Electric cars - who's doing what.

You may not hear them roaring down your streets but their coming. Electric cars are already available in Canada. Yes, you too can own your own 100% electric (no gas required) electric car. Almost all manufacturers are doing something in this once thought impossible direction. We take a look at some of these vehicles.

So what is considered an electric vehicle? It can have no gas tank, no engine (no combustion engine that is), no exhaust system, radiator and bunch of other things you don't need. It runs purely on electricity stored in batteries (usually lithium-ion). Although with conventional gas cars you need to fuel up approximately once a week (depending on your driving distances), electric cars need to be charged almost daily depending on your driving habits. Charging can be done over night depending on your local electricity daily schedule pricing. Manufacturers already thought of this as some of the charging stations can be programmed to charge your only during specific hours of the day or night. Approximate cost per charge would run you at around $2.00 (this depends on your rates).

Governments are also encouraging public to purchase these vehicles with incentive programs. For example in the province of Ontario or Quebec you can get a rebate of anywhere from $5000 to $9000. For more details see your local government.

Nissan Leaf

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