As part of the 2019 budget released back in March, Canadians who want to drive green cars were handed an incentive with the offer of a rebate of up to $5,000 against the purchase of zero-emissions vehicles.
One caveat was that for vehicles with six or fewer seats, the maximum manufacturer’s suggested retail price that would qualify for the incentive is $45,000, although models with more expensive trims are still allowed, as long as the total price doesn’t go above $55,000.
With that in mind, here are seven electric cars available in Canada that would qualify for the federal subsidies:
Chevrolet Bolt EV
Rebecca Cook/Reuters
- MSRP: $44,800.
- Range: 383 km.
Having the longest range in its class means that, depending on use, you can go several days without having to plug it in to recharge.
Ford Focus Electric
Ford
- MSRP: $34,998.
- Range: 185 km.
Boasting a 107 kW electric motor supplying 143 hp, the Ford Focus Electric can hit a top speed of 135 km/h.
Hyundai Ioniq Electric
The Associated Press
- MSRP: $37,899.
- Range: 200 km.
Unlike some of its rivals, the Ioniq Electric consistently displays a reassuring link between distance travelled and range remaining.
Kia Soul EV
- MSRP: $35,895.
- Range: 179 km.
The Soul has fast-charging functionality, enabling it to reach up to 80-per-cent charge in as few as 23 minutes.
Nissan Leaf EV
Koji Sasahara
- MSRP: $41,698.
- Range: 363 km.
With the development of its e-pedal, drivers can get around town without having to hit the brakes, simply pressing down to accelerate and lifting off to slow down.
Smart Fortwo
- MSRP: $29,050-$32,050.
- Range: 155-160 km.
Although it may be short on cargo space, the Fortwo is ideal for zipping around the city, although it’s not as fast as some other electric cars, taking just more than 11 seconds to go from 0-100 km/h.
Volkswagen e-Golf
SEAN GALLUP-GETTY IMAGES/Getty Images
- MSRP: $36,720.
- Range: 201 km.
While it looks and handles exactly like its gas-powered sibling, the lack of engine noise doesn’t prevent its 100 kW motor from getting up to passing speeds on the highway.
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Paul Attfield