Question 1

What costs are included in the TCO calculation?

Accepted Answer

Our calculator includes 5 main cost categories over 5 years: purchase price (with financing), energy (electricity for EVs, gas for ICE), maintenance, insurance, and depreciation. It also factors in available government incentives for EVs.

Question 2

Why are Chinese EVs cheaper to own than gas cars?

Accepted Answer

Chinese EVs offer a lower total cost of ownership thanks to: 1) competitive purchase prices (BYD Seagull starts under $25,000), 2) electricity costs 3-5x less than gas per km, 3) 60-75% lower maintenance costs (fewer moving parts, no oil changes), and 4) EV-specific incentives like Quebec's Roulez vert ($2,000).

Question 3

How accurate is this calculator?

Accepted Answer

This calculator provides estimates based on Canadian averages for insurance, maintenance, and depreciation rates. Actual costs vary by driving habits, location, and individual circumstances. Energy costs use real provincial electricity and gas prices. For the most accurate comparison, adjust the sliders to match your specific situation.

Question 4

Do Chinese EVs qualify for Canadian incentives?

Accepted Answer

Chinese-built EVs are NOT eligible for the $5,000 federal EVAP rebate (no free-trade agreement with China). However, provincial programs like Quebec Roulez vert ($2,000) have no country-of-origin restriction, so Chinese EVs qualify. Our calculator automatically applies the correct incentives based on the vehicle's origin.

Question 5

Why can't Chinese-made EVs get the federal $5,000 EVAP rebate?

Accepted Answer

Canada has free-trade agreements (FTA) with South Korea, Japan, Mexico, and the US — but NOT with China. The federal EVAP rebate ($5,000) only applies to vehicles built in FTA countries. This is why BYD, XPeng, NIO, and other Chinese brands get $0 federal incentive. However, provincial programs like Quebec's Roulez vert have no country-of-origin restriction, so Chinese EVs qualify for those.

Question 6

What assumptions does the calculator use?

Accepted Answer

The calculator uses: 1) Canadian average insurance rates by province (EV slightly higher due to battery replacement costs); 2) EV maintenance at $300/year vs. $1,200/year for gas cars (EVs have fewer moving parts); 3) Provincial electricity rates and current gas prices; 4) Financing at 6.5% APR over 72 months (typical Canadian bank rate); 5) Linear depreciation model (simplified; actual curves vary by vehicle). Actual costs depend on driving habits, insurance claims history, and vehicle condition.

Total Cost: Chinese EV vs Gas Car

BYD Seal

Toyota Camry

Year-by-Year Cost Comparison

Savings by Category

Frequently Asked Questions