Is an Electric Vehicle Right for You?

Blog Jul 24th, 2025

Is an Electric Vehicle Right for You? What to Know Before You Buy

As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to grow in popularity, more and more Canadian drivers are considering making the switch. At Bourgeois Motors Ford, we want to help you make an informed decision — because owning an EV isn’t just a trend, it’s a lifestyle shift.

If you're thinking about buying an electric vehicle in Midland or the surrounding Simcoe County area, here are some of the key factors you should consider.

1. Home Charging: Are You Ready?

One of the biggest changes EV owners face is charging at home instead of filling up at a gas station. For most drivers, this means installing a Level 2 home charger, which typically requires a 240-volt outlet and may need professional installation.

Installation costs vary but can range from $500 to $2,000+
You may be eligible for government rebates on chargers and installation
Access to reliable home charging is critical for EV ownership, especially in rural or remote areas

Learn more from Natural Resources Canada

2. Understanding Range & Range Anxiety

Most new EVs offer 200–500 km of range on a full charge. While this is more than enough for most daily commutes, long road trips or remote travel can cause concern — commonly referred to as range anxiety.

Public charging infrastructure is improving but may be sparse in some areas
Not all chargers are fast chargers, which means longer wait times
Cold temperatures can reduce EV range by up to 40%, according to Consumer Reports

3. Driving in a Colder Climate

Living in a region with harsh winters like Midland brings additional EV considerations:

Battery efficiency drops in sub-zero temperatures
You may need to precondition your EV while plugged in to maintain range and comfort
Snow and ice buildup can affect regenerative braking and traction

EVs like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning are built with Canadian winters in mind, offering features like battery thermal management and heated accessories — but it’s still important to plan for the season.

4. Maintenance Requirements

EVs require less maintenance than gas-powered vehicles, thanks to fewer moving parts and no oil changes. But that doesn’t mean they’re maintenance-free.

Regular tire rotations and brake inspections
Battery and cooling system checks
Software updates (often done remotely)

Ford’s EVs also come with comprehensive warranty coverage for peace of mind.

5. Cost of Ownership: More Than Just Fuel Savings

EVs may have a higher upfront cost, but they can save money over time:

Lower fueling costs (especially when charging at home)
Fewer scheduled maintenance appointments

However, it's important to factor in:

Home charging installation
Potential battery replacement after 8–15 years
Insurance, which may be slightly higher due to repair costs

Is an EV Right for You?

An electric vehicle can be a great fit — but it isn’t the perfect solution for everyone.

You should consider:

Your daily driving habits and average mileage
Whether you have a reliable home charging setup
How often you take long trips or drive in rural areas
Comfort with new technology and the EV ownership experience

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