Unfortunately, misinformation about electric vehicles (EVs) and the reality of owning one is abundant. Since the moment EVs first arrived on the scene there has been a proliferation of myths, half-truths, outdated beliefs and straight up lies amongst consumers which has turned many would-be EV car owners off the idea of purchasing one. It’s a shame that misleading information is turning potential buyers away and contributing to a slower uptake of the eco-conscious technology, so we’re here to help right that wrong!
If you’re yet to become educated on EVs and what it’s like to own one, then consider this your crash course. We’re busting common myths and misconceptions about owning an electric car in Australia and setting some of the facts straight. Read on to find out the truth about owning an EV.
Myth: They create as much pollution as conventional vehicles
Fact: This is one of the most harmful myths about EVs that people sometimes believe. It has been proven to be untrue, they not only emit zero direct emissions from their tailpipes but studies have also shown that they’re responsible for significantly less indirect carbon dioxide pollution during their lifecycle than conventional cars, even when taking into consideration their production and the generation of the electricity required to charge them.
Here in Australia several states rely primarily on coal for the production of their power and so it’s often believed that EVs are less green in those states, but this ignores the efficiency of EVs. Even in states where coal is used and internal combustion engine cars might otherwise have the edge in overall C02 emissions, EVS still produce approximately 40% less emissions. This is because whilst conventional cars don’t have very efficient engines – very little of the energy in their tanks is actually converted into the motion in the wheels, in fact, most of it goes towards wasted heat. Electric cars on the other hand are highly efficient, using most of their battery power to operate the vehicle.
What this means in reality is that if you were to convert petrol to energy you would find one litre is equal to about 10kwH, newer EV models can travel up to 400km on just 50kwH batteries – imagine trying to travel that far on 5 litres of petrol! For this reason, EVs produce far less C02 overall. It’s also worth it to take a future-focused approach, the uptake of EVs may help to encourage the introduction of greener energy solutions such as wind and solar, reducing Australia’s reliance on coal and improving the environmental benefits of EVs.
There’s also the added benefit of EVs being a far cleaner choice. Because they produce no tailpipe emission, EVs are a much better choice for improving air quality and a single car can save our roads from several tonnes of emissions each year.
Myth: EVs can’t travel very far
Fact: The idea that electric cars can’t travel very far is a huge concern in Australia because of our many open spaces and long stretches of road. It’s not uncommon for people to travel great distances here, in rural areas ‘the next town over’ can be hundreds of kilometres away! But the truth is, EVs have come a very, very long way when it comes to their technology and range and now they can travel a very long way! Many of the newer models can now travel over 400 km’s, whilst popular models like the Nissan Leaf will average up to 200 km’s on a single charge. EVs are more than capable of handling everyday drives around town, to and from work and the supermarket – you could conceivably get through an entire week on a single charge. With the increase in the availability of fast charging stations throughout the country it’s also much easier to take them long distances – they can be charged in under 30 minutes in many cases! Range is far less of a concern now and for many people electric cars will be much less hassle then regular stops at the fuel station.
Learn more about real world electric car ranges.
Myth: EVs are expensive
Fact: Whilst many electric cars carry a premium price tag, especially in Australia where import costs can add up, there are a number of affordable options such as the Nissan Leaf, the Hyundai Ioniq and Renault Zoe and there are yet more exciting and affordable options to come. They may attract a higher up-front cost but they are an investment for now and in the future and can represent significant cost savings over the course of their life. Brand new electric cars available in Australia start at around $47,000 but pre-owned EVs in good condition can be a very inexpensive option, especially when drivers take into account the lowered running costs associated with them.
In Australia where the cost of fuel is high, vehicles run on electricity can save you considerable sums of money. For example, if you page around 25 cents per kwH for your electricity this would mean you’d spend around $3.75-$5 per kilometre, the equivalent of spending just 50 cents a litre on fuel! You can expect your charging costs to be around 60-90% cheaper than fuel costs.
Additionally EVs attract lower registration costs and discounts in Australia and maintenance costs are much lower because EVs have less parts that require servicing and replacement. Think about it, there’s far fewer moving parts so much less need to regularly replace parts. The primary areas that will require servicing in your EV are; brakes and tyres, windscreens, wipers and fluid and battery repair or replacement (often covered under warranty and rarely required).
Myth: EVs are slow
Fact: This is a myth that is quickly being dispensed with now that people are becoming more aware of Tesla’s and other electric cars, but many people stills believe that EVs have less oomph then internal combustion cars – it’s actually the opposite in many cases. EVs are in general actually quicker than most conventional vehicles and will accelerate almost instantly if you put your foot down, this is because they general more torque then conventional vehicles. They still can’t quite reach the same speeds as many internal combustion vehicles, but unless you’re a race car driver it shouldn’t be an issue! EVs will more quickly reach high speeds and easily travel on high speed highways.So there you have it! Some of the most common myths about EVs debunked, still got questions? Get in contact with us today, we specialise in electric and hybrid vehicle imports.