How to choose the right electric car?

How to choose the right electric car? Several factors might have an influence over your decision: your needs in terms of autonomy, space and technologies, as well as your budget.

Yes, an electric car costs more upon purchase than a fuel model, but in the end, you will save money! Your Cadillac dealership in Brossard, close to Candiac, tells you why!

The advantages of an electric car

The greatest advantage of owning an entirely electric vehicle is, without a doubt, the fact that it does not require any fuel, since it is powered by a fully electric powertrain and battery. Depending on the vehicle, this battery can be charged thanks to charging stations of different intensities or, but more rarely, with hydrogen, in the case of vehicles with a fuel cell battery.

This means it produces zero emissions and, in the case of hydrogen models, rejects only water.

Advantages are also pecuniary; this might seem strange to say about a vehicle that costs more money, but in the long run you will be saving a lot:

• Electricity costs less than fuel; more specifically about $ 400 for 20,000 km, according to the Hydro-Quebec website. Crunch the numbers!
• Your car insurance should also be reduced;
• You will have access to government grants for several thousands of dollars, under certain conditions;
• Maintenance costs less (no oil changes, etc.);
• You will, in many cases, have access to free parking, ferries, tolls, bridges, etc.;
• You can use the lanes reserved for buses and taxis, even if you are the only person on board;
• And much more!

Finally, an electric vehicle is quiet, which also contributes to reducing noise pollution.

Finally, an electric vehicle is quiet, which also contributes to reducing noise pollution.

How to choose the perfect electric car for you?

To choose the perfect electric car for you, you must first evaluate your needs; and there are many! Here is what you must take under consideration:

Your needs and your lifestyle

Do you drive a lot? Occasionally? Are you alone in your vehicle? Do you prefer a sporty or Zen driving experience? Do you like bold silhouettes or more classic lines? All of these factors will help you choose the type of vehicle you should be looking for.

Vehicle sizes

Do you need an electric family vehicle? Or are you alone in your car most of the time? Do you prefer sedans, compact SUVs or more imposing models? You will find electric models in each of these categories!

Pay attention to autonomy

A very important point here: autonomy. In fact, if you are only driving over short distances, a smaller autonomy could fully satisfy your needs. However, if you drive far to get to work or if you travel a lot, then it will be important that you opt for a model that offers better autonomy… and spot all of the charging stations on the way!

A vehicle’s power

If you opt for a small electric city car, chances are that power is not a priority for you. However, if you are looking for a performant and sporty electric vehicle, or a vehicle that has a towing capacity, then you will need a model with higher horsepower.

Charging mode

Can you charge your vehicle at home, during the night? Or do you absolutely need quick charging –and more powerful- stations, so that you don’t waste any time when you are traveling? Some electric cars, in particular the smaller models, cannot be charged on level 3 quick charging stations.

The towing capacity on an electric car

Several electric SUVs, but not all, offer a towing capacity that usually varies between 2,000 and 3,500 pounds. This is something that must be considered if you need to tow a light caravan or boat, for example.

Your budget

This is obviously the main aspect to consider and the one that will help you determine in which vehicle category you should be shopping! In fact, while certain electric cars have a base price under 40,000 dollars, others sell for over 150,000 dollars.

By determining your budget, you will know in what price range you can start looking! Do not forget government grants, both federal and provincial, applicable on all electric vehicles:

• $ 7,000 for vehicles under $ 60,000  (provincial).
• Up to $ 5,000 from the federal government

Get more information about which conditions apply to see if they apply to you!

New or pre-owned electric cars?

Would you prefer buying a new or used model? Whether it is for financial reasons or others, several buyers prefer purchasing a pre-owned model. It is up to you to determine if you are more comfortable with a brand new model or with a vehicle that already has some mileage on the odometer.

Electric Cadillac coming soon

Cadillac Canada will soon be offering 2 new electric vehicles: the Cadillac Lyriq, which should be arriving in 2023, as well as the Cadillac Celestiq, an extremely luxurious sedan that is presently revealed as a concept car and that should hit the market around 2024 or 2025.

List and prices for electric cars for sale in Quebec

Here is a list of the new models of electric cars for sale in 2022 in Quebec, including the 2 Cadillac models that will be arriving soon. You can also get your hands on models that have been removed from the manufacturer’s catalog, but that are available on the used market, like the BMW i3, the M Mitsubishi i-MiEV, the MINI Cooper SE, the Volkswagen e-Golf or even a smart fortwo electric drive, amongst others.

To find out more about our future Cadillac electric SUV, our Cadillac financing options or our current Cadillac special offers and promotions, come and visit us at Cadillac Brossard close to Candiac today!