Skip to main content
BC Hydro - Power smart
BC Hydro - Power smart

Main navigation

  • Home
  • Why go electric
    • Why drive an EV?
    • Will an EV fit your lifestyle?
    • How much does owning an EV cost?
    • Fuel savings calculator: EV vs. gas vehicle
    • EV technologies and types
    • Q&A: Advice from EV owners
  • Buying guide
    • EV models available in B.C.
    • Tips for the EV buying process
    • Test driving an EV
    • Buying a used EV
    • Maintaining and insuring an EV
    • EV info for car dealers
  • Charging
    • Choosing an EV charger
    • Charger installation
      • How to install an EV charger at home
      • How to install EV charging at an apartment
      • How to install EV charging at a workplace
    • Where to buy an EV charger
    • Charging and your BC Hydro bill
    • Public charging
      • BC Hydro's fast charging network
      • How to use BC Hydro EV fast chargers
      • Taking a road trip in an EV
    • Metering and billing options for apartments
  • Rebates
    • EV incentives in B.C.
    • B.C.'s EV charger rebate program
      • Rebates for home chargers
      • Rebates for apartment/condo buildings
      • Rebates for workplace chargers
    • EV chargers eligible for rebates
    • Local charger rebate top-ups
  • About
    • Our role with electric vehicles
    • What does 98% clean mean?
    • EV news and resources
    • Subscribe to our emails
Home

Test driving an electric vehicle

How to get the most out of your EV test drive

Test driving a car sounds easy, but it's also something that most of us don't do very often. And if it's your first time driving an electric car (EV), some things will be completely new, like the vehicle's incredible silence and rapid acceleration. It's an exciting experience that can cause you to quickly get distracted and forget to look for all the things that are important to you. So we've pulled together the most helpful things you need to know before you get behind the wheel of an EV.

test driving an electric vehicle

Where to test drive an EV

Test driving an EV at a dealership

All EV manufacturers (except Tesla, Polestar and Karma) make both gas and electric cars, so the first thing to do is find a dealership for your chosen manufacturer with an EV enthusiast on the sales team who can properly advise you. You should also check out our tips for the EV buying process before you visit a dealership.

Some car dealerships rely on vehicle service and maintenance for much of their business. And since EVs require much less maintenance than gas-powered vehicles, dealerships' attitudes toward EVs can vary.

Schedule your test drive in advance so you know they'll have your preferred vehicle available, and ask them to fully charge it for your test drive (this may sound obvious, but it can easily be overlooked). And if you're excited about your test drive, share it!  Mentioning the dealership on social media the day before your EV test drive can help set you and the dealer up for a positive experience.

Test driving an EV at an enthusiast event

There are also other, less pressurized ways to get behind the wheel of your chosen EV. Several B.C. enthusiast organizations are keen to share their knowledge and advice – and some will even let you take a test drive or a ridealong at their events.

Emotive is a B.C. campaign promoting the fun of driving an EV. Led by Plug In BC, and supported by voluntary EV ambassadors, Emotive facilitates test drives at events including the Vancouver Auto Show.

The Vancouver Electric Vehicle Association (VEVA) is over 20 years old and has members who not only drive and own EVs, but also build them. They host meetups regularly, as well as other events such as guest speakers and their ElectraFest.

Meanwhile, the Victoria EV Club is a diverse group of EV enthusiasts enjoying and promoting EV ownership on Vancouver Island.

Want to find out what it's like living with an EV every day? See why these British Columbians made the switch to an electric vehicle.

Watch now

Tips for your test drive

Top 10 tips to get the most out of the experience

Even with federal and provincial incentives, buying an EV is a major purchase. So when you jump into the driver's seat for your test drive, try to keep these 10 things in mind:

1. Range

If the EV is fully charged, check the range when you get in. How does it compare with the manufacturer's claim? Also, keep an eye on the range during your drive – how fast does it go down? Temperature, speed and steep hills can all affect it. Your driving style also affects the vehicle's range. For example, if you accelerate quickly or sustain high speeds for longer periods (i.e. highway driving), the range depletes more quickly.

