FAQ

An EV is an electric vehicle that can be driven using electricity without relying on any combustible fuels.

ICE stands for Internal Combustion Engine, like gas, or diesel, etc.

A hybrid electric vehicle with a battery that can be recharged by plugging it in to an external source of electric power. These cars have both an electric motor as well as an internal combustion engine. Their all electric range varies between 20-90Kms depending on the size of the battery. Once the battery charge is depleted, the gas engine will power the vehicle until the battery is recharged at home or on the go.

It is an electric vehicle equipped with an auxiliary power unit known as a “range extender”. This small ICE powers a generator which charges the EV’s main battery. When battery power is depleted, the ICE range extender will charge the battery as long as there is fuel in the tank.

Recycling facilities for Lithium batteries have been operating since the 1990s. Many depleted EV batteries serve a second life in home or commercial storage before finally being dismantled for recycling at end of life. Visit Li-Cycle website to learn more about battery recycling.

Basic EVs have a top speed of about 150km/h. Performance oriented EVs outperform every ICE performance car available today. Top speeds of 250km/h are common, though not appropriate for public roads. EV acceleration is brisk and quick because they produce lots of torque from a standstill. ICE vehicles have to speed up in RPM and shift gears to accelerate the vehicle, which means lazy acceleration and sluggish response compared to EVs.

That depends on the size of the battery, its condition, and driving conditions. Much like a cell phone battery, the demands placed on an EV battery affect how many hours it will run before requiring a recharge. Current range varies from 60km – 600km on a single charge. Daily range is double or triple that number due to the ease of destination and opportunity charging. Some heavy commercial use requires drivers may require several charges daily. These occur during times when the vehicle is sitting. EV drivers rarely worry about range. Longer trips are no problem provided you choose the right EV for your needs.

Destination charging means using public charge stations when you and your vehicle have reached your destination, like your work place, or a hotel, airport, B&B, etc. Opportunity charging means using public charge stations at parkades, the mall, the grocery store, etc. If you’re parking for 45 minutes, why not charge for 45 minutes?

Public charging spaces are for charging only, and should never be used as a parking spot. The airport is the the only exception. Think of charging spots like public restrooms. Use them and move on.

The battery is not designed to last any particular driving distance. Modern EV batteries are engineered to last ten years of service, and have about 70% battery capacity remaining at that time. Some will last longer, some will expire earlier, depending on type of use, geographic location, and the driver’s charging habits. Many taxi fleets use EVs well in excellent of 250,000km on the original batteries with excellent performance. Victoria now has an EV taxi fleet: Current Taxi.

Regular service includes wheel rotation, brake and suspension inspections, replacement of the air filter and wiper, wiper fluid top up, lubrication of door hinges etc. These service items can be carried out at any competent mechanical facility. Yearly battery health reports are encouraged.

Japanese manufacturers typically include a 3 year comprehensive and a 5 year powertrain warranty for new vehicles. European manufacturers typically include a 4 year comprehensive warranty for new vehicles. Used EVs carry the balance of the original warranty. Many carry a separate “loss of capacity” warranty. Our staff can supply more detailed information regarding specific vehicles.

Motorize offers full coverage extended warranties for maximum peace of mind. Ask our staff for more details.

No, most newer vehicles don’t come with a spare tire. Instead they are equipped with a compressor and a bottle of tire sealant to “repair” the tire so you can get to a proper facility.

Yes, a 12v battery is used to power the accessories in the vehicle such as the lights, audio and heated seats, power windows, and heater. If your EV’s 12v battery is run down from a long period of inactivity (3+ weeks) it can be jump-started like yesteryear’s gas cars.

All electric vehicles come with a Level 1 EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment). These are compact and lightweight, and fit in the trunk or frunk of your EV.

Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment. These are the boxes that are commonly referred to as “chargers” in conjunction with a cord and a J1772 handle. They get installed in public locations, businesses, and at homes. They are not actually chargers. They simply supply A/C power to your EV at 120 or 240v. Some have more power-handling capability than others.

