Electric and hybrid vehicles are becoming increasingly popular on the roads of Quebec. Just a few years ago, this type of vehicle was practically non-existent in the used car market. Only a few hybrid cars like the used Toyota Prius and the Chevrolet Volt were available for sale on various Quebec websites dedicated to vehicle sales. Fortunately, manufacturers have greatly improved their offerings, and the number of hybrid and electric vehicles on our roads has literally exploded.
Evolution of electric vehicle sales in Quebec
To give you an idea of the situation, in 2011 in Quebec, the number of new electric/hybrid/PHEV (plug-in hybrid) vehicles registered was 2,245. By 2019, this number had reached 27,248. As of March 31, 2020, there were over 69,332 electric vehicles in total in circulation in the province, of which 37,664 were fully electric.
Sources:
Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec
Association des véhicules électriques du Québec
As you can see in the above graph, since 2015, the purchase of electric vehicles has experienced a strong growth. Why? Well, not only because of the increasing popularity of the Chevrolet Volt and the Nissan Leaf, but especially due to the arrival of new models in different segments. In 2015, it was the arrival of the Kia Soul EV. In 2016-17, it was the turn of the Chevrolet Bolt, Hyundai Ioniq, and the new Toyota Prius Prime. Then, in 2018, it was the debut of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and the famous Tesla Model 3, which is now the 3rd most common electric car on our roads with over 8,000 units.
Fortunately, this increase in the purchase of electric cars 5 years ago is now reflected in the supply of used electric vehicles. So, what are the 5 best used electric vehicles on the market right now?
5. Chevrolet Volt
Produced since 2010, the Chevrolet Volt is the most popular electric car in Quebec. Its main feature is that its electric motor provides traction since its gasoline engine serves as a kind of generator that recharges the batteries. The gasoline engine only activates when the battery is at 30% or less of its charge. In electric mode, you can travel up to 70 km on board the used Chevrolet Volt.
4. Toyota Prius (4th generation)
The 4th generation of the Prius (2016 – present) offers three versions, namely the Prius, the Prius Prime, and the Prius C subcompact. They are all powered by the same 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine, combined with a pair of electric motors. The total power is 121 horsepower and delivered to the wheels via a CVT gearbox. As for its fuel consumption, the used Toyota Prius will allow you to achieve 4.2L/100km.
3. Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 is becoming increasingly available on the used car market and can be a great deal for enthusiasts of 100% electric vehicles. Apart from its power and range of 409km to 560km depending on the version, its greatest advantage is that the car's software updates via Wi-Fi. The updates happen automatically, making the Tesla Model 3 a used car that ages well!
2. Kia Soul EV
The first-generation used Kia Soul EV is equipped with a 27 kWh battery, which allowed it to lead the electric vehicle market in terms of range with its 167km range in 2015. On the other hand, the second generation of the Kia Soul EV is equipped with a 64 kWh battery, develops 201 horsepower and 291 lb-ft of torque, and offers an impressive range of 390km!
1. Nissan Leaf (2nd generation)
The used Nissan Leaf of the second generation (2017-present) is powered by a 40 kWh battery developing 147 horsepower and can travel over 243km on a single charge. Its price on the used market is very attractive, as it is not uncommon to find used 2018 Nissan Leafs for less than $25,000. In 2019, Nissan launched the Leaf Plus, equipped with a 62 kWh battery, offering 33% more power and a range of 364 kilometers!
