Electric Vehicles Sold In Canada (12-2022): Data and FAQ

Available for download (above) is spreadsheet listing pricing and consumption data for every new EV that is sold in Canada (as of Dec 2022).  When shopping for an EV ask some or all of the questions below, and look to the chart to see how competitive the numbers are for the EV that you are looking at.  

When shopping for an EV, here are the major factors to consider and compare:

Is the EV a one-motor FWD or one-Motor RWD?  Or a Dual Motor, 3 Motor or 4 motor AWD?

If each axle is powered, is the vehicle in AWD all of the time, or part time?  What triggers the activation of the second motor axle unit?

How powerful (in kW) are each of the motors?  What is the total system power?

How large (in kWh) is the battery pack?  What is the total capacity and the usable capacity of the battery pack?

What is the estimated consumption (in kWh per 100km), at 100km/hr? How fast does the consumption increase with speed (a function of the aerodynamics)?

What are the different wheel options and how do they affect the consumption and range (affects rolling resistance and aerodynamics)?

To what extent do you plan on charging from home, and to what extent will you be reliant on the DC fast charge infrastructure?

Is the vehicle equipped with a sophisticated range planner that will also map out ideal charging destinations?

Where are the charging stations near where you drive, and what kW can they provide?  What voltages are they?

What is your daily mileage on average, and how much does it vary?

What is the maximum AC charge rate that the EV will accept?

What is the maximum DC charge rate that the EV will accept?

Can the battery be pre-conditioned i.e. warmed up before a DC fast charge (so it charges faster)?

Can individual cells in the battery be replaced and can the battery be refurbished, or will one bad cell mean the battery has to be recycled?

Can the EV accept ‘over-the-air’ updates, or does the software have to be updated at the dealer?

If the EV is from a new start-up what servicing/warranty arrangements have been made?

What is the availability?

Does the dealer add on mandatory fees, options, financing requirements, or extra dealer markup?

*remember not all variants of each manufacturers EV have the same on board electronic components.  The charge rates for both AC and DC vary dependent on trim level and optional equipment. Make sure that the EV you are thinking of buying has the spec’s that you think it does.

Lawrence Romanosky, Calgary, Canada

Lromanosky@me.com, 403-607-8625