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If you've started looking into electric cars in Brockville, you're not alone! People across the area are coming to see that electric vehicles (EVs) are the future and are looking to move away from traditional gasoline-burning engines.
However, this is a big step to take, and there are a lot of factors to consider. Is now the right time for you to purchase a Toyota electric vehicle? What changes will this make in your life? We're here to answer some of the most common questions we hear about electric cars.
Answering Your Questions About Electric Cars in Brockville
1 - Are electric cars really so good for the environment?
Yes!
This is a situation where the hype is almost entirely true. In nearly all ways, EVs are vastly better for the environment than internal combustion engines (ICEs). The big reason is that electric vehicles run cleanly with zero emissions. They don't even have a tailpipe.
By comparison, ICE cars dump huge amounts of pollutants into the atmosphere. A single consumer-grade car will typically put more than 4 million tons of extra carbon into the atmosphere, which is one of the big drivers of global climate change. Every consumer who goes electric will be helping reduce the damage we're doing to the planet.
There are also improvements at the local level. Gasoline emissions are full of chemicals that are directly harmful if inhaled, including nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, benzene, and even formaldehyde. These directly contribute to breathing problems and encourage respiratory diseases like pneumonia and bronchitis. On the other hand, these concerns go away if you purchase an electric car in Brockville.
If you go electric, you'll be helping the planet's health and your own health!
2 - What's the difference between an EV and a Plug-In Hybrid?
EVs and plug-in hybrids are both vehicles that rely on a battery and electric motors to power the vehicle. The difference is simply that plug-in hybrids also include a backup internal combustion engine which can be used if the battery ever runs dry.
Plug-in hybrids can make sense for some people, particularly if they do a lot of trips up north where charging stations are still rare. However, they are considerably more expensive because they have to include two complete power trains. So EVs are going to be the better option for most people unless you have a genuine reason to need the ICE backup engine.
3 - What are my charging options?
If you purchase an electric car, you'll need to have ways to recharge it. For most people, this means installing a charging port in their own home. To be clear, chargers are typically not included with an EV purchase. You'll have to obtain the charger, and have it installed separately, which does add a bit to the price. However, because chargers are quickly becoming standardized, your charger should be good for any future EVs you buy.
You have two basic options:
Level 1 Chargers only require 120V and can simply be plugged directly into a standard power socket in your home. This makes them the cheapest and easiest option. Unfortunately, Level 1 chargers are extremely slow to charge most vehicles. Expect it to take at least 8-10 hours to fully charge a vehicle, and possibly more. You'll have to plan your trips and charging times carefully if you choose this.
Level 2 Chargers are the more popular option, because they directly interface with your home's 240V main power line and therefore offer much faster charging - typically around 4-8 hours for a full charge. In other words, they can reliably charge your vehicle overnight, every night. However, this will almost certainly require some re-wiring of your home which must be done by a trained electrician, adding a bit more to installation costs.
There are also Level 3 chargers, but these require an industrial-grade 480V connection which most homes could never support. These are the chargers you typically find at commercial charging stations.
Speaking of public charging stations are constantly expanding! As of mid-2023, there were around 20,000 chargers across the country, with more being installed every month. Currently, the majority are in the south, but public chargers are starting to expand into the northern territories as well. This push is being driven in part by government grants and rebates, so expect charging access to expand constantly in the years to come.
IV. How much maintenance does an electric car need?
Much less than a regular car, that's for sure!
EVs are mechanically simpler than ICE vehicles, which means fewer breakdowns and repairs because there are literally fewer parts that can break down. For example, there's no shifting in an EV, so there's no concern about the transmission breaking down. Practically speaking, there is no transmission.
This is also true for more basic 'everyday' maintenance. You'll have to spend a lot less time dealing with fluids since they use fewer fluids. You'll never have to change your oil again, because there's no oil to change!
On top of the substantial fuel savings, you'll see from the switch to electric, you'll also see your maintenance and repair costs reduced as well. For many buyers, this means that a Toyota electric car will truly pay for itself over time, and offset the increased purchase price.
V. How long do EV batteries last?
Of course, there is one point of failure in electric vehicles: the battery. Older models, especially those made in the 2000s, had batteries that could fail in as little as five years. However, that's not a concern today. Modern EV batteries are rated for up to 200,000 miles, or around 15-20 years. That's as long as most ICE vehicles can run without major rework.
And by the time your battery does fail, replacement costs will be much lower. Battery recycling will also be an option as well.
1000 Islands Toyota is Your Source for the Best Toyota Electric Cars in Brockville
Toyota has long been at the forefront of electric vehicle technology, and 1000 Islands Toyota has been there with them the whole way. We offer a huge range of new and used EVs and hybrids, as well as a world-class service station for all your repair and upgrade needs.
If you have more questions about electric cars, we're here to help! Please contact us for help.