2. Silence

If you're used to driving a gas car, get ready for the striking silence of an EV – it can feel very strange at first.

3. Regenerative brakes

EVs have regenerative brakes that work whenever you take your foot off the accelerator, converting kinetic energy into electricity. They take a minute to get used to – but don't worry, there's also a regular brake pedal for when you need to stop.

4. Drive on different roads

Ask to drive at least 20 km on a varied route to see how an EV feels on the type of roads you normally drive on.

5. Maintenance schedule and cost

EVs have far fewer moving parts than a gas-powered vehicle, so they need less maintenance. But make sure to ask what the maintenance schedule looks like – and how much it costs.

6. Vehicle-specific features

Most EVs have unique features. Ask the dealer to explain what makes the EV different and try out the features to decide if they're right for you.

7. Your favourite features

Don't forget the features that are important to you on any car. Maybe you want large cup holders, or need to connect your smartphone. Check to see if the EV can do what you want.

8. Seating and controls

Take time to adjust the seat to your favourite driving position and make sure you can easily reach all the controls.

9. Parking and maneuverability

Your EV may be bigger or smaller than you're used to, with different visibility. Can you easily park and maneuver it in tight spaces?

10. Practicality

Maybe you're changing to a smaller EV from a bigger SUV. Will this new car carry everything (and everybody!) that you'll need it to?

Related content

Tips for the EV buying process

Get the guide

Maintaining and insuring an EV

Learn about it

EV charger rebates for single-family homes

Apply now

Quick Links

  • Home EV charger options
  • BC Hydro EV mobile app
  • Fast charger help centre

Program Partners

  • Go to BCHydro.com
  • CleanBC Go Electric

Copyright © 2023 BC Hydro. All Rights Reserved.

Footer menu

  • Legal
  • Privacy Statements
  • Contact Us

Rebates for single-family homes

If installed at a single-family home, this charger may be eligible for a rebate of up to 50% of purchase and installation costs to a maximum of $350. 

This includes duplexes or townhouses with private garages or dedicated parking. 
Rebate amounts are subject to change. Visit the EV charger rebate program for information and eligibility criteria.

If installed at an apartment/condo or workplace, this networked charger may be eligible for a rebate. 

Rebates for apartments/condos

Up to 50% of purchase and installation costs to a maximum of $1,400 to $2,000 per charger.

Rebate amounts vary depending on factors such as whether or not the building is participating in other EV Ready rebates.

Rebates for workplaces

Up to 50% of purchase and installation costs to a maximum of $2,000 per charger.

Pre-approval from BC Hydro is required for apartment/condo and workplace customers. Program maximums apply.

Rebates for single-family homes

If installed at a single-family home, this charger may be eligible for a rebate of up to 50% of purchase and installation costs to a maximum of $350.

This includes duplexes or townhouses with private garages or dedicated parking. 

Rebate amounts are subject to change. Visit the EV charger rebate program for information and eligibility criteria.

Features

Load management: Allows multiple EV chargers to share the same electrical circuit, allowing the charging power to be distributed across each charger.

Networked: A networked charging station that is connected to a central system via internet communication such as open protocol (e.g. OCPP, OpenADR or other) or a proprietary system (must be connected to a network for minimum of two years).

Multiple ports: Allows multiple vehicles to charge at the same time.

CSA Certification: Tested and certified electric vehicle charging and components by CSA Group. 

cETL Certification: Compliant with North American safety standards and tested/certified by Intertek.

cUL Certification: Compliant with Canadian safety standards by UL Canada.

Breaker Current

Every circuit breaker has specified amperage (amount of current). The rating is the labelled on the breaker. Understanding your electrical service and panel is important in determining the type of EV charger you can support.

Give feedback

This form is for website feedback only. If you have a question requiring a response, please see our other contact options.
Was this page helpful?
200 character limit
200 character limit
Do you drive an electric vehicle? (optional)