For plug-in vehicle owners 6 Search out all home charger incentive programs. Most potential buyers will be aware of the lar‑ ger new vehicle government rebates, like the feder‑ al rebate of up to $5,000 for a BEV or longer-range PHEV (50 km or greater of all-electric range), and sim‑ ilar amounts offered now in most provinces. But there are also various types of local government or utility green rebates which provide subsidized or low-cost loans for home EV charging stations (EVSEs), which provide a quicker overnight charge to all-electric ve‑ hicles, though the standard 110-volt charge cord may work overnight for some PHEV owners. 7 A.B.C.: Always Be Charging, especially at free chargers. Their number may be decreasing, but for maximum fuel savings, it’s worth seeking them out. But be courteous, and move as soon as you’re done. 8 Study and practice your drive mode moves. Most plug-in vehicles have different drive modes that vary the level of regeneration when you let your foot off the accelerator. It’s worth checking your manual for recommendations on each one, and to keep your eyes on the ‘game-ification’ scores or ratings your mode moves achieve for you.
9 Precondition the interior while charging. Having that home EVSE is super helpful for cabin com‑ fort, as you can use your app or your vehicle’s climate control timer to warm up or cool down the vehicle while plugged in just before you depart, while still leaving with a full charge. 10 Regen braking is not always your friend. While hybrids and PHEVs all offer regenerative brak‑ ing that efficiently reclaims power lost to friction heat on regular brakes, keep in mind that coasting is usual‑ ly better than regenerative braking for maximum ef‑ ficiency. So keep your eyes up, avoid coming to a full stop when possible, and extend out your regen brak‑ ing for red lights or on long downhills.
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