With level 2 charger (at home or public), most EVs will charge from empty to 100% in under 4 hours. EVs with large capacity batteries take longer.

EVs have an integrated software that controls the rate of charge and shuts off the charger when the battery is full.

EVs have onboard chargers with different capacities (capabilities). The size of the charger is measured in KW. The smallest level 2 chargers operate at 3.3kw, the largest (Tesla dual chargers) can handle approx. 19.2kw.

Level 1 refers to 110v charging, and is intended for emergency use, like a spare tire. Level 1 EVSEs use the J1772 connector. Not for every day use. Output is about 1.4kW.
Level 2 operates at 220v and is not only more efficient than level 1, it is also much faster. Most EVs are equipped with one of the following sizes: 3.3kW, 3.6kW, 6.6kW, 7.2kW, 10kW.
DC (Direct Current) fast charging. This is done using a stand-alone roadside charger. This type of charger bypasses the level 1/2 onboard charger and sends DC power straight into your EV battery. These chargers are commonly equipped with one of three types of connectors: CHAdeMO (used by Nissan, Kia and Mitsubishi), SAE Combo connector (used by VW, GM, BMW, Ford and Hyundai), and Tesla UPC (universal power connector).

Level 1: 10km/h

Level 2: 25km/h(3.3kW) or 50km/h (6.6/7.2kW) 70km/h (10kW)

DCFC (Direct Current Fast Charger): 300km/h (50kW) 600km/h (100kW) up to 1,600km/h at Tesla 250kw Supercharger.

With level 1 and level 2 charging, your car takes in 120-240v A/C power, which feeds an onboard charger. The capacity of your onboard charger determines how quickly your vehicle’s range will be replenished. All level 1 and 2 charging uses the standard J1772 connector.

Lightweight electric vehicles like the Nissan LEAF and BMW’s i3 cost about 2.5¢ per km to operate, based on 12.8¢ per kWh. Heavier and more powerful EVs like Teslas cost around 3-3.5¢ per km driven. Filling a 24kWh car like a Nissan Leaf costs about $3.00 from empty. EVs with large batteries can cost up to $20 to charge.

Most Level 2 public stations in BC are free of charge. You may have to pay for the parking spot but not for the use of the charger. Some DC Fast Chargers have a minimum $2.00 fee and charge about 35¢ per kWh. Most times the fee is around $4.00 for a DC fast charge. Expect to see changes in billing as EVs gain popularity.

How do I find charging stations?
The best way to find charging stations is by using the website plugshare, or use the smartphone app with integrated map.

Upon arrival, you may or may not have to authenticate the charge station. Some stations are “Smart Chargers”. They are networked and often require the users to have an account (phone app) for the charge provider. The user can then “unlock” the station using an app or a charging fob. If the station is not a “Smart Charger”, you can simply plug the J1772 or Tesla connector into your EV to begin charging.

Tesla has thousands of charge stations around the world. Some are called Superchargers, and use DC power through a proprietary plug, and can only charge Tesla vehicles. Others are called destination charge stations, and they use the popular J1772 connector, and can charge most EV.

No. There are a few variations, but the charging protocols are quite standardized so it’s always easy to find the right charge station.

No, extension cords are a bad idea, and are unsafe to use with EVSE. Every manufacturer warns against using extension cords.

Modern EV batteries require level 2 charging to maintain battery health and performance. Unless you can rely on workplace or public charging, you’ll need a level 2 EVSE for home use.

Contact Motorize Electric Vehicles for a quote for residential or commercial level 2 or DC Fast Charge stations.

$999 will buy you a well built, long lasting Canadian built FLO EVSE with a 25’ cord and a high quality J1772 connector. Many others chargers are available with a wide range of options and features. Visit Motorize and ask us.

Speak with your strata and suggest installing a group of metered EVSEs to future-proof your building. More and more drivers are switching to EVs. EVSEs at multi-unit residential units are becoming the norm.