EV Tips
Essential tips and expert advice for EV drivers in Ontario to maximize efficiency, battery life, and your electric driving experience.
How to Drive an EV Efficiently
Maximize your range and efficiency
- Use Regenerative Braking: Engage one-pedal driving to capture energy while slowing down, especially in city traffic or stop-and-go conditions.
- Activate Eco Mode: Use Eco Mode to reduce power output, especially when commuting in urban environments like Toronto or Mississauga.
- Limit Climate Control Use: Use heated seats instead of cabin heat and precondition the cabin while still plugged in to conserve battery power.
- Use Cruise Control on Highways: Maintain consistent speeds on routes like the 401 or QEW to minimize energy loss from speed fluctuations.
- Additional Tips: Avoid high speeds, check tire pressure regularly, keep cargo light, monitor battery health, use scheduled charging, avoid charging to 100% daily, and keep software updated.
EV Battery Care & Maintenance
Extend your battery's lifespan
- Maintain Optimal Charge Levels: Keep your battery between 20%–80% for daily driving to reduce long-term degradation.
- Avoid Frequent DC Fast Charging: Relying too much on fast chargers can shorten battery life. Use Level 2 charging for daily use.
- Precondition in Extreme Weather: Use your EV's preconditioning feature while plugged in to warm or cool the battery before driving in Ontario's seasonal extremes.
- Store Indoors When Possible: Parking your EV in a garage reduces exposure to extreme temperatures and preserves battery health.
- Schedule Regular Software Updates: Keep your EV's battery management system updated to ensure optimal charging patterns and range efficiency.
EV Charger Buying Tips
Choose the right home charger
- Choose CSA-Approved EV Charger: Ensure your EV home charger is certified by CSA or UL to meet Canadian electrical safety standards.
- Pick Level 2 Preferred: Level 2 EV chargers offer faster charging (240V) than Level 1 units. Most EV owners in Ontario choose Level 2 for home installations.
- Check for Smart Features: Look for smart EV chargers with Wi-Fi, charging schedules, and energy usage tracking to reduce peak electricity costs in Ontario.
- Confirm Plug Type Compatibility: Most EVs in Canada use the J1772 plug for Level 2 charging, but Tesla vehicles require either a Tesla Wall Connector or an adapter.
- Additional Considerations: Confirm electrical panel compatibility, prioritize weather-resistant models, consider cable length, look for professional installation, and plan for future vehicle upgrades.
Charging on the Go
Navigate public charging networks
- Use Public EV Charging Apps: Download PlugShare, ChargeHub, or Flo to locate the nearest charging stations across Ontario cities like Toronto, Ottawa, and Mississauga.
- Plan Routes with Charging Stops: Use apps like A Better Routeplanner (ABRP) to plan long-distance trips with stops at reliable EV charging stations.
- Always Keep a Charging Cable: Some public chargers may require your own cable, especially in parking lots and condo buildings.
- Register for Network Access: Sign up for memberships with networks like Ivy, Electrify Canada, or Petro-Canada EV to avoid access delays or surprise fees.
- Be Courteous: Move your EV after charging is complete to free up space for other drivers and avoid idle fees.
Winter Driving Tips for EV Owners
Navigate Ontario winters safely
- Precondition While Plugged In: Use your EV's mobile app or onboard controls to warm the battery and cabin while connected to power, conserving range when you start driving.
- Use Heated Seats Over Cabin Heat: Heated seats and steering wheels consume less energy than the cabin heater, helping extend your range during cold Ontario winters.
- Keep Battery Charged Above 20%: Cold weather reduces battery efficiency. Avoid letting your charge drop too low, especially on long trips or remote routes.
- Install Winter Tires: For Ontario drivers, winter tires improve safety and performance in snowy conditions, while also reducing energy loss from slipping or spinning.
- Keep Emergency Charging Options Handy: Carry a portable charger or know where local Level 2 stations are in case your range drops unexpectedly due to frigid temperatures.
Rebates & Incentives
Save money on your EV purchase
Incentives for Zero-Emission Vehicles (iZEV)
The iZEV Program offers up to $5,000 off the purchase or lease of eligible electric vehicles in Canada. This federal EV rebate supports drivers looking to switch to battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), long-range plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
- Eligible Vehicles: Must be on Transport Canada's approved list and have a base MSRP of $55,000 or less (or up to $65,000 for higher trims and SUVs).
- Rebate Amount: $5,000 for BEVs and long-range PHEVs, $2,500 for short-range PHEVs.
- Where to Apply: Rebate is applied directly at the dealership when purchasing or leasing.
- Current Status: Temporarily paused but resuming July 11 to August 11, 2025 for eligible vehicles delivered between April 1, 2024, and January 12, 2025.