Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) Guide

A battery electric vehicle (BEV) is a vehicle driven by electricity (as opposed to gasoline) provided by a rechargeable battery. The battery powers one or more electric motors, which rotate the wheels to propel the car along. The batteries are charged by plugging into the electrical grid.

Instead of your typical internal combustion engine-powered (ICE) vehicle that gets fueled up at the gas station and stores liquid, combustible fuel in a tank, BEVs replace the fuel tank with a battery, the engine with electric motors, and use a plug, not a gas pump.

While BEVs have only gained a meaningful presence on the roads in the past few decades, they were actually invented back in the 1890s. Since then, they’ve become the ideal vehicle for millions of Canadians as they approach the range, comfort, and affordability of many similar ICE cars.

Yes — EV, or electric vehicle, most commonly refers to a battery electric vehicle (BEV), with no internal combustion engine. Hybrids (HEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) may be referred to as electrified vehicles because they are part BEV, part ICE vehicle, meaning electricity provides some but not all of the power.

Yes — a BEV is a zero-emission vehicle (ZEV), or one that produces no greenhouse gases or other tailpipe pollutants to run and drive. Compare that to an ICE vehicle, which emits exhaust smoke, as well as a hybrid (HEV) or plug-in hybrid (PHEV) that uses an ICE sometimes.

A ZEV produces no tailpipe emissions while driving, although the designation doesn’t consider the source of the electricity. While some electricity is generated through clean, renewable energy like wind or solar, some comes from polluting sources like coal or natural gas power plants. Zero emissions do not include emissions generated through the car’s manufacturing process, either. Other ZEVs include bicycles, sailboats, and electric planes, among a few others.

Electrified vehicles, whether full BEV/ZEV or some kind of hybrid, can contribute to lower levels of local pollution, making the air you breathe every day cleaner and healthier.

BEVs aren’t the only cars on the road sporting traction batteries and motors. Hybrids use an EV setup and an ICE engine. Their electric energy is generated by the gas engine and through regenerative braking. A plug-in hybrid vehicle, or PHEV, typically has a larger battery and also features — you guessed it — a plug. PHEVs can be charged by the grid, too, giving them a bit more electric-only range than most hybrids.

Is an HEV or PHEV the best of both worlds, or do they miss out on the full benefits of driving an EV? The answer depends on the kind of vehicle you need.

Many factors determine which kind of electrified vehicle is for you. That includes access to public chargers, your willingness and ability to install a home charger, and typical commuting or traveling distances. You can also consider the cost of gas and electricity in your area. Finally, the value you put on tailpipe emissions can also sway your consideration.

How far can an EV, HEV, and PHEV take you on a single refueling, be it gasoline or electrons?

Depending on the model, a BEV’s typical range is 160-640 km per full charge. A hybrid’s range is about on par with an ICE vehicle, in the 700-1,000 km range, but with only a few kilometers of electric-only range (if any).

A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) can go on average 600-900 km total, with 30-65 km of electric-only range. The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has an electric-only range of 72 km, above the high end of the average, and an 18% bump over the 2025 model. It has a total range of 690 km.

In addition to the fuel savings and emissions reductions, many drivers choose an EV because it’s a lower-maintenance vehicle. An EV can require up to 50% less maintenance than a traditional ICE car. Electric motors have many fewer parts than a gasoline powertrain, and they don’t require things like oil or belt changes.

Thanks to regenerative braking, BEVs typically don’t need brake pads replaced nearly as often as ICE vehicles. The list of wear items on a BEV is much shorter than that of an ICE.

Depending on the costs of gas and electricity in your area, an EV can be a much more affordable choice. EV costs overall are dropping, and even the $1,500 to $3,000 CAD spent on a home charging station can be easily offset by fuel savings. Calculating the savings of an electrified vehicle will depend on your local gas and electricity rates, and how often you charge at home or at public chargers, but the math typically works out — especially when you factor in the environmental benefits of zero-emission transportation. 

When it's just as easy to hop in and drive a BEV as it is an ICE, they’re available in many more models, and they get nearly the range of a gas car, it’s hard to deny the allure of an electric car. 

You’ll likely be surprised how easy it is to adjust to life with a BEV. Especially with a home charger, when it’s easy to plug in at night just as you would your smartphone, choosing an electric car for everyday duty can make sense for most people.

EVs operate almost silently, so they can offer a relaxing driving experience — yet still offer a surge of instant power when you need it.

For most Canadians, driving a battery electric vehicle doesn’t change how they use their car. Many owners find that once they settle into a charging routine, daily driving feels even simpler than owning a gas vehicle. Plus, no smell on their hands after a fill-up.

With the average Canadian work commute less than 30 min each way, there’s plenty of range leftover for after-work duties like grocery stops, school pickups, and dining out.

Better yet, many of the places you’re already going have an EV plug. Grocery stores, coffee shops, parking garages, and many public places all sport EV charging stations, in part thanks to Canada’s EV charging incentives. Many offices have them for employees, too.

