FAQ

An EV (Electric Vehicle) is a car powered entirely by an electric motor and a battery, instead of a gasoline engine. It requires charging via an electrical source and produces zero emissions while driving.

An ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) vehicle runs on fuel like gasoline or diesel. It uses an engine that burns this fuel to generate power.

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.

EVs have fewer moving parts than gasoline vehicles, so maintenance is simpler. Regular service includes wheel rotation, brake and suspension inspections, replacement of the air filter and wipers, 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 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.

Charging times depend on the battery size and the charger type. A full charge can take from 30 minutes at a fast charger to over 12 hours with a regular home outlet.

No. 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.

At home, charging a 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. If you charge at a public charge station, the fees can vary a lot based on provider, location etc.

Public charging fees vary depending on the location and provider. Some stations are free or charge per kWh, while others charge by time or offer a flat fee.

You can find charging stations using apps like plugshare, ChargePoint, or the EV’s built-in navigation system.

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. Tesla superchargers are now compatible with some non-Tesla EVs (with adapters). The others are called destination charge stations. They use the popular J1772 connector, and can charge most EV.

Not all charging stations can charge all electric vehicles (EVs) due to differences in charging levels, connector types, and EV compatibility. There are various charging station types and plugs, depending on the charging speed and EV model.

Charging Levels:

Level 1 (120V): Uses a standard household outlet (often referred to as a NEMA 5-15). It's slow but can charge any EV since every vehicle comes with a Level 1 charger.

Level 2 (240V): These stations use a dedicated outlet or wall-mounted charger, typically providing 30-40 amps. They are the most common public charging stations in Canada and are compatible with most EVs.

Level 3 (DC Fast Charging): These are high-power chargers that provide fast charging, but compatibility varies depending on the type of plug and EV.

Connector Types:

J1772: Standard for Level 1 and Level 2 charging in North America. All EVs, including Teslas (with an adapter), can use this connector.

CCS (Combined Charging System): A common fast-charging connector for most North American and European EVs. It combines the J1772 connector with two additional DC pins for faster charging.

CHAdeMO: Primarily used by older Nissan Leafs and a few other models. However, its popularity is declining in favor of CCS.

Tesla Supercharger: Tesla vehicles use proprietary plugs for their Supercharger network. Tesla is transitioning to offer CCS adapters, making their cars compatible with other fast chargers.

Charging Networks in B.C.:

Flo
ChargePoint
Tesla Supercharger
BC Hydro
Petro-Canada

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. Having a home charging station (Level 2) is not required but offers much faster charging than using a regular outlet, making it more convenient. Most EV owners love to charge their car at night to find it fully charged and ready to go in the morning.

EVSE installations are typically done by licensed electricians familiar with EV chargers and local regulations. 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.

Charging at a condo may be possible, but it depends on the building’s electrical setup and bylaws. Speak with your strata and suggest installing a group of metered EVSEs to future-proof your building. As more and more drivers are switching to EVs, EVSEs at multi-unit residential units are becoming the norm.

Yes, EVs are designed to be safe in all weather conditions, including heavy rain or when driving through water. Their batteries are sealed to protect against water ingress.

If your EV runs out of charge, it will need to be towed to the nearest charging station. Some roadside assistance services now offer mobile EV charging. Alternatively, if you have your level 1 charger with you and are within range of a regular electrical outlet, you can plug your EV to get enough charge to go to a faster charger.

Yes, EVs can lose some range in cold weather due to battery chemistry and the use of heating systems. However, modern EVs are equipped with features to minimize the impact.

Regenerative braking in an EV captures energy when you slow down or brake, converting it back into electricity to recharge the battery and extend your driving range.

Yes! Many EVs are capable of long-distance travel. With the growing network of fast charging stations, road trips in an EV are becoming easier and more convenient.

EV batteries are designed to last a long time—often 10-15 years or more. They typically outlast most other components in the car.

Yes, EVs generally have instant torque, providing faster acceleration. They also operate more quietly and offer a smoother driving experience. You'll enjoy the

Both are great choices. New EVs come with the full manufacturer's warranty and the latest technology. Used EVs, our specialty at Motorize, typically cost 30–50% less and often still carry the remaining factory warranty. We include a battery health report with every used EV so you know exactly what you're buying.

There are two equally important things to evaluate when buying a used EV: battery health and overall vehicle condition. For the battery, ask for a state-of-health (SOH) report, which tells you exactly how much of the original capacity remains. Also, check whether the vehicle supports DC fast charging, the charging history, and any remaining manufacturer warranty. For overall condition, inspect the interior, exterior, paint, tires, and all electronics carefully. At Motorize, every used EV goes through our in-house Detail Studio reconditioning process before it leaves our lot. So, paintwork, interior surfaces, and presentation are all brought up to the highest standard. You're not just buying a healthy battery; you're getting a vehicle that looks and feels its best from day one. Our staff is happy to walk you through both the battery report and the vehicle condition details for any car on our lot.

Absolutely, and we encourage it. Nothing beats experiencing the smooth, instant-torque feel of an EV firsthand. Book a test drive on our website or call us at 250-655-3534 to arrange a time.

