Electric Cars in Australia

Australians are well on our way to becoming greener drivers, with the range of electric cars available on the Australian market continuing to grow through now and into the future.

There’s good reason for the sector’s growth, too. An electric vehicle pollutes significantly less than a standard internal combustion engine (ICE) car. In fact, the only point at which an electric car gives off emissions is during the manufacturing process. In addition, electric cars are getting faster, more efficient, and all-around more modern, not to mention cheaper, too.

So, if you’re wondering how to go about buying an electric vehicle, let’s start with the pros of buying and owning an electric vehicle in Australia, from the on road costs of pure electric vehicles to the environmental impact.

1. Environmental impact

The rise in popularity of EVs in Australia is helping us to reduce our carbon footprint. This has to do with the fact that, as mentioned above, electric cars give off no emissions outside of manufacturing. This helps to keep pollution low and improve air quality which, in turn, is good for public health.

According to the ACEEE, among the most environmentally friendly EVs are the Nissan Leaf and the Hyundai Ioniq Electric, the latter of which is also revered for its high performance.

2. Costs

There’s no denying that the upfront costs of EVs can be staggeringly high. However, over time, the initial price points plus onroad costs of electric vehicles add up to a much better investment than if you opted to buy a cheaper ICE.

According to the Electric Vehicle Council here in Australia, the average car costs $14 per 100km to run and maintain. In comparison, it costs just $4 per 100km to run an EV. And, given that EV batteries just keep getting better and better, those upkeep costs are likely to continue falling as the cars themselves also become more affordable.

3. Convenience

It is becoming increasingly convenient to own an electric car. Nowadays, there are public charging points all over the place, with many more charging stations currently under development. You can also buy your own, with many EV owners opting to have a 7kw wall box or similar installed outside their home.

Plenty of EVs also come kitted out with all the mod cons you would expect from a quality car. For example, the Volvo XC40 recharge comes with in-built satellite navigation, while most insurance companies now cover roadside assist for electric cars as standard.

4. EVs are the future of driving

It’s not just the immediate benefits that count when it comes to owning an electric car in Australia. EVs are the vehicles of the future. As such, if you get in there now, you can enjoy being on the cutting edge of technology.

There is also a lot to look forward to as manufacturers continue to push boundaries. For one thing, the driving range of standard EVs is improving. They’re also getting more high tech and all wheel drive is becoming more common amongst the electric cars coming to Australia. So, any upgrades you make further down the line are likely to be particularly exciting.

The industry standards for electric vehicles

Industry standards for the electric cars available in Australia and elsewhere are constantly improving. For one thing, the price of electric vehicles is finally starting to level out. While for a long time it was difficult to find an EV for less than $50,000, the current average is around $47,500.

Even some of the larger cars are dropping in price, with the MG ZS EV on offer at around $43,000, making it Australia’s cheapest electric SUV. So, while still expensive, prices are going down. There are some exceptions to this rule, though, as the Renault Kangoo has recently undergone a price hike that bucks the trend seen elsewhere in the country.

In addition, the distance EVs can travel on a single charge is improving across the board, as evidenced by their WLTP test results. Although, some cars are more likely than others to hit their stated range, with the Hyundai Kona being particularly accurate. Just keep in mind that driving style can have a big impact on how far an EV can go before needing a top-up.

The design of the battery pack installed in an EV will vary depending on the car maker. This affects the speed at which the EV can charge, with most taking around eight hours to juice up completely. Most electric cars, though, are compatible with DC fast charging points, which speed the process up. Others, such as the BMW i3, do not have fast charging capabilities.

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How to decide on the perfect electric car?

With all the new EVs coming to Australia soon as well as the wide range of options available right now, you might be wondering how to start narrowing down your choice. To do so, have a think about the following:

• Are there EV charging ports available near you?

• Should I install an EV charger in my home?

• What are your ideal charging times?

• Do the cars you’re looking at come with a good battery warranty?

• Do you require advanced safety features?

Answering all of these questions will help you to narrow down which model of electric car coming soon to Australia is right for you.

Trying out electric cars

These days, with so many electric vehicles in Australia, making a final choice is difficult. So, it’s a good idea to try out the EVs available before making your purchase, particularly if you’re a first-time buyer.

You can rent EVs for the day, such as the latest Tesla Model S and the all-new Lexus UX. Do so to get a feel for everything from the speed to the controls on the steering wheel.

Electric cars in Australia and finding your perfect EV

The future is electric. With the introduction of models ranging from the more affordable Ioniq Electric and Kia Niro to the pricier Audi eTron GT and Mercedes Benz EQA, there are fantastic options to suit all buyers. It really is an exciting time to be investing in an electric vehicle in Australia.