One of the attractions at the annual Canadian International AutoShow, which kicked off at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and ends this weekend, is the indoor electric vehicle (EV) test track.
The test track in the Centre’s south building is regarded as the largest in Canada of its kind and allows anyone at least 21 years old with a full licence to get behind the wheel of a new EV model.
Brands available for a test drive are Cadillac, Ford, Genesis, GMC, Hyundai, KIA, Lexus, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, VinFast, and Volvo.
Among the many who lined up to drive was Nick Somai, who tested the Lexus RZ. It was an eye-opening experience for him.
An electric GMC Hummer rounds a corner of the indoor track during a test drive at the Toronto AutoShow. It wraps up on Feb. 25. Photo credit: Liam Neilson
“It was my first time driving an EV, so it was pretty interesting, and it’s rare to get to do something like this, and I’m leaning more towards maybe buying one in the future,” he said.
Somai is not the only attendee impressed with the test track and what it has to offer.
Abhijeet Shelat test-drove the electric Hummer by GMC and said an EV may also be in his future.
“It was interesting to drive such a big car, but it felt a lot smaller, especially with the rear steering. It felt really tight and maneuverable, so that was really cool to see,” he said.
“I’ve never really given an EV much thought before, but it might be something I’d go for down the line when it’s a little bit more in my price range,” Shelat said.
However, the sticker price seems to stop some people from buying one.
Vince Scime, who tested a Subaru Solterra, said he believes EVs are largely unaffordable to the average person living in Toronto and doesn’t see the value of owning one just for the daily commute to work.
Vince Scime does not see himself purchasing an EV. Scime is not currently in the market for electric vehicles because of the higher sticker prices. Photo credit: Liam Neilson
“The bottom line is they’re $20,000 to $30,000 more than the gas version,” Scime said. “I can’t justify that expenditure right now and I don’t drive enough.
“If I drove 60,000 or 70,000 kilometres a year, an EV or a hybrid would make a lot of sense, but I don’t,” he said. “Right now, I spend about 50 bucks on gas every week getting to and from work. Sure, it’d be nice to cut that down or out, but for tens of thousands of dollars?”
Scime said he’s also concerned about EVs in colder climates, saying he wouldn’t be comfortable trusting the battery not to die after a bad night in the winter.
Anyone else on the fence or potentially in the market for an electric vehicle can hit the AutoShow before it ends on Feb. 25.