The Pros & Cons of Electric Vehicles in Australia
Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming a popular choice in Australia as citizens adopt a more sustainable means of transportation, particularly the fully electric vehicles called Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV). Choosing an electric car over one that’s still gas-powered notably reduces carbon emissions and reliance on fossil fuels, a welcome news for the environmentally-conscious.
Australia’s diverse landscapes and utter vastness may have posed a challenge, but we’re seeing the EV technology evolve at a faster pace so that it becomes more accessible to many. The charging infrastructure is increasing and several solar and EV charger installers are offering flexible payments to help ease the burden of upfront costs.
Surely, every consumer thinking of switching to EV needs thorough information of what it would mean to finally make the transition. In this article, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of electric vehicles in Australia to help you make the right choice.
What are the Benefits of Electric Vehicles in Australia?
EV drivers have finally made the switch to electric vehicles because of the following benefits:
EVs are Good for the Environment
It’s a well-known fact that using electric cars produces zero tailpipe emissions, which can make a huge difference as societies tackle the rising threat of climate change. In cities where air quality poses a health risk, the use of electric vehicles is also a promising solution to improve public health through cleaner air.
They are Cheaper to Operate
Switching to EV means reduced fuel and maintenance costs. Compared to traditional cars that run on petrol or diesel, consumers, workers, and businesses can save money in the long run when operating an electric car simply because electricity is cheaper than fossil fuels.
Less Reliance on Imported Oil
Electric vehicles in Australia are also beneficial as means of reducing the country’s dependence on imported oil, increasing domestic energy security. When a nation relies too much on imported oil, it becomes susceptible to the rise and fall of global oil prices, making it even more vulnerable to geo-political conflicts.
Government Incentives
The government is increasing its initiatives to help Australians make the sustainable switch through rebates, grants, and tax credits. With various programs tasked to assist consumers in pursuing a greener route in their lifestyles, it’s easier to make the transition to electric vehicles knowing you’re provided with these options.
Better Driving Experience
Electric cars generally offer better handling, comfort, and responsiveness because they have a lower centre of gravity. The smooth acceleration and deceleration provided by the electric engine makes for a quiet ride, translating to a better driving experience. For instance, the newly released Tesla Model Y offers a smoother and quieter ride.
What are the Downsides of Electric Vehicles in Australia?
The rise of electric vehicles in Australia and in many parts of the world only shows that this innovation in the transportation sector offers efficient solutions to reduce the world’s reliance on harmful fossil fuels. However, if you’re buying an EV for the first time, it’s important that you’ll be made aware of some of its possible downsides.
Charging Infrastructure Still Needs Catching Up
While there’s a notable increase in the availability of electric vehicle charging stations in Australia, regional and remote areas still need some catching up. Many drivers are still anxious about an EV’s capability to traverse long distances when travelling remote locations where charging infrastructure may be scarce.
Nonetheless, the future of electric vehicles in Australia is bound to look up in the years to come. As per Australia’s Electric Vehicle Council, “Public charging locations have effectively doubled in a year – there are now over 1,000 fast-charging sites Australia-wide.”
Expensive Upfront Costs
While electric vehicles in Australia are cheaper to operate in the long run compared to gas-powered cars, they’re quite expensive to purchase in terms of upfront costs. The steep prices associated with EVs’ initial purchase remains a huge obstacle for many.
EV charging stations can be also expensive, prompting EV owners to acquire their own EV chargers, which is another separate expense (or investment if you think about the long-term savings).
Substantial Charging Time
Charging an EV takes longer than refuelling a traditional car. This may not be an appealing reality to those who are always on the go and prefer their trips to be as seamless as possible. Public EV charging stations can also be unpredictable with long queues in crowded areas and DC fast chargers are the only ones capable of rapid charging.
One way to combat this inconvenience is to buy the best EV charger to accommodate a more flexible charging routine, allowing owners to recharge overnight.
Limited Range for Long-Distance Travel
The EV technology has significantly improved over the years, but there are still some models with range limitations compared to their gas-powered counterparts. Long-distance trips in Australia, particularly in remote areas with no shopping centres or other commercial spots, can be challenging for those using an electric car without thorough planning.
DC chargers can easily take care of limited driving ranges but charging stations need to be available in order to use this service.
ELECTRIC VEHICLES Takeaway
Electric vehicles are an innovative advancement in the transportation sector that directly addresses the lingering global issue of emissions. By adopting such a technology, sustainable efforts across the globe increase, reducing air pollution and combating climate change. Driving an EV, while expensive upfront, results in higher savings for years to come, with lower fuel and maintenance costs.
Nonetheless, range limitations and the lack of charging stations in regional and remote areas are still valid concerns for potential EV buyers. One way to overcome these challenges is the installation of an EV charger at your property consisting of a dedicated AC EV charger, so you can charge in advance and plan accordingly when going on long-distance trips.
Some of the most reliable electric car chargers in Australia that offer smart charging features are the Tesla Wall Connector, MyEnergi Zappi, Fronius Wattpilot, and the GoodWe HCA EV Charge.
