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• EVs are very smooth to drive. One reason for this is the way EVs are manufactured. EVs tend to have a lower center of gravity than typical gasoline/diesel vehicles, allowing for a comfortable, smooth drive. 
• EVs match or compete with their gas/diesel powered counterparts when it comes to sizing, interior, exterior, safety features, and accessories. 
• EVs are very quiet due to not having an engine or exhaust – but don’t worry, more and more companies are implementing unique sounds when EVs drive or back up – improving safety and adding some familiarity back into the EV when compared to a traditional vehicle. 
• Electric motors offer impressive acceleration from a dead stop. Instant acceleration means you’ll have to watch your speed a bit more carefully than you would with a traditional car (EVs drivers can get speeding tickets too!). 

If you drive an EV and would like to share your EV driving experience, share your story with us.

While EVs currently cost more at point of purchase, over time, they’re more affordable to run than gas/diesel powered vehicles. The following factors make EVs an attractive financial proposition:

• Low maintenance costs: EVs are cheaper to maintain because they have fewer moving parts and don’t require oil changes. 
• Purchase incentives: You can make use of federal incentive of between $2,500 and $5,000 when you buy or lease a new EV. Consult Transport Canada for more information on incentives.
• Green discount on insurance: Some Canadian banks offer “green vehicle discount” on car insurance for electric or hybrid cars.
• Variety at different price points: There are over 35 different models of EVs and Plug-in Hybrids available in Canada, some as low as $35,000.

One persistent misconception about electric vehicles (EVs) is the fear of "range anxiety," the worry of unexpectedly running out of power without the possibility of recharging. Here's why you can put those concerns to rest:

• For most Canadians, daily driving distances are 60 km or less, well within the range of all EVs available in Canada.
• Ongoing advancements in battery technology mean that modern EV batteries are three to six times larger than those in earlier models. Coupled with enhanced efficiency, these cars can cover greater distances on a single charge. For everyday use, an occasional overnight charge is typically sufficient. Plug-in hybrids provide added flexibility and extended range for longer journeys.
• The public charging infrastructure is expanding. With over 5,000 public charging stations in Canada, including 250 Level 3 DC-Quick chargers, you can charge an EV battery from empty to 80% in just 30 to 45 minutes.

Your Green Vehicle licence plate is a sign of your commitment to a cleaner Ontario. Vehicles with these plates have ongoing access to High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes and no-cost access to High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes on Ontario’s 400-series highways and the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW), even if there is only one person in the car. HOV lanes are otherwise reserved for vehicles carrying two or more people. HOV lanes are otherwise reserved for single-occupant vehicles with a permit or vehicles carrying two or more people.

To check if your EV qualifies for a Green Vehicle licence plate, click here.

Well-designed EVs can excel in cooler climates, although it's worth noting that battery performance tends to decrease during winter. Some energy is diverted to warm up the EV and heat the cabin and seats. To mitigate this, pre-warm the car while it's plugged in, utilize economy mode settings, and adhere to the speed limit.

For Canadians driving distances of 20 to 100 km daily with access to charging stations, an electric car can be a viable option even in winter. Alternatively, considering a plug-in hybrid EV or a battery-electric EV with an extended-range battery could be a solution, albeit with an associated higher cost.

Yes! There is a rate specifically designed for EV drivers that want to save money on their bills by charging overnight. The ultra-low overnight (ULO) period is between 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. every day, when demand for electricity is lowest on average, and there is a higher on-peak price for consumption between 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on weekdays, when demand is usually higher.

The ULO price periods are the same all year round. With ULO pricing, you can help manage your electricity costs by shifting high usage activities, like electric vehicle charging, to lower price periods when possible.

We have ongoing workplace charging pilot programs and can assist you with your charging needs. We encourage you email us for more information.

We have ongoing multi-residential charging pilot programs and can assist you with your charging needs. We encourage you email us for more information.

To facilitate the installation of EV charging stations in your multi-residential building, follow these steps:

1. Consult with Property Management: Initiate a conversation with your property management team to discuss the feasibility of installing EV charging infrastructure. They can provide insights into building regulations, potential challenges, and available resources.
2. Conduct a Site Assessment: Engage a qualified electrician or charging infrastructure provider to conduct a site assessment. This evaluation will help determine the most suitable locations for charging stations, assess electrical capacity, and estimate installation costs.
3. Collaborate with Alectra: Reach out to Alectra, your local electric utility, to ensure that the electrical capacity required for EV charging is available. Alectra can provide information on incentives, rebates, and support programs for EV charging infrastructure, as well as guidance on navigating the installation process.
4. Consider Charging Solutions: Choose an appropriate charging solution based on the needs of your residents. This may include Level 2 charging stations for overnight charging or a mix of Level 2 and Level 3 stations to cater to different usage patterns.
5. Obtain Necessary Approvals: Work closely with local authorities, including building management, municipal authorities, and Alectra representatives, to obtain the necessary approvals and permits for installing EV charging infrastructure.
6. Engage an Experienced Installer: Select a reputable and experienced EV charging station installer to ensure compliance with safety standards and a seamless installation process.
7. Educate Residents: Provide information and education to residents about the new EV charging infrastructure, including usage guidelines, access protocols, and any associated costs.

