How to choose the perfect electric car for you?
August 16 2024,
Wondering how to choose an electric car? With the ever-increasing number of models and the many new features in 2024, it can be challenging to navigate the options. This is especially true if you're not familiar with the world of electric vehicles!
Your Cadillac dealership in Laval, near Blainville, Montreal, and the West Island, offers some tips that will help you determine which electric car to choose.
How Do I Choose My Electric Car?
The choice is getting wider, and that's good news! Just like a gasoline model, knowing which electric car to choose starts with a good identification of your needs, lifestyle, and budget. The ideal electric car for your neighbor may not be as suitable for you! Here are some criteria to consider:
Cadillac Lyric 2024
Cadillac Optiq 2024The Right Range According to Your Needs
Range is a key factor when choosing your electric car. To determine the range you need, you will need to consider your travel habits.
For instance, if you frequently travel the distance between Montreal and Quebec City, look for models that offer the greatest range. On the other hand, if your trips are mainly local, a vehicle with less range might be considered.
In general, a range over 400 km is considered optimal for those who travel long distances, while a range of 300 to 400 km might be suitable for those who use their car to commute to work, for example.
Remember: range decreases a bit when the temperature drops, so consider this in your calculations. This will save you a lot of stress when you find yourself stuck in traffic in February!
Charging Times According to Battery Capacity
It's important to know that not all batteries recharge at the same speed. Moreover, not all are compatible with fast direct current charging, for example. When choosing your electric car, this information can be crucial.
Think about your daily routine. Will you have the opportunity to quietly let your vehicle charge overnight using a 120V domestic outlet? Or would you prefer a vehicle that can regain a lot of energy during a coffee break on your next road trip?
To know which electric car to choose, take the time to consult the charging times and the battery capacity, i.e., its compatibility with different charging levels. The 120V charging stations generally allow for a recharge in about 12 hours or more, while the 240V ones can recharge in about 6 to 8 hours.
As for fast direct current charging stations, they allow your electric car to regain more than a hundred kilometers in 10 minutes.
However, the charging time varies according to the vehicle's specifications, the platform used, and several other factors. Moreover, if you plan to use fast charging stations, you should check the battery capacity. Consult the data provided by the manufacturer to get accurate information.
Some Tips for Making the Right Choice
In the same way that you choose a gasoline vehicle, you will need to:
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Calculate your budget
The purchase cost of electric vehicles is often higher than that of gasoline vehicles. However, remember that it will also save you money on gasoline and maintenance. Consider this in your budget calculation!
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Determine your needs
As mentioned, it all depends on your trips and the time you have available to recharge the battery. Also think about the number of people and the weight of the equipment you tend to transport, which can affect the actual range.
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Identify the features you want on board
Like gasoline models, not all electric models are the same. What to look for in an electric car? In addition to the usual comfort features and technologies, keep an eye out for technologies that could simplify your daily tasks, such as a mobile app that helps you plan recharging or a regenerative braking function that maximizes range.
For the rest, you can choose according to your usual criteria: loading capacity, number of passengers, towing capacity, comfort... There are models to satisfy all your preferences!
Different Types of Electric Vehicles
In addition to the traditional range of sedans, SUVs, and trucks, electric vehicles can be divided into different categories:
- Battery-only electric (100% Electric)
They are powered solely by electric motors and do not use fuel.
- Fuel cell
Also known as hydrogen vehicles, these models produce electricity by combining oxygen and hydrogen, emitting only water instead of exhaust gas. Given the very low number of charging infrastructures for fuel cell models, their deployment is mainly concentrated around existing facilities.
- Plug-in hybrid
For those wondering whether to choose between a hybrid or an electric, this option could be advantageous. Not entirely electric, a plug-in hybrid model offers a variable range in 100% electric mode (generally between 35 and 75 kilometers) and also has a gasoline engine, which helps reduce range anxiety! It can be recharged on a level 2 station or even with the help of a domestic outlet.
