As experts on the road, CAA North & East Ontario invests in staying ahead of the curve when it comes to new technology, vehicles and consumer safety. By participating in EV road tests in Canada and overseas, CAA is ensuring that we can provide the latest insight and information about EVs.
2026 CAA EV Circuit
For 2026, CAA clubs across Canada conducted the EV Circuit at Blue Mountain, Ontario. The event featured models representing more than three-quarters of Canadian EV sales, offering a broad snapshot of today's electric vehicle market. Participants travelled approximately 365km across highway and regional roads, testing real-world cost, charging performance, and driving experience against manufacturer specifications.
The basics (and more) of EVs
From a distance, there are few distinctions between a gas-powered car and an electric vehicle when you're out on the road. But look closer: the plug-in port, the lack of an open grille, the quiet ride, and EVs come into focus.
Since EVs first made a splash in the 1990s (and in the late 1890s, before that), more models have come on the market with new features, range, technical wizardry and styles.
What do you need to know?
There's plenty to learn about EVs, but starting with the basics is important. Consider factors like affordability, charge versus range, winter driving, performance, and EV ownership's hidden costs or benefits. These can help you decide if an EV is right for you.
What consumers should know about EV imports
As Chinese EVs as well as other imports appear at Canadian auto dealerships, there are many factors to consider like access to parts, customer service and data privacy.
Thinking about a Chinese EV?
Learn about electric vehicles
CAA also offers handy tools for EV owners or those just curious about adding an EV to their car conversations.
How do EVs perform in real-world conditions?
Every year, Norges Automobil-Fobund (NAF), our sister club in Norway, conducts the world’s largest EV test drive in harsh winter weather. In 2026, CAA joined to participate in the 400km test drive to learn what Canadians needs to know about how EVs perform in real-world conditions.
CAA EV Winter Test Drive
As Canadians increasingly look towards electric vehicles (EVs) as a sustainable alternative to gas-powered cars, there are still many unknowns when it comes to their performance and charging in our harsh winter conditions.
To address these questions in winter 2025, CAA clubs from across Canada joined CAA North & East Ontario in Ottawa to take part in first-ever CAA EV Winter Test Drive, Canada's biggest independent test drive of EVs in winter. The test route between Ottawa and Mont Tremblant in Quebec, offered real world insights for consumers.
FAQ
Most EVs available in Canada today have a range between 200 and 500 kilometres per charge, depending on the model. CAA North & East Ontario's EV Buyer's Guide lets drivers compare range by model to find a fit for their typical driving needs.
Charging level | Power source | Typical use | Charging speed |
Level 1 | Standard household outlet (120V) | Overnight home charging | Slowest: a few kilometres of range per hour |
Level 2 | 240V outlet (like a clothes dryer) | Home and workplace charging | Moderate: typically a full charge overnight |
Level 3 | Public fast-charging stations | Highway and trip charging | Fastest: significant range in well under an hour for many models |
Cold Canadian winters can reduce EV battery range by up to 40 percent, according to CAA's EV Winter Test Drive. Preheating the cabin while the vehicle is still plugged in, limiting accessory use, and parking in a garage when possible all help offset winter range loss.
The CAA EV Circuit is a multi-day road-trip event, held in 2026 at Blue Mountain, Ontario, that tests EV cost, charging performance and driving experience across vehicles representing more than three-quarters of Canadian EV sales. Visit the event site for more details.
Yes. CAA covers electric vehicles across Canada and the United States in case of a breakdown, including charging-related issues during a road trip. Learn more about roadside assistance.
As of 2026, the federal Electric Vehicle Affordability Program (EVAP) offers a point-of-sale incentive of up to $5,000 for eligible light-duty EVs, with the amount declining in future years. Ontario does not currently offer its own provincial rebate for EV purchases, so buyers in Ontario rely on the federal incentive alone.
A hybrid vehicle uses a gas engine and a small battery that recharges through braking and engine power, with no plug required. A plug-in hybrid adds a larger battery that can be charged from an outlet and drive on electric power alone for a limited range before switching to gas. A fully electric vehicle, or EV, runs entirely on a battery and electric motor, with no gas engine at all.
Affordability remains one of the biggest considerations for prospective EV buyers. Some models have higher upfront prices than comparable gas-powered vehicles, although incentives and potential savings on energy and routine maintenance may reduce the difference over time.
The calculation depends heavily on the vehicle, financing costs, annual driving distance, access to home charging, local electricity prices, insurance, and how long the owner plans to keep the vehicle.
The CAA National EV Buyer's Guide is an interactive online tool that helps Canadian drivers research and compare electric vehicles based on cost, charging infrastructure, and lifestyle needs. For more details, visit evbuyersguide.caa.ca.
Charging infrastructure is expanding, but the experience is not yet consistent across the country. Availability and reliability can vary considerably between urban, rural, northern and remote communities. Drivers who can charge at home may have a very different experience from those who depend primarily on public charging.
Continued investment is important, but the number of chargers is only one measure. Reliability, location, accessibility, charging speed, clear pricing and ease of payment are also essential to consumer confidence.
Insurance premiums are based on a number of factors, including the driver, vehicle model, repair costs, claims history, location and coverage selected. While some EVs may cost more to repair due to specialized parts and technology, insurance costs vary significantly by vehicle and individual circumstances. Consumers should compare quotes and speak with their insurer to understand how a specific vehicle may impact their premium.
Some insurance companies, like CAA Insurance, offer incentives and discounts for people who have electric or hybrid vehicles.
Like many modern vehicles, EVs contain advanced technology that can influence repair methods and costs. As EV adoption grows, automakers, repair facilities and insurers continue to adapt, helping build expertise and repair capacity across the industry.
Vehicle maintenance and insurance pricing are generally separate considerations. Insurance premiums are primarily determined by risk factors such as vehicle characteristics, repair costs, claims experience, and driver history.