By following these steps and collaborating with Alectra and other relevant stakeholders, you can contribute to the successful implementation of EV charging in your multi-residential building, promoting sustainable transportation options for residents.

When to Upgrade:

• If you have a 100-amp electrical panel and are planning to install an EV charger, it's essential to assess your current electrical capacity. Upgrading your electrical panel may be necessary if your existing system cannot adequately support the additional load from the EV charger. Signs that an upgrade may be needed include frequent circuit breaker tripping, lights dimming, or insufficient capacity for other household appliances when the EV charger is in use.
• Contact Alectra by email or visit our Make a Service Request page to request information related to your electrical capacity.

How to Upgrade:

1. Consult with a Licensed Electrician: Start by consulting with a licensed electrician who can assess your current electrical panel's capacity and determine if an upgrade is necessary.
2. Permitting Process: Upgrading an electrical panel typically requires obtaining permits from local authorities. Your electrician will guide you through the permitting process and ensure compliance with local regulations.
3. Panel Upgrade: The electrician will replace your existing 100-amp panel with a higher capacity one, such as 200 amps, to accommodate the increased electrical demand from the EV charger.
4. Additional Wiring: Depending on your home's wiring, the electrician may need to install additional wiring to support the EV charger. This may involve upgrading the service entrance cable and installing a dedicated circuit for the charger.
5. Installation of EV Charger: Once the electrical panel is upgraded, the electrician can proceed with installing the EV charger, ensuring that it is properly connected to the new panel.

Cost Considerations:

• The cost of upgrading a 100-amp electrical panel for an EV charger can vary based on factors such as the complexity of the installation, local labor rates, and the specific requirements of your home. On average, the cost for an electrical panel upgrade can range from $1,500 to $3,500 or more. It's important to obtain multiple quotes from licensed electricians to get a more accurate estimate tailored to your situation.

Remember, investing in a proper panel upgrade ensures the safe and efficient charging of your electric vehicle while maintaining the overall integrity of your home's electrical system.

If you have questions specific to capacity and expansion needs related to EV charger installations, please contact Customer Service by email or phone. Additionally, please refer to our service request page to request existing capacity information or to submit a design request. 

The vast majority of electric vehicle (EV) batteries from major automakers come with an eight-year/160,000 km warranty. Since these batteries have fewer mechanical components than an internal combustion engine, they are less likely to break down and need replacing. It should be noted that as with many other technologies, EV batteries do degrade over time, which may affect your total driving range over time.

The biggest threat to EV batteries is heat. That’s why manufacturers are doing more to protect them from heat. The latest batteries are generally better insulated and cooled. Read through the warranties carefully when making a purchase.

When an EV battery is no longer suitable for use in an EV, it may still retain up to 80 percent of its charge and can be useful in many applications. Estimates of the additional lifespan that re-use applications could give to an EV battery range from 5 to 30 years.

There are now various examples of second life applications for EV batteries initiated by either vehicle or battery OEMs, sometimes in partnership with utilities, research institutes or universities. These include reuse in EVs as a refurbished unit; reuse of cells or packs in other battery applications - such as drones; residential energy storage or back-up power; energy storage in renewable systems (e.g., wind and power); and, for EV charging.

An Ontario-based company Li-Cycle has developed a two-step process that is able to recover and recycle more than 95% of the materials in an EV battery.

Several factors contribute to the limited adoption of hydrogen cars in Ontario, Canada:

1. Infrastructure Development: The infrastructure for hydrogen refueling stations is currently limited in Ontario. The availability of refueling stations is a critical factor influencing the adoption of hydrogen-powered vehicles.
2. Cost and Availability: Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles can be more expensive to manufacture than their electric counterparts. Additionally, the availability of affordable hydrogen vehicles in the market is currently limited compared to conventional gasoline or electric vehicles.
3. Electric Vehicle Dominance: Ontario has seen significant growth in the adoption of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) due to government incentives, a well-established charging infrastructure, and increasing awareness. This has somewhat overshadowed the development and promotion of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
4. Government Policies and Incentives: Current government policies and incentives in Ontario have primarily focused on promoting battery electric vehicles, with less emphasis on hydrogen infrastructure and incentives for hydrogen vehicles.
5. Technology and Market Maturity: Hydrogen fuel cell technology is still evolving, and the market for hydrogen vehicles is not as mature as that for electric vehicles. This affects consumer confidence and investment in the technology.

Despite the current challenges, there is ongoing research and development in hydrogen technology, and some regions, including Ontario, are exploring ways to expand hydrogen infrastructure. As technology advances and the infrastructure becomes more widespread, the adoption of hydrogen cars in Ontario may increase. Stay tuned for updates on advancements in both hydrogen and electric vehicle technologies.