We ask our readers on a weekly basis to tell us about their experiences. Altered regularly, this list that we produce does not always reflect the analyzes that we will publish in the short term. The data collected is also sometimes used to support certain comments we make in the “mail” section.
As part of the “test bench”, our role is first to inform you about the latest developments in the industry. Moreover, we strive to share with you the strengths and weaknesses of each of them even before they are put on the market, in addition to carrying out a brief comparison with some of their rivals. We can’t include them all, but at least this additional section to the “test bench” helps establish some hierarchy. You are right to point out that certain vehicles analyzed as part of the “test bench” are not within the reach of all budgets.
Before going any further, two elements are worth putting into perspective. The first, economic: Quebecers spend on average $60,000 on the purchase of their vehicle. The second, mercantile: the manufacturers’ portfolio consists of some 250 models and the vast majority respond to sufficient demand. That said, regardless of price or category, all test benches are of interest. They allow us to better understand trends and discover technologies and technical advances that will have an impact on the entire vehicle fleet relatively quickly.
Finally, for more than 20 years, we have strived to diversify our offering when putting together our testing schedule. This is designed according to numerous parameters (accessibility, innovation, importance, etc.).
To answer your question, we asked for help from our colleague and motorcycle specialist Bertrand Gahel. This one is clear: “No, it is not normal for a battery to die after three weeks without use. Two questions must be asked before going any further: the battery must be in perfect condition, that is, fully charged and in the same condition as a new one. Is she? Then, are there accessories that drain the battery even when the ignition is off? That would explain your problem. »
Logically, you should be entitled to reimbursement for your protection. But there is one condition. The refund request must be included in the rental agreement you signed four years ago. If this provision is not included in the contract, your dealer is not required to reimburse you. According to the Consumer Protection Office (OPC), “the consumer who plans to buy the car at the end of the lease should not take out […] such insurance.”
It already exists. In fact, some companies specialize in this area by applying a biodegradable anti-rust treatment. It does not contain solvents and presents no risk for these vehicles equipped with numerous electrical and electronic components. To find out which workshops offer such a service in your region, we suggest you contact the Association of Electric Vehicles of Quebec. But before doing so, we strongly suggest that you read the terms of the anti-corrosion guarantee defined by the manufacturer.