Top 5 Reasons to Choose an EV
Demand for electric vehicles (EVs) in Australia is rising, with sales in the first half of 2023 already surpassing those of the previous year. Production of vehicles powered by petrol or diesel is reducing, and EVs are quickly replacing them.
Electric vehicles have several advantages.
They are significantly better for the environment since they produce no exhaust fumes. They are supremely efficient, and usually offer a better user experience compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.
Here are five top reasons why you should choose an EV instead of a traditional fuel-powered car. If you are in the market for a vehicle and environmental conservation is your top priority, this write-up is for you.
- EVs reduce emissions
Compared to conventional automobiles, EVs produce zero exhaust emissions; no noxious gases and no carbon dioxide. The only release to the environment is tyre wear and that’s no different to any other vehicle of a similar mass.
If charged from the grid, emission reduction varies depending on the efficiency of the model and the emission intensity of the generation during charging. The National Electricity Market (eastern Australian grid) that’s about 40% renewable on average, but can be as high as 65%. By choosing an EV, you are choosing to eliminate up to 146.5g/km of emissions [1].
Electric vehicles may be considered cleaner where electricity is produced using relatively low-polluting energy sources, particularly Tasmania and South Australia. They contribute less to global pollution, even when their power comes from traditional electricity sources like coal and diesel generators. This is because they are far more efficient at turning energy into motion.
As coal and gas-fired electricity generation is steadily replaced by wind and solar energy, the emissions performance of EVs is expected will only get better.
- EVs cut costs
An EV has significantly lower operating costs compared to an ICE vehicle. Charging an electric car is substantially cheaper than fuel, while electricity costs may be reduced further by charging your car from home solar. Using mostly solar-generated electricity, the cost of charging your EV ranges from free, to barely 8 cents per kilometer [2].
Throughout Australia, many public EV charging stations are free to use [3] although these are typically slower AC chargers (under 7 kW). Charging is often provided as a complimentary service to an otherwise paid parking spot. It is generally good etiquette to not use free charging exclusively, as this distorts the value of the amenity.
Modern electric passenger vehicles can travel between 200 km and 400 km to a charge, depending on battery capacity and the conditions they are driven in [4]. Bigger batteries afford longer driving range, but will cost more, so choose the best battery to suit your needs.
Since electric cars have fewer moving parts, they require less maintenance than internal combustion engines. No timing belt or spark plug replacements, tune-ups or oil changes – just top up the windshield washer and put air in the tyres! As a result, annual maintenance costs are significantly lower than an regular ICE vehicle.
- Better Driving Experience
The acceleration of electric vehicles can’t be compared to anything else. The electric motor produces instant, constant torque, which allows the vehicle to take off quickly [5].
EVs also have a lower center of gravity due to the battery placement, which enhances better handling, responsiveness and ride comfort. The abundant torque allows EVs to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in a few seconds. One of the fastest cars in the world, Tesla's Model S Plaid, broke records with a 0-100km/h pace in 1.99 seconds [6].
Other automakers have in the race, and models with outstanding acceleration rates include the Audi e-Tron GT RS and the Porsche Taycan Turbo S.
However, high-end models are not the only ones capable of this exceptional performance. Choosing an affordable EV with solid acceleration like the BYD Atto 3 or Nissan Leaf mean it’s possible to enjoy the exhilaration on a budget.
- EVs are Convenient
Instead of searching for the cheapest petrol station, you can charge your EV at home. There is no petrol or diesel equivalent to this – the ultimate convenience is a fully charged vehicle every day!
You can also charge your car in multi-family housing [7], at work, or at a public charging station. All-electric vehicles enjoy the advantage of flexible charging because most parking lots have ample power nearby.
Occasionally EVs are eligible to use high occupancy lanes and are exempt from certain vehicle limitations in cities, but these lurks are likely to be phased out as more and more EVs take up the offer. Currently, all states and territories in Australia offer a variety of purchase incentives along with cheaper registration and insurance.
- Reduction in Oil Consumption
The rising number of EVs will only continue to cut demand for oil. Already EVs are displacing roughly 1.5 million barrels of oil per day and this is set to exceed 2 million barrels by 2025 [8], and according to the International Energy Agency (IEA) the anticipated global EV fleet will replace more than 5 million barrels per day by 2030 [9].
Australia, which imports almost all of its liquid fuel, would do well to improve our terms of trade and shore up a more secure source of transport energy. Locally produced, increasingly renewable energy is a highly logical choice!
Conclusion
Electric vehicles offer numerous advantages over the incumbent ICE vehicle. They are energy efficient, emit no poisonous gases, can be powered by renewable electricity and require less maintenance. Their very low running costs make them significantly cheaper to own and operate, despite a slightly higher upfront cost.
If you are in the market for a new vehicle but you can’t yet afford one, hold tight, and keep an eye out for a quality used EV. It’s worth the wait – you really can’t go wrong with an EV!
Dave Connors, DriversAdvice