For most drivers, commuting and running errands are well within the range of a modern BEV. With typical ranges between 160 and 640 km per charge, many drivers can go several days before needing to plug in again. Plus, imagine how convenient it would be to have a gas pump in your garage — that’s what it’s like having at-home charging.

Short trips like grocery runs, school drop-offs, and commuting to work fit naturally into this routine. Regenerative braking, which captures energy while slowing down, even helps maximize range during stop-and-go driving in city traffic, where ICE engines get worse fuel efficiency.

Longer drives are becoming easier as Canada’s charging network continues to grow. Public charging stations are now common along major highways, in cities, and at many retail locations. On vacation, you’ll find many hotels that offer charging right in the parking lot. As more businesses realize it’s a great perk for passing drivers, we could soon reach a point where nearly every stop has a plug.

For weekend getaways or road trips, drivers typically plan a charging stop much like a rest break. When certain EVs can go from almost empty to almost full in less than 30 minutes with a DC fast charger, it’s easy to get a few hundred kilometers of charge in the time it takes to grab a coffee or stretch your legs.

Many modern navigation systems can also help locate charging stations and estimate how long you’ll need to charge before continuing your trip.

Canadian winters can affect any vehicle, and BEVs are no exception. Cold temperatures may reduce driving range because energy is used to warm the battery and heat the cabin. It also has an impact on the chemistry of the battery. Anywhere from 20-40% of range could be lost in really cold temperatures.

However, modern EVs are designed with cold climates in mind. Features like battery thermal management systems, heat pumps, and pre-conditioning help maintain battery performance even when temperatures drop. Drivers can do their part to preserve range by using heated seats before cabin heaters. Many drivers also take advantage of the ability to preheat the cabin while the vehicle is still plugged in, meaning the car is warm and ready before you leave, without using battery power from your driving range.

Otherwise, EVs can do just as well in winter driving as any similar ICE car. Many feature all-wheel drive (AWD) and advanced traction control systems. Plus, extra weight down low can improve traction even more and keep the car steady thanks to a low center of gravity. 

BEVs can fit into many different driving environments, from the bustling city to the far-flung reaches of the countryside.

In urban areas, drivers often benefit from short commutes and easy access to public charging stations or chargers in apartment garages. Regenerative braking also works well in stop-and-go traffic. In suburban areas, many homeowners install a Level 2 charger in their garage or driveway, making overnight charging simple and convenient. Many big-box stores and shopping centers also host their own charging stations.

In rural areas, longer distances between destinations may require a bit more trip planning but expanding highway charging networks are making long-distance EV travel more practical every year. Depending on the commute and home charger, a nightly top-up still may suffice in the rural lifestyle.

For many drivers, living with an electric vehicle follows a routine like this:

Charge overnight at home → Commute to work → Run after-work errands → Plug back in at home

Others don’t plug in for days at a time or may prefer to top up their charge at public stations. Next time you’re driving, keep an eye out for how many chargers you see. You’ll likely be pleasantly surprised.

Since BEV charging can typically line up with when the car is parked, like at home or at the store, their owners don’t even have to factor in “fuel stops.” In those situations, it’s not “spending extra time at the charger” but rather “not spending time standing at a gas pump” or interrupting your day to stop for fuel.

From the commute to the cross-country adventure, BEVs of our era can do it all.

The all-important BEV question: Where and when will you charge it?

This might be the biggest shift in ownership from an ICE, since we’re so accustomed to going to the gas station and planning out our fuel stops. First, learn some of the terminology. Instead of thinking in liters, you’ll consider:

• Kilowatts (kW): A measure of electricity
• Kilowatt-hour (kWh): A unit of energy and way of measuring battery capacity — EV batteries hover around an 80 kWh average
• Level 1 charging: 120-volt charging, like from a standard household outlet
• Level 2 charging: 240-volt charging, like an electric dryer plug, common for home chargers
• DC fast charging: 480-volt specialized EV charging infrastructure for quicker charge-ups

Level 2 and DC fast chargers are found in most public stations, for faster charging while not at home. Charging an EV really is as simple as plugging it in.

Level 1 chargers might take a full day to fill the battery, but they're fine for overnight top-ups. A fast charger can give you hundreds of kilometers in minutes but will also cost a bit more.

Depending on your lifestyle and living arrangement, you might be fine charging every night at home on a Level 1 or 2 charger, or you may have fast chargers on your route that make those quick electricity fill-ups convenient. The biggest change in habit might be plugging in even when the EV is more than half full, since it’s right there where you’re parked anyway.

Even some hybrids can utilize public charging stations, if they’re of the plug-in variety, and have a larger battery than other hybrids.

The other important question about BEVs: how far can they go on a charge?

The range of an EV — how far it can drive on a fully charged battery — varies by model and even trim level, but can range from roughly 160-640 km. Like fuel economy estimates, that’s under best-case conditions. Driving style, environment, speed, and weather conditions can all impact range, in small and large ways.

