The start of the COVID-19 pandemic looked set to bring about significant difficulties for the electric car sector. However, despite an initial drop in global sales, a sudden 40% increase in growth meant that 2020 became a record-breaking year for the EV industry.
As a result, we’re well on our way to becoming greener drivers, with the range of electric cars available on the Australian market continuing to grow through 2021 and into the future.
There’s good reason for the sector’s growth, too. An electric vehicle pollutes significantly less than a standard internal combustion engine (ICE) car. In fact, the only point at which an electric car gives off emissions is during the manufacturing process. In addition, electric cars are getting faster, more efficient, and all-around more modern, not to mention cheaper, too.
So, if you’re wondering how to go about buying an electric vehicle, check out this complete guide to buying your first EV. It will:
- Give you an insight into the benefits of owning an EV.
- Explain current industry standards in Australia.
- Outline your options, including what’s on the market right now and what will be available soon.
What are the benefits of buying an electric vehicle?
Let’s start with the pros of buying and owning an electric vehicle in Australia, from the on road costs of pure electric vehicles to the environmental impact.
1. Environmental impact
The rise in popularity of EVs in Australia is helping us to reduce our carbon footprint. This has to do with the fact that, as mentioned above, electric cars give off no emissions outside of manufacturing. This helps to keep pollution low and improve air quality which, in turn, is good for public health.
According to the ACEEE, among the most environmentally friendly EVs are the Nissan Leaf and the Hyundai Ioniq Electric, the latter of which is also revered for its high performance.
2. Costs
There’s no denying that the upfront costs of EVs can be staggeringly high. However, over time, the initial price points plus onroad costs of electric vehicles add up to a much better investment than if you opted to buy a cheaper ICE.
According to the Electric Vehicle Council here in Australia, the average car costs $14 per 100km to run and maintain. In comparison, it costs just $4 per 100km to run an EV. And, given that EV batteries just keep getting better and better, those upkeep costs are likely to continue falling as the cars themselves also become more affordable.
3. Convenience
It is becoming increasingly convenient to own an electric car. Nowadays, there are public charging points all over the place, with many more charging stations currently under development. You can also buy your own, with many EV owners opting to have a 7kw wall box or similar installed outside their home.
Plenty of EVs also come kitted out with all the mod cons you would expect from a quality car. For example, the Volvo XC40 recharge comes with in-built satellite navigation, while most insurance companies now cover roadside assist for electric cars as standard.
4. EVs are the future of driving
It’s not just the immediate benefits that count when it comes to owning an electric car in Australia. EVs are the vehicles of the future. As such, if you get in there now, you can enjoy being on the cutting edge of technology.
There is also a lot to look forward to as manufacturers continue to push boundaries. For one thing, the driving range of standard EVs is improving. They’re also getting more high tech and all wheel drive is becoming more common amongst the electric cars coming to Australia. So, any upgrades you make further down the line are likely to be particularly exciting.
The industry standards for electric vehicles
Industry standards for the electric cars available in Australia and elsewhere are constantly improving. For one thing, the price of electric vehicles is finally starting to level out. While for a long time it was difficult to find an EV for less than $50,000, the current average is around $47,500.
Even some of the larger cars are dropping in price, with the MG ZS EV on offer at around $43,000, making it Australia’s cheapest electric SUV. So, while still expensive, prices are going down. There are some exceptions to this rule, though, as the Renault Kangoo has recently undergone a price hike that bucks the trend seen elsewhere in the country.
In addition, the distance EVs can travel on a single charge is improving across the board, as evidenced by their WLTP test results. Although, some cars are more likely than others to hit their stated range, with the Hyundai Kona being particularly accurate. Just keep in mind that driving style can have a big impact on how far an EV can go before needing a top-up.
The design of the battery pack installed in an EV will vary depending on the car maker. This affects the speed at which the EV can charge, with most taking around eight hours to juice up completely. Most electric cars, though, are compatible with DC fast charging points, which speed the process up. Others, such as the BMW i3, do not have fast charging capabilities.
