Electric vehicle (EV) sales are on the rise in Australia and our sustainability team fields lots of questions about them. We’ve answered some of the most common ones below. To find out more join our webinar on 5 February.
Are EVs getting cheaper to buy?
As demand for EVs grows, evolving technology and economies of scale mean prices are falling. There are now several sub-$40,000 options to choose from in Australia. And one manufacturer is about to release Australia’s first EV priced under $30,000 (before on-road costs). An influx of new EV models is expected here in 2025.
What about running costs?
The Electric Vehicle Council of Australia estimates that the average Australian driving about 12,000 km a year would spend about $2,500 on petrol, or 20 cents a kilometre. An EV travelling the same distance would cost about $500 to charge, or 4 cents a kilometre. Charging an EV from a home solar system could cut charging costs to around $200. And with fewer moving parts EVs should be cheaper to service than a petrol-powered vehicle.
How do I charge an EV?
You can install an AC charger at home which can add around 100 km worth of charge in about 2 to 3 hours. You can also plug into a regular power point for slower charging.
DC charging is generally much faster. You’ll find DC chargers at public places like car parks and shopping centres so you can charge your car while shopping or having a bite to eat. City of Boroondara installed 2 sets of public chargers last year – at Hawthorn Aquatic and Leisure Centre and Burwood Village shops. They’ve been used for more than 10,000 successful charging sessions. We're about to install a charging station at Ashburton Village and are partnering in the installation of chargers at Kew Junction.
How far can I go before recharging?
EVs have an average battery range of around 450 km. This allows someone driving 40 km a day to go for at least 10 days on a single charge. Many newer models claim a range of more than 600 km.
Where do I find out more?
Are you thinking about buying an EV? Sign up for our webinar, ‘Is an electric vehicle right for me?’ It’s at 7 pm on Wednesday 5 February. Energy expert Ian Moxon from Watts Going Down will cover:
- when it’s time to make the switch
- affordability and availability
- batteries including range, life span, safety and end-of-life recycling
- types of charging systems, charging times and availability of infrastructure
- travel and maintenance costs.
Find out more and register at our sustainability events page.