It’s gotten pretty hard for even a day to pass without there being some mention of electric mobility in the automotive industry. We have been witness to this staggering explosion of interest and innovation in the domain of green vehicles for a few years now, but 2019 is proving to be a particularly fertile and febrile period for new hybrid, plug-in and all-electric vehicles – and Canada’s market is being as upended as any in the world!
We published our first Hybrid and Electric Car Guide in the summer of 2017, and the immense interest it drew begged for a follow-up last year. Interest has only grown since then, so we’re back this year with a comprehensive look at all the models that in their way contribute to reducing fossil-fuel emissions around the world.
As in the past, we’ve included important figures like base prices, as well as links to relevant reviews we’ve published and specifications of certain models.
One other change in the domain is worth noting for 2019: this year, with Ontario’s cancellation of its EV rebate program, only two provinces currently offer incentives to buyers of electricity-powered vehicles, Quebec and British Columbia.
See also: 2019 Hybrid and Electric Car Guide: The Hybrids
See also: 2019 Hybrid and Electric Car Guide: The All-Electrics
THE PLUG-IN HYBRIDS (PHEVS)
BMW
When it comes to plug-in hybrid BMW, the model that immediately comes to mind for most people is the i8 supercar ($149,900). But that exotic creature now has company, or it will soon when the i8 Roadster ($169,900) debuts.
For those in search of something a little more, shall we say, practical, the German automaker has other options on the table, like the 530e xDrive sedan ($68,200) or the more opulent 740Le xDrive ($117,750) with its longer wheelbase and business-class-worthy second row of seats. There are surely still some units of the X5 xDrive40e SUV and the 330e sedan to be found in dealer inventories around the country, but those are 2018 models.
Take note that the 5 Series and 7 Series PHEVs make use of a 4-cylinder turbo engine wedded to BMW’s home-made plug-in hybrid system.
