ALL-ELECTRIC
Note: Before continuing any further, we suggest your take a look at our article that outlines how much fuel an electric car burns.
BMW
The i3 is a small hatchback ($48,150) with a range of 130 or 200 km, depending on the battery chosen. If you’re unsure that will be enough for your needs, you can add as an option a 2-cylinder gasoline engine which extends the range up to 270 and 330 km, respectively. This second power unit serves to keep the battery charge constant, so that the BMW i3 continues to drive in 100% electric mode.
Chevrolet
What better candidate to replace the Spark EV than the 2017 North American Car of the Year? Though still brand-new, the Bolt EV ($47,795) has already earned a number of awards and kudos from the automotive press, and consumers have been lining up for the relatively few available units. This is hardly surprising, given its 383-km range, the 266 lb-ft of torque it delivers and an interior that is as cutting-edge as it is versatile. We’ve published a comprehensive guide just for this one model, and it’s a must-read if you’re looking to buy one!
Ford
Too often overlooked, the Focus Electric ($31,998) nonetheless represents a smart alternative in the electric-car market. Its range is 185 km on a full charge, and its average energy consumption is 2.0Le/100 km.
Hyundai
The new and highly promising IONIQ Electric ($35,649) uses on average 1.7Le/100 km and promises a range of 200 km. Compensating for its modest 118-hp power output is the 218 lb-ft of torque it delivers. For greater liberty of travel, consider the IONIQ Hybrid as an option instead.
Kia
The Soul EV ($35,395) delivers almost twice as much torque as it does power (210 lb-ft vs 109 hp), and its all-electric range is 150 km. It’s easily distinguishable from other Soul models by its closed grille and contrasting roof.
Mitsubishi
The tiny i-MiEV ($27,998) was one of the first electric cars to hit the Canadian market, but its success has been hobbled by the small interior and a design that could benefit from a revision. Still, its energy consumption of just 2.1Le/100 km is a strong selling point.
Nissan
The LEAF ($33,998) is one of the stars of the electric-car domain around the world; in fact, it’s the segment’s top global seller. It seems the car’s many qualities—average energy consumption of 2.2Le/100 km, roomy interior, 187 lb-ft of torque—outweigh its polarizing design in the minds of consumers. The LEAF has a maximum range of 172 km.
smart
Daimler announced earlier this year that it is abandoning the gasoline-engine version of the fortwo in North America. So it is that the new 2018 smart fortwo will only be available as an all-electric model in Canada and the United States. It is expected at dealerships imminently, followed by the smart fortwo cabrio variant during the summer.
Tesla
The famed Model S (starting at $94,650) comes as either a rear-wheel or all-wheel drive car, and with a choice of three different batteries (75, 90 and 100 kWh), with a range varying between 400-539 km. The fastest version (the P100D) can get to 100 km/h from a stop in only 2.7 seconds! The Model X 7-passenger SUV ($111,950), offered only with all-wheel drive, boasts the same battery options, though its range is slightly lower at 381-475 km. And then of course there’s the upcoming Model 3 you may have caught some buzz about!
Volkswagen
Good news and bad news: the next-generation 2017 Volkswagen e-Golf is officially available in Canada, starting at $35,995. However, the 250 units made available were quickly snapped up by eager Canuck consumers. If you’re not one of them, you’ll have to wait for the 2018 edition, set to be introduced this coming fall. On a full charge, the VW compact car has a maximum range of 201 km. Its electric motor can generate 134 hp and 214 lb-ft of near-instant torque.
Make sure to check out our Hybrid and Plug-in hybrid sections!