Yes, financing options are available. Our team can walk you through financing plans that fit your budget. Ask us in-store or reach out via our Contact 250-655-3534 for details.

Yes, we accept trade-ins of all kinds: gas vehicles, hybrids, and EVs. Bring your vehicle in for a free appraisal, and we'll apply the value directly toward your next EV. You can also start the process online via our Trade-In page.

State of health (SOH) is a percentage representing how much of the battery's original capacity remains. A new battery is 100% SOH; 80% SOH after 10 years is typical and considered healthy. Motorize includes a battery SOH report with every used EV. You can also check SOH using third-party tools like Leafspy (for Nissan LEAFs) or your car's built-in health menu.

Yes. EVs are heavier than comparable gas vehicles due to the battery pack, and they produce instant, high torque that puts more demand on tires during acceleration. EV-specific tires are designed with reinforced sidewalls to handle the extra load, and lower rolling resistance compounds to help maximize range. Using the correct tire type and keeping them properly inflated is one of the easiest ways to protect your EV's range. Our team can advise you on the right tires for your vehicle.

Yes. EVs generally require less maintenance because they have fewer moving parts, no oil changes, no transmission fluid, and less brake wear thanks to regenerative braking. Many EV owners save thousands in maintenance costs over the life of the vehicle.

No. Fully electric vehicles do not use engine oil, so regular oil changes are not required.

DC fast charging can contribute to slightly faster battery degradation over time compared to slower Level 2 charging, but modern EV battery management systems are designed to minimize this impact. For most EV owners, occasional or regular fast charging is not a major concern.

Battery health is influenced by many factors, including: • Charging frequency and charging habits • Battery temperature and thermal management • State of charge (SOC) • Driving conditions and climate • Battery chemistry and vehicle software

In general, using DC fast charging for road trips and long-distance travel is completely normal. However, for the best long-term battery health, many EV experts recommend: • Using Level 2 charging for daily charging when convenient • Avoiding leaving the battery at 100% for long periods • Avoiding frequent extreme charging from 0% to 100% • Preconditioning the battery before fast charging when possible

Most modern EVs are built to handle regular fast charging, and real-world battery degradation is often much lower than many people expect.

Our Detail Studio provides a full range of tire services, including seasonal tire swaps, tire storage, tire balancing, and TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system) service. We also carry a selection of tires suited to BC road conditions. Please book a tire appointment online or call us (250-655-3534), especially ahead of spring and fall changeover season when slots fill quickly.

Tesla Superchargers are becoming increasingly compatible with non-Tesla EVs, but charging performance can vary depending on the vehicle, charging architecture, and Supercharger version.

Many modern EVs can successfully use Tesla Superchargers with the correct adapter or built-in NACS support. However, not all EVs will achieve the same charging speeds as Tesla vehicles.

Charging performance can be affected by: • Whether the EV uses a 400V or 800V battery system • Vehicle software and charging communication compatibility • Battery temperature and preconditioning • Supercharger version (V2, V3, or V4) • Adapter type and charging protocol support • Battery state of charge (SOC)

Some 800V EVs may charge slower on certain Tesla Superchargers because Tesla’s charging system was originally optimized for Tesla’s own battery architecture. In many cases, these EVs can achieve faster charging speeds on high-power CCS chargers designed for 800V platforms.

Tesla Superchargers are excellent for charger availability, reliability, and ease of use, but depending on the EV model, other fast-charging networks may sometimes offer faster charging speeds or lower pricing.

The main difference between 400V and 800V EVs is the battery system voltage, which affects charging speed, efficiency, heat management, and power delivery.

Most earlier EVs use a 400V architecture, while many newer high-performance EVs are moving toward 800V systems.

Key differences include:

• Faster DC fast charging 800V EVs can typically accept higher charging power with lower current, allowing much faster charging speeds at compatible chargers.

• Improved efficiency Higher voltage reduces electrical resistance and heat generation, which can improve energy efficiency and charging performance.

• Better thermal management 800V systems generally produce less heat during high-power charging and acceleration.

• Thinner and lighter cables Because less current is needed, manufacturers can sometimes use lighter wiring and components.

• Charger compatibility differences Some charging networks are better optimized for 400V systems. Certain 800V EVs may charge slower on some Tesla Superchargers or older DC fast chargers if voltage conversion is limited.

Examples of 400V EVs: • Tesla Model Y • Chevrolet Bolt EV • Nissan Leaf

Examples of 800V EVs: • Hyundai Ioniq 5 • Kia EV6 • Porsche Taycan

For everyday driving, both systems work very well. The biggest real-world advantage of 800V architecture is usually shorter charging times during long-distance road trips.

EV tires, particularly on the driven axle, can wear faster than those on ICE vehicles due to the higher torque delivery and vehicle weight. We recommend tire rotation every 10,000–12,000 km, or at least twice per year during your seasonal changeover. Regular rotation evens out wear and significantly extends tire life. Bring your EV into the Detail Studio, and we'll take care of it.