it’s important to plan your stops carefully, especially in winter, when range can be reduced by 20 to 40%. That’s why it’s so important to have the right applications on your phone.

MAINTENANCE COSTS ARE REDUCED, BUT STILL EXIST

EVs require less maintenance than gasoline-powered vehicles, but there are still a few things to keep an eye on:

• Tire replacement (especially given the extra weight of the EV)
• Brake fluid and system maintenance
• Vehicle software updates

Subsidies can significantly reduce the purchase price

Several Canadian provinces offer financial incentives for the purchase of an EV and a charging station. Check out these programs before you buy, and you could save a lot of money.

REGENERATIVE BRAKING CAN EXTEND RANGE

Regenerative braking recovers energy when you take your foot off the gas pedal, reducing brake wear and increasing range. What’s more, several levels of regeneration are available, so you can adjust them as you wish. For example, in winter, we recommend driving on regeneration level 1. You’ll notice that this has an impact on your driving as well as on your charge level.

INSURANCE MAY BE SLIGHTLY MORE EXPENSIVE

Insurance premiums for an EV can be higher than for a gasoline-powered vehicle, due to the cost of batteries. However, some companies offer discounts for eco-friendly vehicles. Store around!

DO BUSINESS WITH PROFESSIONALS

Whether it’s repairing your EV when you need it, or buying and installing a charging station, it’s essential to do business with professionals. The mechanics of an electric vehicle differ from those of a combustion vehicle, so it’s best to entrust your car to someone who really knows his or her stuff. The same applies to the purchase and installation of charging stations. Sure, you can buy one online, but will it suit your needs? And will you be able to install it properly and correctly? After all, it’s electricity! We strongly recommend that you do business with a company that specializes in this field. Not only will the experts working there be able to advise you properly, but the installation will also be carried out according to the rules of the trade.

SUBSIDIES FOR THE INSTALLATION OF charging stations IN CONDOS AND multi-units

If you live in a condominium or apartment building, find out about financial assistance and regulations concerning the installation of bollards. There are a number of grants that can give you a financial boost, so we invite you to find out more.

AN EV IS ALSO A NEW WAY OF DRIVING

Driving an EV is often smoother and quieter. The instant acceleration and absence of vibrations offer a unique experience. It takes some getting used to, but once you’ve had a taste of it, it’ll be hard to go back!

Get ready to go electric

Buying an electric vehicle requires a certain amount of preparation, but the benefits are numerous: fuel savings, reduced maintenance and more enjoyable driving. By equipping yourself with the right accessories and using the right applications, your transition to electromobility will be a positive and rewarding experience. We hope that these 15 things to know when buying your first electric vehicle will help you feel ready to make the switch!

We know it’s a big purchase, and that it brings with it a lot of change and new things, but we’re sure you’ll enjoy your transition! For all your recharging needs, BEQ Technology is there to advise you!