Electrical vehicles have reimagined the concepts of the automotive industry. Packed with technology, performance, and style; these vehicles are paving the way to a greener brighter future.
If you live in Newfoundland, you might notice a few EV’s here and there. Compared to other provinces, Newfoundland is still developing the infrastructure to fully support a community of EV owners. Read this guide to get you started!
Why should you buy an Electric vehicle in NL
Gone are the days where electric vehicles were seen as boring. Companies like Tesla have changed the narrative by creating amazing vehicles with great performance and battery life. Did I mention that some of these vehicles are capable of autonomous driving?
Let’s say you’re not a tech geek and you only need a reliable car. You feel like electric vehicles are overhyped and unnecessary, a biased narrative to get rid of gasoline cars. A lot of people think the same way until they test-drive a Model 3. If you have time to spare, watch some informative youtube videos and test drive one. Below are some of the benefits that come with owning an EV.
- Government Rebates. The government of Canada provides incentives of $2,500 to $5000 for consumers who buy or lease an electric vehicle. That’s a huge chunk of savings, considering how expensive EVs are. A car that costs $40,000 can easily be bought for $35,000.
- Expense. The cost of ownership for EVs is considerably lower than that of gasoline vehicles. Electricity costs less than gas and there are charging stations that offer free service. In addition, EVs don’t have a complex engine and a fuel system that can break at any moment. You’ll save quite a lot on repairs and maintenance. Of course, there will always be the usual tire change and brakes repair, but overall, EVs are more reliable than gas vehicles.
- Environment. Electric vehicles reduce carbon emissions by offering a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels. EVs are also cost-effective and efficient compared to gas cars. (Note: It’s not all rainbows and roses. The production of EV batteries also creates upstream emissions. However, EV cars are considered cleaner throughout their entire life cycle.) Click this link to learn about EVs and their impact on the environment.
- Performance and features. Electric Vehicles are dominating when it comes to performance. Check out the specs of the new Tesla Model S Plaid, and your jaw will drop. 0-60 MPH in 1.98 seconds (0-100 km/h in 2.1 seconds). If that still doesn’t amaze you, this family sedan is the quickest production car that you can buy.
Electric vehicles also offer an array of features, such as; Regular software updates, autonomous driving, instant torque, more storage (since there is no engine), innovation, and the latest tech.
Where to buy electric vehicles in NL
- Dealership. The first EV dealership in Newfoundland, ALL EV CANADA, officially opened shop in St. John’s and Corner Brook. They carry different vehicles in varying price points; such as the popular Tesla cars to budget-friendly vehicles like the Chevy Bolt. They also sell bikes and charging accessories for electric vehicles. Check their website by clicking this link.
- Buy online. You read that right, companies like Tesla allow you to buy a vehicle the same way you’d buy groceries from Amazon. All you have to do is pick a vehicle, add to cart, choose a payment option and the vehicle will be shipped to your location. This is convenient, especially if you want to customize your car. If a manufacture doesn’t offer this option, you can import EVs from other provinces.
Reasons not to buy an electric vehicle in Newfoundland
- Road trips. If you’re a person who takes a lot of road trips in Newfoundland, an Electric vehicle might not be the best option. There are few charging stations, especially in remote locations. Range anxiety will be the least of your problems if your car dies out in the middle of nowhere. I’m sure the government and automotive companies have plans to expand the charging infrastructure. But for now, city driving might be the best way to enjoy your EV.
“Five years ago today, this wonderful couple of Rolf Oetter, Silke Sommerfeld and their lovely dog Kye showed you could drive across Canada not just in an EV, but towing a trailer to boot. They are some of the best friends we have made during our discovery and enjoyment of driving electric cars.
When you see trips like this, long before there were fast chargers anywhere in Atlantic Canada, you can really get a perspective of how far we have come.”
– JON SEARY, Tesla Owner
Facebook has a growing community of EV owners in Newfoundland. Make sure to follow their page for updates and information.
- The winter cold. Electric vehicles are notorious for losing range in cold weather. The colder the temperatures, the reduction in range. However, this really shouldn’t be a deciding factor if you are interested in buying an EV. If you commute to work and back, range should be more than enough to accommodate your transport needs. It just sucks when you compare to the range you get during warmer weather. To read more on this, check out this site.
- Repairs. Good news is that Newfoundland has an electric dealership. They should be able to sort out any repairs and maintenance. However, there may be a lack of options when you want to fix your car. In comparison, you can take your gas car to different shops and get a suitable quote.
If you buy a Tesla, you’ll receive repair service through their warranty program. Since Tesla doesn’t have a store in Newfoundland, someone will be sent to your house for repairs. Regardless, I hope to see EV garages popping in the future.
How to set up your house for EV charging.
Newfoundland doesn’t have many charging stations. Setting up your house for home charging is the next big move. To install a high-speed charger, you’ll need the assistance of an electrician. Check this article to learn about the different types of chargers you can buy.
What vehicles should you consider buying
- Tesla Model 3, Model Y, Model X, Model S
- Hyundai Kona EV, Ioniq
- Chevrolet Bolt EV
- Ford Mach-E
- Mini Cooper Electric
- Toyota RAV4 Prime (One of the best hybrids you can buy)
- Nissan Leaf.
There are also upcoming EVs that you should keep an eye on such as; The Rivian truck, Tesla’s Cybetruck, Lucid Air, Hummer EV, and many more.
Newfoundland’s EV future
There is a growing number of people who are showing interest in driving EVs. Newfoundland isn’t an exception. The world is shifting to a new age and eventually, this will be the new normal. The future is here!