What electric vehicles are available in Australia?
Electric vehicles are becoming mainstream, and there are plenty of great EV models available in Australia. Besides of course all the fantastic Tesla’s that are available, here are some of the very best electric cars that have most recently come to the country.
1. Jaguar iPace
Mixing high-end luxury with exceptional performance, the Jaguar i-Pace is one of the more expensive models on the market, retailing at around $120,000.
2. Kia eNiro
The Kia Niro EV arrived in Australia in May with prices of this sporty-looking electric SUV starting at around $42,000.
3. Hyundai Kona Electric EV
The Kona EVs come complete with regenerative braking, so you can be sure you’re making the most of every ounce of energy when you drive Hyundai’s Kona Electrics.
4. Mercedes Benz EQA
One of the most recent arrivals on the scene, the EQA is the follow-up to the award-winning Mercedes Benz EQC.
5. MG ZS EV
As mentioned earlier, the MG ZS is available at an attractive price point. Unfortunately, though, it doesn’t always make the mileage you’d expect.
4. Mini Cooper
Mini joined the ranks of EVs in Australia last year with a fully electric version of its classic Cooper model.
5. Nissan LEAF
Nissan rolled out another of their Leaf model EVs in Australia earlier this year, with the Leaf e+ coming complete with a lithium-ion battery that sees it travel further and with improved performance.
6. Porsche Taycan
The first EV from Porsche landed in Australia early in 2021, bringing with it innovations in charging and acceleration times, as well as a hefty price tag of around $190,000.
What electric vehicles are coming soon to Australia?
As you can see, the past couple of years have been an exciting time for electric car fans in Australia. And, there’s more still to come. Check out some more models due to hit the roads near you later in 2021.
1. Audi eTron GT
The GT model EV is the latest Audi car coming to Australia in September, promising rapid acceleration that allows drivers to hit 100kmh in just 4.5 seconds. It is part of the brand’s electric SUV range, which also includes the Audi eTron and eTron S.
2. BMW iX3
The BMW iX3 will be released later in 2021 and is closely related to its petrol-powered X3 counterpart. The BMW iX won’t be far behind, with an expected release date of early 2022.
3. Hyundai Ioniq Electric
The Hyundai Ioniq boasts refined handling and a fast charge time of around six hours, and can be expected by late winter.
4. Lexus UX300e
The first all-electric Lexus, the Lexus UX 300e, is due to be released in Australia in November.
5. Mazda MX30
Mazda’s plugin hybrid SUV is already on the market, and the MX-30 is due sometime in the second half of the year.
6. MG HS
Dynamic and spacious, Australians will see MG’s newest MG HS model in showrooms soon.
7. Volvo XC40 Recharge
Likely to come to Australia in August, Volvo’s XC40 Recharge is designed for city-dwellers.
How to decide on the perfect electric car?
With all the new EVs coming to Australia soon as well as the wide range of options available right now, you might be wondering how to start narrowing down your choice. To do so, have a think about the following:
- Are there EV charging ports available near you?
- What are your ideal charging times?
- Do the cars you’re looking at come with a good battery warranty?
- Do you require advanced safety features?
Answering all of these questions will help you to narrow down which model of electric car coming soon to Australia is right for you.
Trying out electric cars
These days, with so many electric vehicles in Australia, making a final choice is difficult. So, it’s a good idea to try out the EVs available before making your purchase, particularly if you’re a first-time buyer.
You can rent EVs for the day, such as the latest Tesla Model S and the all-new Lexus UX. Do so to get a feel for everything from the speed to the controls on the steering wheel.
Electric cars in Australia and finding your perfect EV
The future is electric. With the introduction of models ranging from the more affordable Ioniq Electric and Kia Niro to the pricier Audi eTron GT and Mercedes Benz EQA, there are fantastic options to suit all buyers. It really is an exciting time to be investing in an electric vehicle in Australia.
