Frequently asked questions

Electric cars are a smart choice for several reasons. They offer lower fuel costs compared to traditional gas-powered cars, especially when using off-peak electricity rates. Maintenance is simpler and cheaper due to fewer components and no need for fluid changes. EVs also produce no tailpipe emissions, reducing air pollution and carbon footprint. Additionally, they are quiet, provide instant power, and are convenient to charge at home. With a home solar system, you could even eliminate fuel costs entirely over time.

Gone are the days of electric vehicles (EV) with compromise. Thanks to new battery technology, drivetrain advancements and engineering breakthroughs, EV owners get true Australian driving range, power on demand and can greatly reduce their emissions and financial footprints.

The upfront costs of EVs are currently more expensive than conventional vehicles, however powering your EV is much cheaper – about 70 per cent cheaper per kilometre in fact. That means the average EV driver saves $1,600 on fuel costs each year. There are also lots of new mid-range EVs available in Australia this year. These include the MG ZS EV ($43,990), Hyundai Ioniq ($48,970), and Nissan Leaf ($49,990). EVs are only going to become more affordable with time. According to Bloomberg, falling battery prices mean that the total ownership costs of EVs is already the same as conventional vehicles and that upfront costs will be cheaper by 2025. As competition, investment, and innovation increase, the costs of EVs will continue to fall while conventional vehicle prices stay the same.

Fully electric cars do not require oil changes, transmissions or exhaust systems and the average EV driver can save hundreds of dollars per year on maintenance. Electric motors are much more durable than gas engines and only have one moving part. This means far less breaks down or failures.

Electric car batteries are designed to last the vehicle's lifespan, making replacements rare. While some degradation may occur over time, it typically has minimal impact on driving range. Many manufacturers offer warranties of up to eight years for EV batteries, ensuring long-term reliability.

EV batteries are made from Lithium-ion, which is the same battery used in smartphones, laptops and most rechargeable household electronics. Lithium-ion batteries are 90% recyclable and a number of companies are looking at using used EV batteries as second-life energy storage units.

Australia has the highest emissions per capita in the OECD and is also one of the only developed nations in the world that doesn’t have a carbon emissions scheme. An average new fossil fuel car emits around 185g CO2/km. An average new EV, however, is responsible for around 98g CO2/km, which is better for the environment. Reduced tailpipe emissions, particularly in urban areas, could also support better health standards.Many cars on our roads produce more pollution than similar cars in other developed nations. While it is true that power plants produce emissions, the amount of greenhouse gas emissions depends entirely on the source of electricity. When electricity comes from renewables which are low-emitting sources, which Australia has double digit growth over the past few years the average EV driver an reduce their vehicle’s greenhouse gas emissions by 60-90% depending on whether or not you drive a fully electric or plug-in hybrid electric car and the sources of electricity generation in your province. Australia’s vehicle emissions are at a record high and electric car technology will substantially reduce our carbon footprint.

When you compare the total life-cycle of an EV to a gas car, from manufacturing to operation to end of life, EVs produce about half the greenhouse gas emissions as a comparable gas car.

Electric cars deliver full torque right away giving them better acceleration than gas cars. Electric cars have no problem maintaining speeds upwards of 150 km/h. Electric cars deliver a smooth ride and are completely silent when running.

Charging times for electric cars vary. A standard 11kW home charger can take up to 8 hours for a full charge, but most drivers only need to recharge a fraction of their battery daily. Installing a home charging station can further reduce charging times. Additionally, DC-Fast stations, increasingly available in country towns, can charge your EV from empty to 80% in just 20-45 minutes, making them ideal for highway travel.

Charging times depend on the power source and car type. Ultra-rapid stations with up to 350kW can charge some EVs in as little as 15 minutes, while 100kW chargers take about 40 minutes for higher-end models like Teslas. Using a standard 10A household socket, a Tesla Model S with a 100kWh battery may take up to 40 hours. However, for most commuters, an overnight charge every few days is sufficient. As technology advances, charging times are expected to improve further.

Yes, most modern electric cars can travel over 300 km on a single charge. For long trips, such as between Sydney and Melbourne, you can rely on DC-Quick chargers available along highways. These chargers can recharge your battery from empty to full in just 30-45 minutes.

A growing number of jurisdictions have announced plans to phase out the sale of new petrol and diesel cars: • The UK will ban petrol, diesel and hybrid car sales by 2035. • France will ban the sale of petrol and diesel cars by 2040. • Norway, which has the highest penetration of EVs in the world, will ban the sale of petrol, diesel and hybrid cars by 2025. • The Netherlands will ban petrol, diesel and hybrid car sales by 2030. • srael will ban the sale of petrol and diesel cars by 2030. • More than 10 states in the USA will ban petrol and diesel sales between 2030 and 2040. In addition, many cities and territories around the world, including Australia are introducing electric buses into their public transport networks.