Thinking of buying an electric car? 5 things you need to know about EVs before you do!

March 16th, 2023

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Electric vehicles (EVs) are all the rage right now.  

So, it’s little wonder why everyone who’s planning to buy their next car is probably at least considering the traditional car’s electric counterpart. EVs are new, trendy and better for the environment. 

If you’re planning to buy a car and you’re eyeing off that electric people-mover or volt wagon, let’s start by discussing exactly what you need to know so that, by the end, you can answer the question: 

Is an electric car the right choice for you? 

What are electric cars and why are they popular today? 

Electric cars or Electric Vehicles (EV) have recently risen as a popular alternative to traditional petrol vehicles. All electric cars feature an electric motor in lieu of an internal combustion engine and use a battery pack that needs to be charged through a wall outlet. 

They truly are the car of the future, today. 

EVs have spiked in popularity over the last couple of years. In fact, Electric Vehicle sales have surpassed that of conventional cars in 2020 in Norway, and Australia is not far behind – with plans for EVs to make up 76% of new vehicle sales by 2030.  

Although electric cars are still generally more expensive than conventional petrol vehicles, people tend to choose an EV for: 

• climate change concerns 
• to keep up with the latest trends 
• lower emissions 
• cost-effectiveness (in the long run) 

To date, there are several popular models of electric cars that you can choose from. But the EVs available in Australia are built by the following brands: 

• Audi 
• BMW 
• BYD 
• Genesis 
• Hyundai 
• Jaguar 
• Kia 
• LDV 
• Lexus 
• Mazda 
• Mercedes-Benz 
• Mini 
• MG 
• Nissan 
• Polestar 
• Porsche 
• Tesla 
• Volvo 

These EV models come in various price ranges and features, which can you learn more about by talking to your trusted car dealers or through our specialist EV team at Private Fleet. 

What you need to know if you’re planning to buy an electric car: 

Every car buying decision is a process – and because an electric car is a significant investment, you want to make sure that you are fully informed when making this choice. 

To help out, we have compiled some important factors you need to know about owning an electric car: 

1. The initial cost of electric cars is now decreasing

   Because of the increasing market share of electric cars, the upfront costs are now less daunting than they used to be. In Australia, you can now buy an electric vehicle for as low as $42,000 – this is not far off from the average of $40,916 that Aussies spend on new cars.

2. The maintenance and fuel costs of electric cars are cheaper than petrol
   

   According to an estimate by the Electric Vehicle Council, the average Australian drives around 15,000km per year. For petrol, this would cost around $2160 annually while this sits at around $600 for electric cars – that’s $1500 worth of savings per year!

3. There are government incentives for purchasing electric cars
   

   Governments across Australia offer different incentives and rebate schemes for buying electric cars. Since the programs vary across each state, you can check out the guidelines and eligibility criteria that apply to you from your state government’s website.

4. Electric cars are generally safer and faster than internal combustion engine cars
   

   Studies have found that lithium-ion batteries in EVs are as safe as (or even safer than) petrol fuel. In addition, electric cars deliver full torque instantly which means they can accelerate faster than conventional cars.

5. Charging options for EVs need to be accounted for
   

   EVs need to be recharged and their driving range can vary depending on the car. This must be taken into consideration when making a decision.

   There are about 3700 public chargers across 2100 locations across Australia today, which is considerably less when compared to petrol stations. Charging at home is one of the best options and so, this needs to be accommodated for, however the integration of charging facilities in all new infrastructure is to be expected going forward as EVs become the norm. 

Of course, there are more than just these five factors to think about when choosing a fuel-based case over an electric car, however these should get you started when making a decision. 

So, is an electric car the right choice for you? 

Frankly, the answer depends on your unique needs and preferences. However, electric cars are set to become the standard vehicle of the future – making them a great choice today. 

So, whenever you’re ready to take the next step towards an EV, it helps to have a vehicle expert who can guide you. If you have questions about electric cars and how you can choose the right one for you, simply reach out to us for a chat. 

Find the right EV for you with Private Fleet. 

Private Fleet empowers you to gain all the benefits of a fleet purchase, but as a private buyer. 

Backed by decades of vehicle industry experience, fleet buying power and a network of car dealers across Australia, we are here to ensure that buying a new EV car will be as straightforward as possible for you. 

Buying a new car is a memorable experience – let us make it hassle-free, too. 

Reach out to us today for a seamless and easy car-buying experience.