- Hybrid
Operating on gasoline, a hybrid model still displays lower gasoline consumption since the electric motor often assists when increased power is required, for example, to climb a hill or perform an overtaking maneuver.
Which Electric Car to Choose in Quebec?
In 2024, a wide choice of electric models is available to suit all tastes, needs, and budgets.
New models on the Market in 2024
Cadillac Celestiq 2024Which electric car in 2024? New models are coming thick and fast, and this year is particularly eventful at Cadillac. On one hand, the prestigious and avant-garde Celestiq sedan will arrive soon! On the other hand, the large-format Escalade SUV will see the arrival of its electric version ideal for families, the Escalade iQ. Conversely, the new Cadillac Optiq will come with a more compact format in the luxury vehicle category, offering a high-end option at a competitive price. The availability of these two models is scheduled for the end of 2024. In the meantime, browse the technical sheet and prices of the Cadillac Optiq.
Luxury Electric Vehicles
The high-end segment also boasts several models in the electric category.
CADILLAC LYRIQ
MSRP : $69,833 — $75,033, Range 505 kilometers
CADILLAC OPTIQ
MSRP : Starting at approximately $60,000, Range 482 kilometers
TESLA MODEL 3, MODEL X ET MODEL S
Model 3, MSRP: $61,980 — $83,990, Range 576 kilometers
Model X, MSRP: $157,990 — $185,590, Range 536 kilometers
Model S, MSRP: $136,990 — $178,590, Range 637 kilometers
PORSCHE TAYCAN
MSRP: $119,900 — $154,700, Range plus de 500 kilometers
JAGUAR I-PACE
MSRP : $99,800, Range 408-470 kilometers
Electric Vehicles Under $60,000
There are several affordable electric vehicles on the market today; here are just a few.
CHEVROLET BOLT EV ET EUV
EV : MSRP $40,348, Range pouvant atteindre 417 kilometers
EUV : MSRP $42,348, Range de 387 kilometers
HYUNDAI KONA EV
MSRP : $46,450, Range 415 kilometers
FORD MUSTANG MACH-E
MSRP : $53,690 — $88,190, Range jusqu’à plus de 500 kilometers selon le modèle
KIA SOUL
MSRP : $44,910 — $53,910, Range 383 kilometers
NISSAN ARIYA
MSRP : TBA, Range Up to 482 kilometers
Is Buying an Electric Car a Good Idea?
If you want to reduce your carbon footprint in terms of fuel consumption, buying an electric car represents an excellent option. Indeed, unlike a gasoline model, the electric car does not consume any fuel and operates only on electricity.
However, just as is the case with a gasoline vehicle, where you need to locate gas stations on your route, you will need to make it a habit to locate charging stations.
But this should not be too difficult since their numbers have literally exploded in recent years not only in urban areas, but also in remote regions.
Financing Your Electric Car
Depending on the power and price of your electric vehicle, government grants, both federal and provincial, may apply. Currently, drivers can benefit from a provincial incentive of $7,000, which will drop to $4,000 from January 1, 2025. The rebates will be reduced gradually until January 1, 2027.
As for the federal program, it offers an incentive of up to $5,000 for electric cars. In total, in Quebec, you can therefore obtain a reduction of up to $12,000 for a 100% electric vehicle with a base price of less than $60,000. The incentive is applied at the point of sale by your dealer.
For the rest, the application for financing proceeds in the same way as with a gasoline model. You can apply for Cadillac financing online or at the dealership.
Cadillac Optic 2025Takeaway
As you can see, there is a wide range of cars and SUVs available on the market, so everyone can find something that suits them! And Cadillac Canada is not falling behind by offering its new Lyriq as well as the Escalade iQ, Optiq, and the soon-to-be-produced Celestiq models.
To find out how to choose an electric car, to learn about our Cadillac offers and promotions, or to learn about the features of our vehicles, visit us today at Cadillac Laval, your dealership located near Montreal, West Island, and Blainville!
