Alectra, discover the possibilities

Buying a new car can be a confusing process. However, buying an electric vehicle (EV) can be quick and easy if you are flexible and plan ahead of time.

Step 1: Select and research before you buy

• EV Match tool: Explore the available EV options using the Find your EV Match tool. This tool personalizes the EV buying process by showing you which vehicles will suit your lifestyle based on size, type, range and cost of ownership. It can also provide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction insights that are based on regional electricity pricing, gasoline pricing and electricity generation.
• Find a dealership: Locate a dealership in your area for your chosen manufacturer with an EV specialist on the sales team who can properly advise you.

Step 2: Consider payment options and available incentives

• Mode of payment: A good idea is to start by deciding how much you want to pay for your EV, and how you will be paying for it. Will you be buying in cash, leasing or financing?
• Calculate ownership costs: In calculating your affordability, remember to include the vehicle costs but also insurance, registration and maintenance. With an EV, you are likely to pay much less for maintenance (and fuel for PHEV) than for an equivalent gasoline/diesel powered vehicle, which will lower your costs and improve your buying power.
• Look for incentives: While EVs cost more than similar gasoline/diesel powered vehicles, but the sticker price tells you only so much. In Ontario, there are incentives for buying both new or used electric vehicles.
  • The Government of Canada has the iZEV program which offers up to $5,000 off a qualifying vehicle. At the time of buying an EV check their website for available incentives.
  • Plug ‘N Drive offers up to $2,000 off the purchase of a used EV (up to $50,000) in Ontario. Buyers can also get incentives if they attend a free EV seminar, or choose to scrap their old gasoline car.
  • Also check with your company Human Resource team. Some employers offer EV benefits (workplace charging, special pricing or discounts from preferred vendors) for making a switch to electric.
• Buying a used EV: Private sellers on Kijiji and Marketplace may offer the cheapest route to owning an EV, however, read the offer carefully and make full use of the direct access to current owner to ask questions. Remember, while the manufacturer warranty might transfer to you, there won't be any other warranties or money back guarantees.
  • Used car dealers offer more choice of vehicles and might be able to offer a limited warranty. However, a more worry-free option is to buy a certified used EV from a manufacturer dealership. These EVs will have undergone a full inspection and may also come with a money back guarantee and the remainder of the original warranty.

Step 3: Insuring an EV

• Insurance for an EV is calculated for the same way it is for gasoline/diesel powered vehicles. This depends on the claims history for your particular model, along with your claims status, age, gender, postal code, vehicle usage and safety features.
• The location of your battery can also be a factor since some batteries are better protected than others. While some insurance providers offer discount rates on EVs, your insurance should be comparable to an equivalent gasoline/diesel powered vehicle.

Since EVs are powered by simple motors and a large battery, they have fewer moving mechanical parts that require expensive maintenance. Although EVs will still require care and attention, traditional maintenance costa re dramatically less than internal combustion engines.

Try before you buy: Learn about electric cars and book a test drive in a sales-free, no-pressure environment.

You can use Find my EV Match tool to help find the right EV to suit your budget and driving needs.