Used EV dealership with a small lot and service bay

Local private buyers, people trading in a petrol car, and trade customers or small businesses buying electric vehicles.

Margin on each car sold, plus income from servicing, inspections, winter tire changes and accessories such as charging cables.

• Vehicle buying and pricing
• EV basics and safe handling
• Sales and customer care
• Managing stock, paperwork and staff

• Dealer licensing, premises standards and zoning vary by province and municipality, so check each before signing a lease
• Garage liability, inventory and commercial general liability insurance
• High-voltage battery work needs proper training and safety equipment, so check technician qualifications and provincial trade rules
• WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire, with rules that vary by province
• Lease and stock costs are fixed even in slow winter months, so plan your cash flow
• Consumer protection and disclosure rules for used vehicle sales

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $60,000 to $300,000, depending on the lot or unit, the stock you buy and your equipment. Lease and stock costs are fixed even in slow winter months, so plan your cash flow.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $60,000 to $300,000, depending on how many vehicles you sell and at what prices. Revenue is not profit, since stock, lease and staff costs come out of it.

Check dealer licensing, premises standards and zoning, which vary by province and municipality, before signing a lease. Also check insurance, technician qualifications and provincial trade rules for high-voltage work, WCB/WSIB coverage, and used vehicle disclosure rules.