Driving electric

Frequently asked questions

How much money do you really save on fuel by driving electric?

Typically, EVs are ¼ the cost to drive than a gas car, saving you an average of $1,500 to $2,000 per year on fuel. How will you manifest these savings?

Fast fact: ‘Peak pricing’ in many jurisdictions means the cost of electricity is cheaper when most of your charging takes place (on nights and weekends).

How much maintenance do EVs really require?

EV drivers can save hundreds of dollars per year on maintenance. Because battery electric cars don’t require oil changes or repairs to transmission and exhaust systems, you save $$ for the things that matter most!

Fast fact: EV drivetrains are incredibly durable and have few moving parts - meaning far less can go wrong with your vehicle, increasing savings!

Is it true that driving electric can dramatically reduce your greenhouse gas emissions?

In a word - yes! Depending on what you are driving (battery electric or PHEV) and the electricity mix in your province (wind, hydro, etc.), it’s possible to reduce your personal greenhouse gas emissions by a whopping 60-90%!

Fast fact: EVs output approximately half of the greenhouse gas emissions of a comparable gas car. As our electrical grids get cleaner, so too does your EV. EVs are the only cars that get cleaner as they age.

How safe are EVs compared to gas cars?

Exactly the same. There are no exceptions to the safety testing that’s applied to EVs compared to gas cars in Canada and EVs come equipped with all the required safety features you’d expect, like front and side airbags, daytime running lights, rear-view cameras, lane assist, and one-pedal driving.

Fast fact: EVs aren’t just safe, they’re fun! Expect your EV to perform smoothly (and silently) whether you’re exploring dense urban streets or highway cruising.

How easy is it to find a place to charge my EV?

Charging has never been easier! There are three levels of EV charging. Level 1 is where you plug into a standard wall outlet (115V) for “trickle charging” from a portable charger. All Electric Vehicle Network inventory sold comes complete with a portable 115V charger.

Level 2 is where you plug into either a hard-wired (30A, 220V) or plugged (5-50R) wall-mounted or pedestal charger. These chargers are the most common type of home and public charging, charging an EV/PHEV between 3 to 8 hours. It’s as simple as plugging in your phone before bed!

Level 3 charging is equivalent to gas station dispensers. These units are public infrastructure and are located along highways and in parking areas, charging an EV in as little as 15 minutes!

Fast fact: Today’s fully electric models can travel well in excess of 200 km on a single charge. PHEVs integrate a small engine (range extender) for up to 900 km total range. Go anywhere!

Renting with Rent Electric

Can I charge the vehicle during my trip?

Yes. Every Rent Electric vehicle comes with a portable Level 1 charger, and the app shows nearby public Level 2 and Level 3 stations along your route. Top up overnight at home or your building’s charger, or grab a fast charge in as little as 15 minutes at a Level 3 station.

What’s the range on a full charge?

Our fully electric models typically travel 200+ km on a single charge, and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) options extend that to as much as 900 km total range with their backup gas engine. Actual range depends on the vehicle, speed, temperature, and driving style.

How do Rent Electric vehicles handle winter driving?

Just as safely as any modern car. Every vehicle in our fleet is built and tested for Canadian winters and comes equipped with traction control, ABS, and the same safety features you’d expect year-round. Cold weather can reduce EV range by roughly 10-30%, so we recommend preconditioning the cabin while still plugged in and planning a few extra minutes for charging stops.

What’s the damage policy if something happens to the car?

You’re responsible for the cost of any loss or damage to the vehicle during your rental, assessed at the actual repair or replacement cost, plus a claims administration fee of $100 to $250 depending on the damage amount. Full details are in our Terms and Conditions.

Can I cancel or change my booking?

You can cancel or reschedule from the app free of charge up until 24 hours before your booking starts. Changes made after pickup are billed at the daily rate plus any applicable late-return or distance charges - see our Terms and Conditions for the full policy.