Interest in electric cars is growing as prices at the pump surge and Canadian society in general turns away from fossil fuels.

In British Columbia, for example, the government recently announced a new law requiring that all cars and trucks sold in the province be zero emission by 2040. In addition, the federal government is offering buyer’s incentives for newly purchased or leased electric vehicles on or after May 1, 2019. Click this link to find the list of eligible vehicles.

This may seem all fine and dandy — who doesn’t like the idea of no longer paying high gas prices to commute? — but a lot of questions still remain about the infrastructure surrounding electric vehicles.

In particular, charging them is a concern.

It can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 12 hours to charge an electric car, depending on the vehicle and the type of charger.

In an ideal situation, you plug in your electric car when you pull into the garage at home and let it charge overnight. Come morning, you’re all topped up and good to go.

But it’s not always that easy.

The cars can charge with a variety of different charge points, including a standard 120-volt outlet. That’s the option that takes the longest to charge, though, and still ideally requires access to a garage or somewhere covered to park your car.

Most electric car owners opt for a 240-volt charging station – but that needs to be installed at home and can cost several hundred dollars.

If you rent or live in an apartment with building policies, it can be tricky to install the charger you want. That’s why it’s crucial to look into your options before buying an electric car.

If you can’t charge it at home, though, not all is lost.

Many apartment buildings are opting to install charging stations – bring it up with your building manager. The same is true at workplaces where, increasingly, charging stations are being installed in parking lots. Then you can simply charge it while you work.

If none of those are options, look into what is around you in your neighbourhood. Oftentimes, malls and other public places will have free charging. There are also hundreds of paid super-chargers around the city, as well.

The first signs of warmer weather and spring are starting to appear. For homeowners, that means bringing out the home maintenance to-do list.

Fear not, we have some tips on what you need to do this season to get your house in the best condition. All these things can help preserve the value of your property and save you money down the line.

1. Go high
Examine the state of your roof to make sure there are no cracks, missing shingles, or leaking spots. While you’re poking around the upper levels of your home, have a look in the attic for leaks, water damage, and pests.

2. Probe wood trims and frames
The winter wetness can wreak havoc on the wooden elements in your home. Make sure any exposed wood is in good condition and not slowly rotting. Don’t forget to check windowsills and door frames.

3. General spring cleaning
Now is the time to declutter your home. Store any winter gear you won’t be using, donate the items you no longer use, and give the whole house a good scrub.

4. Check the AC and furnace
Spring is a good time to make sure your AC is all ready to go before the hot weather hits - check the connection, and filters to make sure it’s working efficiently. While you’re at it, see what state the furnace is in too.

5. Clear out the gutter
Loose or leaky gutters can cause all sorts of problems down the line. Double check that the run-offs aren’t full of debris.

6. Plan ahead for the garden
Start laying down soil to prevent spring flooding and think about what crops you’ll want in the coming months. Start by planting bulbs and keeping them indoors on a windowsill if it’s still a bit frosty at night.