They’re not sci-fi anymore, and they’re not just for tech geeks either. In fact, it’s been mainstream for a while, so why are there still so many myths about electric cars?
Even now, electric vehicles (EVs) are often faced with everything from concerns over maintenance costs to questions about cold-weather driving. There’s no shortage of scare bait online… but we have good news. Many of those ‘facts’ you’re hearing aren’t even true!
We collaborated with Nissan Canada, the producer of the OG mass-market EV, to debunk outdated myths about electric cars. Time to put on your myth-busters hat – you might even be surprised!
Here are 5 ‘facts’ about electric cars that you’re wrong about:
Myth #1: EVs can’t go on road trips.
Busted: New EV models are built to take you farther than ever. A great example of this is Nissan Canada’s ARIYA – it can travel up to 465 km on a single charge! That’s comparable to driving from Toronto to Ottawa, Vancouver to Kelowna (with km to spare!) or Calgary to Jasper.
You can even use the intelligent route planner to map out your trip and direct you to charging stations along your route based on your EV’s needs.
Myth #2: EVs aren’t good for Canadian winters.
Busted: EVs perform best when weather conditions are ideal, but that doesn’t mean you need to worry about winter. EVs, as well as gas vehicles, both lose some range in the cold due to efficiency loss – it’s just a fact. Luckily, the Nissan ARIYA comes with features like the thermal management system, allowing you to preheat (and protect!) your battery before heading out in the cold and before a fast charge for optimal performance.
Nissan Canada EVs are built to handle Canadian snowfalls with instant torque and advanced driver-assist tech. The ARIYA also offers e-4ORCE All-Wheel Drive, which transfers power between wheels based on slippage, so tricky terrain won’t be a problem.
Myth #3: There isn’t enough charging infrastructure in Canada.
Busted: There are over 10,000 public charging stations in Canada, each with multiple chargers and hundreds of them offering Level 3 chargers – which are the fastest.
Level 3 chargers can take the Nissan ARIYA’s 63 kWh battery from 10–80% in as little as 35 minutes. The ChargeHub App also helps you find EV charging stations throughout North America, so you never have to worry about running out of juice.
Myth #4: EVs are only convenient for city driving.
Busted: Wrong again! The Nissan ARIYA has it all. You’ve got all the comfort and luxury you could need for everyday life along with enough power to make it perfect for outdoor adventure.
Take advantage of the large carrying capacity, increased range, and available 1,500 lbs towing capacity on AWD models – that’s some serious heft! If you’re planning to navigate some really wild conditions, see how the ARIYA fared on this pole-to-pole expedition!
Myth #5: EVs come with more maintenance costs.
Busted: When you own an electric vehicle, there are fewer moving parts to think about. Although EVs still require standard service and maintenance, there’s no combustion engine or traditional gearbox to keep up. That means you don’t need to replace engine fluid or change the oil. The use of regenerative braking (using the motor to slow down) also helps preserve your brake pads.
As EVs become more popular, more affordable options are hitting the market. And with lower energy costs, and reduced maintenance costs, owning an EV could actually be a better financial move in the long run.
Nissan Canada takes the EV worry free experience to a whole new level with their EV Care Package Option for Nissan EVs, with perks and benefits like:
- Added security with Extended Coverage on parts & components
- Prepaid Maintenance options
- Charging credit on Canada’s largest EV charging networks
- Access to a network of EV specialists
- 24-hour roadside assistance and reimbursement allowance for towing, taxis, and rentals due to vehicle breakdowns
Ready to leave those old myths in the dust? It’s safe to say that EVs like the Nissan ARIYA are built to go the distance- whether that is tackling long road trips, handling tough Canadian winters with e-4ORCE All-Wheel Drive and special features, or ensuring stress-free adventures with intelligent route planning and access to thousands of charging stations. Looks like the ARIYA is ready for anything life throws your way!
Check out Nissan Canada’s ARIYA and LEAF EV models online and start building your dream ride.
Who knows? You might just become an EV convert!
Alicia Lyons
Staff Writer
Alicia is a storyteller who chased the sun all the way to Calgary and decided to stay. When she’s not writing, she can be found stumbling along nature trails, curling up under a fuzzy blanket with a good book, or finding any excuse to eat.
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