Benefits of driving a zero-emission vehicle
IMPORTANT UPDATE – Electric Vehicle Affordability Program
Up to $5,000 in 2026 (declining thereafter) at the point of sale is available to Canadian individuals and businesses for the purchase or lease of eligible new light-duty EVs with a final transaction value not exceeding $50,000 for vehicles made in countries that have free-trade agreements with Canada. There is no price limit on EVs made in Canada.
Electric vehicles
Benefits of driving an EV
More and more Canadians are choosing to drive an electric vehicle (EV). The adoption of EVs continues to grow, so plug in and join the thousands of Canadians already on the road.
Why choose an EV?
- Save on fuel and maintenance costs
- Charge conveniently at home and on the road
- Enjoy a growing number of available makes and models
- Protect the environment and your health
- Help create Canadian jobs while driving the EV transition
Save on fuel and maintenance costs
It can cost five to 10 times less to charge an EV compared to filling up on gas or diesel to drive the same distance, making EVs more affordable over the long run.
According to experts, when federal and provincial purchase incentives are combined with the reduced costs of vehicle charging and maintenance, many EVs hit a total cost break-even point with comparable gas-powered vehicles within a few years, and some in under a year.
After 10 years, the overall savings can be significant. One study from Clean Energy Canada compared the total cost of ownership, of a small electric hatchback vehicle costing $39,000, and a comparable gasoline model costing $30,000. The total cost of ownership for the gasoline vehicle was estimated to be over $80,000, versus less than $49,000 for the EV. These costs include the upfront price of the car, any applicable rebates, and the cost of operation and maintenance, minus the resale value after 10 years.
The total cost of EV ownership is lower than ownership of a gas counterpart, due to lower fuelling and maintenance costs. Some EVs have fewer moving parts than other vehicles, and may not require oil changes or engine tune-ups, or contain spark plugs or engine air filters that require replacement. The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) estimates that the average EV owner would save 40% to 50% in maintenance costs compared to a gas-powered vehicle.
- Compare annual fuel costs between EVs and gas vehicles
- Learn more about incentives for the purchase or lease of a EV
Did you know?
The share of new vehicles sales in Canada that are EVs has increased from 3.8% in 2020 to 10.3% in 2025, with a peak of 15.4% in 2024. The latest trends in EV sales can be viewed at Canada’s electric vehicle (EV) dashboard.
More options are now available to all drivers, including pickup trucks, SUVs, sedans, and hatchbacks with two- and four-wheel drive options, with more than 100 EV models available to Canadians.
Charge conveniently at home and on the road
Depending on the model you choose, an EV can travel 300 to 600 km on a fully charged battery in ideal conditions. With most Canadians driving less than 45 km per day, an EV has plenty of range to get you where you need to go between charges, whether in an average week, or on a road trip!
Today, the majority of EV drivers charge their vehicles at home. However, when drivers need a charger away from home, Canada’s growing charging network will be able to meet their needs.
Many thousands of public and workplace chargers are being installed each year.
Over the past ten years, the federal government has provided support to de-risk private investment in EV charging infrastructure, contributing to nearly 60,000 public and private chargers, through programs like the Electric Vehicle and Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Deployment Initiative, the Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program and the Charging and Hydrogen Refuelling Infrastructure Initiative. The government is investing $1.5 billion through the Canada Infrastructure Bank to support projects of national significance led by private sector champions, building out charging infrastructure more quickly across the country.
Find EV chargers near you using our station locator map.
Protect the environment and your health
Switching to an EV can reduce harmful air pollution, bringing significant beneficial health impacts. According to Health Canada on-road vehicles contribute to smog, lung disease, asthma, and about 1,200 premature deaths a year.
And nearly half of Canadians live close to busy roads, while a similar percentage of long-term care homes and schools are situated nearby, increasing the risk of exposure to air pollution from vehicles.
Even accounting for the upfront greenhouse gas emissions from producing batteries for EVs, these vehicles still produce lower emissions over their lifetime than gas vehicles. With advances in technology over time, production is also becoming more efficient.
Creating Canadian jobs while driving vehicle electrification
The path to net-zero emissions includes economic benefits such as the creation of good-paying manufacturing jobs right here in Canada. The future of the automotive industry is electrified. Through Canada’s Automotive Strategy, the Government of Canada is protecting the industry today and investing in its future— one that is electrified, connected and autonomous, and diversified.
Canada has award-winning automotive assembly plants and an expert workforce which makes it a top consideration for investment in new supply chain manufacturing. Canada’s automotive sector is a key sector of our economy, producing over 1.2 million vehicles, supporting over 121,000 Canadians jobs directly, and contributing more than $17 billion to Canada’s economy in 2025.
Looking for an electric vehicle charging station?