Electric vehicle uptake has increased in Quebec over the last year, with the number of registered EVs on the road increasing to 62,900 in October 2019 — up 71 per cent from a year earlier, according to a CAA news release.
That increase comes thanks in large part to federal and provincial rebates for EVs, and improvements in battery range.
“Electric vehicles are part of the solution to rising GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions, and we should continue to promote them,” said Pierre-Serge Labbé, VP, Automotive Services, CAA-Quebec. “As technology advances and costs decline, more and more people will see the writing on the wall.”
The news from CAA comes as the Montreal International Auto Show (MIAS) opened its doors to the public with a range of electric and hybrid vehicles on display. The public will have the chance to test-drive some of the EVs, thanks to a partnership between CAA and MIAS. And vehicle availability comes thanks to Transition énergétique Québec, working together with MIAS, Running electric, and FLO.
Attendees can choose between the Hyundai Kona Electric (415 km), the Chevrolet Bolt EV (417 km), the new Kia Soul EV (383 km), and the Nissan Leaf (243-363 km, depending on the model). Other models include the BMW i3s, Hyundai IONIQ Electric, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Prius Prime (plug-in hybrid), Volkswagen e-Golf, and the Toyota Mirai (hydrogen). The BMW i8 Roadster is also available.
“Crossovers, SUVs, compacts, sedans, luxury cars — there are now EVs for every lifestyle, as well as plug-in hybrids for the best of both worlds,” said CAA. “EVs remain pricier than their gas-powered equivalents when you drive them off the lot, but the gap is closing, particularly with the arrival of federal rebates that combine with the Quebec rebates to shave a not insubstantial $13,000 off the price (after taxes).”
When considering the cost of fuel and electricity, CAA says the cost of an EV can be similar to a gas-engine car — if not less. It’s an interesting point for any dealer to consider when trying to sell the electric vehicles in their inventory.