• Weather: Cold temperatures can temporarily reduce range because energy is used to warm the battery and cabin
• Speed: Driving faster on highways typically uses more energy than city driving
• Terrain: Climbing hills requires more power, while downhill driving can recover energy
• Driving style: Smooth acceleration and braking can help extend range
• Vehicle load: Carrying passengers, cargo, or rooftop equipment can increase energy use

When you lift off the accelerator or apply the brakes, the electric motor can reverse its role and act like a generator. Instead of wasting energy as heat, as in a conventional braking system, some of that energy is captured and returned to the battery. This process helps maximize driving range, especially in stop-and-go traffic where vehicles slow down frequently.

To ensure an easy, familiar, and modern driving experience, Mitsubishi Motors designs electrified vehicles for consistent performance, minimizing fluctuations due to these factors. Battery management, low rolling resistance tires, advanced computing systems, and other innovations improve efficiency, charging performance, plus vehicle longevity and durability.

Mitsubishi Motors draws on years of electrification experience to design systems that balance range, durability, and real-world usability, helping drivers feel confident whether they’re commuting through the city or heading out for a longer trip.

EVs might be equally priced or a bit more than a similar ICE vehicle or hybrid, but the savings begin almost immediately. Lower fuel (in this case the “fuel” being electricity) and maintenance costs can make everyday driving a lot more affordable.

Instead of buying gasoline, BEV drivers buy electricity. And in many cases, electricity is significantly cheaper per kilometre driven. According to the Government of Canada, it can cost five to ten times less to charge an electric vehicle than to fill a gas-powered vehicle for the same distance, depending on local electricity rates and gasoline prices, as well as your old car’s comparative fuel efficiency.

Charging at home overnight can be especially cost-effective, since residential electricity rates are often lower than public charging or gasoline costs. The exact savings depend on where you live and how much you drive, but over time those smaller energy costs can add up.

A BEV powertrain has far fewer moving parts than an internal combustion engine. There’s no engine oil to change, no spark plugs, and no complex exhaust system. Because regenerative braking helps slow the vehicle, brake components may also last longer.

As a result, organizations like the Canadian Automobile Association estimate that EV owners can save roughly 40–50% on maintenance costs compared with gas vehicles.

Large ownership studies have reached similar conclusions. A 2024 Canadian analysis found that 82% of EVs studied had lower maintenance costs than comparable gasoline vehicles, contributing to lower overall ownership costs for most electric vehicles.

Of course, BEVs still require regular inspections, tire rotations, and other basic services, but the overall maintenance schedule tends to be simpler.

To help encourage electric vehicle adoption, federal and several provincial governments in Canada offer a range of EV purchase incentives and rebates. These programs can help reduce the upfront cost of buying an electric vehicle, depending on where you live and which model you choose. They’re also in place to help install more charging stations and electrify public and private fleets.

Programs change periodically, so it’s always worth checking the latest information when you’re shopping for a new vehicle.

Aside from installing a charging station, BEV drivers don’t have as much to worry about in terms of long-term ownership, since it’s typically a simpler experience due to lower maintenance. 

A BEV can be a great choice for nearly every driver, unless you’re doing majorly long hauls or towing often. Do you:

• Drive to and from work with an average commute distance?
• Park at home or in a garage every night?
• Have access to nearby charging stations?
• Appreciate the value of zero-emission driving?
• Plan to keep your car for several years?
• Feel comfortable taking a new approach to road trip route planning?

If you answered yes to all or most of the questions, a BEV can be a great choice.

Switching to an EV can raise questions about long-term reliability. Mitsubishi Motors approaches electrification with the same goal it brings to every vehicle: build systems that are durable, dependable, and ready for real-world driving.

Electric vehicles rely on batteries, motors, and electronics working together smoothly. Mitsubishi Motors designs these systems to perform reliably across different conditions, from daily commutes to long highway drives. Learn about all the technology and innovation built into Mitsubishi Motors’ vehicles.

EVs may be new to some drivers, but Mitsubishi Motors has years of experience developing electrified vehicles. That expertise helps engineers refine battery management, charging systems, and overall vehicle performance for everyday use.

Mitsubishi Motors backs its vehicles in Canada with:

• 10-year / 160,000 km Powertrain Limited Warranty
• 5-year / 100,000 km New Vehicle Limited Warranty
• 5-year/unlimited km Roadside Assistance
• 10-year / 160,000 km Lithium-Ion Battery Limited Warranty (Outlander PHEV)

These protections help provide confidence for long-term ownership. BEV warranty details will be clarified upon the model’s release.

Strong engineering combined with long warranty coverage helps make the transition to electric driving feel more comfortable for many drivers.

Mitsubishi Motors plans to expand its electrified lineup with an all-new battery electric vehicle expected to arrive in North America in 2026.

The upcoming BEV is intended to fit naturally into daily life, from commuting and school drop-offs to weekend trips. Based on proven technology, it promises to impress with a modern BEV experience.

Mitsubishi Motors already offers electrified options, such as the Outlander PHEV. The new BEV will add a fully electric alternative with no gasoline engine, giving drivers another way to electrify their daily drive while staying within the Mitsubishi Motors lineup.

Like other Mitsubishi Motors vehicles, the upcoming BEV is expected to support active Canadian lifestyles, whether that means urban commuting during the week or longer drives and outdoor adventures on the weekend.