Driving an Electric Vehicle in Québec: Realities and Myths

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more and more popular every year and are a common topic of conversation and consideration for anyone in the market for a new vehicle. Introduced in Québec a decade ago, the EV market truly blossomed in the past five years. More models than ever are now available, with Mercedes-Benz leading the pack in the luxury electric vehicle segment.

Mercedes-Benz offers a range of fully electric sport utility vehicles, including the Mercedes-Benz EQB, EQE SUV, and EQS SUV, as well as the new EQE and EQS sedans in multiple variants. Mercedes-Benz currently offers more electric vehicles than any other luxury automaker and for anyone looking for a premium EV, Mercedes-Benz has a lot to offer.

Still, with EVs now competing directly with traditional gas-powered vehicles and with potential buyers more curious than ever, it's important to debunk some common myths and understand the realities of driving an EV daily.

Myth 1: You can't travel long distances with an electric vehicle

As EV technology has advanced, this concern has lessened. Indeed, early EVs with ranges of 150 or 200 km were challenging for long distances, especially before charging stations were widespread. Now, charging stations are readily available across Québec – in every major city, along major highways, in restaurants, shopping centres, and even gas stations. As a matter of fact, Québec has more charging stations than any other province.

Moreover, modern EVs offer greater ranges than ever. The Mercedes-Benz EQS sedan, for example boasts over 500 km of all-electric range, and the EQB SUV has 356 km. The other models in the Mercedes-Benz EV lineup offer over 400 km of range. With an abundance of charging stations available and significantly improved range, long-distance travel with an EV is no longer a concern.

Myth 2: Charging stations are difficult to find

Contrary to this myth, charging stations are increasingly common and easy to find. Various apps can locate nearby stations, and technologies like Mercedes-Benz's MBUX with Electric Navigation can plan routes highlighting all charging stations along the way.

Charging stations can be found along major highways, in small towns, and in cities. They are also found along OnRoute stops in Ontario and along major highways in the United States.

Myth 3: Highway driving or winter conditions significantly reduce all-electric range

While cold weather does impact all-electric range, manufacturers have developed technologies to minimize this effect. Modern batteries are highly efficient and perform well in cold weather. Mercedes-Benz's Mercedes me app allows drivers to precondition their EV while it's in the garage or connected to a charging station, using electric power to warm up the battery. As a result, you may only lose about 10% of your all-electric range in deep winter, still allowing over 400 km with most Mercedes-Benz electric vehicles.

Highway driving can also impact range, but the effect is lessened thanks to enhanced aerodynamics. Moreover, the Mercedes-Benz Navigation System with Electric Intelligence accounts for external weather conditions, traffic conditions, road topography, and driving habits to provide a detailed estimate of available range and determine whether it's sufficient to reach your destination. So, while cold weather and highway driving can reduce range, new technologies help owners mitigate and plan for these factures, thus reducing their overall impact on your commute.

With increased range, improved features, efficient battery technology, and a growing number of charging stations, living with an EV is just as convenient as with a traditional gas-powered vehicle. Call us today to learn more.