Electric vehicle sales accounted for 8.3% of Australia’s total new vehicle deliveries in the first quarter of 2024, and that number is growing steadily every year.
However, many drivers have yet to make the switch from gas-powered vehicles or don’t know where to start when purchasing their first electric vehicle (EV).
There’s a lot to consider for those planning to make the switch, especially around driving range and charging options.
So here are the questions you should ask your dealer before buying your first electric vehicle.
How far can I go between charges?
Range anxiety or the fear that an electric vehicle battery won’t have the capacity to complete a journey is one of the top concerns for Australian car buyers considering purchasing an electric vehicle.
This is evidenced by Zing Insights’ January 2024 Electric and Hybrid Vehicles report, which surveyed 2000 Australian drivers about their current and future car buying habits. The results showed that 39% of respondents were concerned about the driving range of electric cars, while half were skeptical about charging infrastructure.
These numbers reflect a trend that Hyundai Melbourne general manager Ashley Berick has seen.
“Most of the questions we get are around how coverage and charging times work,” Mr Berick said. Automotive expert.
“People who are looking in that electric space are researching things, it’s a new landscape for everyone.
“But most of them are curious about the coverage range, how to charge and from whom to source home charging. Those are the most common questions we get.”
Therefore, for buyers’ peace of mind, any electric vehicle purchasing process should include a discussion with the dealer about the range of the vehicle in question.
The range of modern electric vehicles varies widely, from a claimed 233km on the upcoming Mini Cooper Electric to 654km on the Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor.
For those who live in the city and mainly use the car for daily commuting, the Mini may have enough range. However, drivers who travel a lot on the ground will likely want an electric vehicle that can spend more time on the road and less time at a charging station.
It’s best to discuss your personal needs with your dealer so they can point you in the direction of an electric vehicle that suits your lifestyle.
What are my charging options?
Once the question of range is addressed, charging options should also be discussed.
In most cases, you can choose to charge your electric vehicle at home or in public, while charging speeds vary according to the type of charger available – and the vehicle’s capabilities.
The AC charger can be a portable device that plugs into a regular wall outlet. This is the slowest but simplest form of billing for those who have a garage or frequently use PowerPoint.
Faster home alternating current (AC) charging systems (called wall boxes) typically connect to the standard electrical grid and are a faster way to charge your electric vehicle.
Wall box charging can be expensive initially as equipment and installation are not cheap, although some brands include installation in the purchase price of the vehicle.
On the other hand, direct current (DC) charging is faster but more expensive to power your EV. Most car owners only use DC chargers on road trips.
This type of charger is available at fast charging stations and provides outstanding charging speeds for AC systems. One downside is that DC charger availability is not guaranteed, which is due to high demand, maintenance issues and gaps in coverage across Australia.
Making the waters muddier, not every car can charge at the same speed. Some electric cars with high-tech 800V platforms can charge at up to 320kW (Porsche Taycan), meaning you can go from flat to 80% in 18 minutes using a fast 350kW public charger best.
Plugged into the same charger, the Nissan Leaf could only charge at 50kW. That means it takes an hour to charge the battery from 20 to 80% when plugged into a 350kW charger, even though it has a much smaller battery than the Taycan.
There are some complications here that don’t exist with internal combustion engine (ICE) cars, so you should talk to your dealer about charging options and which one will be best for you in terms of cost and convenience.
“We strive to make the process easier by offering fee options as part of our online purchasing process,” Mr. Berick said.
Is charging hardware included with the purchase?
The answer to this question may seem obvious, but you will be surprised to know that the price of all electric cars does not include a charging cable.
In fact, the world’s leading seller of electric cars – Tesla – is one of the brands that considers charging hardware as a paid option. One point worth clarifying because portable charging cables can cost up to $500 depending on the brand you choose.
How much does it cost to operate and maintain?
In general, electric vehicles are cheaper to maintain and service than comparable ICE alternatives, and that’s a big advantage for potential buyers.
However, this varies by manufacturer.
For example, Tesla cars are cheaper to maintain because they do not follow a set maintenance schedule, while BYD electric cars require annual maintenance which puts costs closer to combustion engine cars. in.
Be sure to confirm your new electric vehicle’s service schedule with the dealer to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
In general, electric vehicles are also cheaper than ICE vehicles when it comes to day-to-day costs, as charging an electric car will cost you less than filling up an equivalent alternative when it’s charged. with affordable household electricity.
In addition to service intervals, buyers should also check with their dealer about spare parts availability, as supplies for some makes and models are limited.
Are there any financial incentives for purchasing an electric vehicle?
The financial sense of buying an electric vehicle depends on where you live in Australia, with some states offering incentives for drivers to make the switch.
South Australia, New South Wales and Victoria recently abolished the $3000 rebate on electric vehicle sales, but the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) still encourages electric car owners.
New electric vehicles are exempt from registration tax in the ACT, which equates to around $2900 for a $60,000 car that emits more than 221g of CO2 per kilometre.
ACT registration costs are also waived for the first two years of electric vehicle ownership, regardless of whether the vehicle is new or used. Finally, interest-free loans are available to electric vehicle buyers as part of the ACT Sustainable Households Program.
No matter where you are in Australia, there is one Exemption from Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) for anyone trying to lease certain types of electric vehicles, designed to make them more attractive to buyers.
While there’s plenty of information online, dealers will almost certainly have the best deals in their area, so it’s best to ask them when looking for your first new electric vehicle.
What is the warranty period for the drive battery?
Unlike ICE cars, electric cars are sold with both a vehicle warranty and an EV battery warranty, which includes a warranty on the drive battery if it is defective or wears out during normal use. .
Most manufacturers guarantee the transmission battery will maintain a certain percentage of its original capacity for eight years or 100,000 miles, although some automakers have slightly different policies.
Can my EV tow?
Some electric vehicles can carry a load in the back, but not all.
One such example is the Cupra Born, although it’s unlikely buyers intend to tow a caravan with their Spanish rear-wheel-drive hatchback.
There can be a lot of variation between electric vehicles when it comes to towing capacity, so you should check the spec sheet or ask your dealer about the capabilities of your desired electric vehicle.
