Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do EVs have a short driving range?

• A: No, the average EV in Australia offers a range of 400-600 km, with some models extending up to 620 km, which is ample for daily travel.
   

Q: Do EV drivers spend too much time charging their vehicles daily?

• A: No, the typical Australian EV driver needs to recharge approximately once every 10 days, or three to four times a month, given an average daily commute of 30-36.4 km. Home charging with high-capacity chargers integrates smoothly into daily routines.
   

Q: Is charging an EV more expensive than filling up a petrol tank?

• A: No, EV charging in Australia is considerably more affordable, costing 40% to 65% less than fueling an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicle for the same distance.
   

Q: Are there not enough charging locations for EVs in Australia?

• A: While the charging infrastructure is still growing, Australia currently has over 2,100 public charging locations with more than 3,600 stalls. Public charging is more accessible in metropolitan areas, but home charging is recommended as the primary method.
   

Q: Are EVs truly emissions-free?

• A: EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions. While charging with electricity generated from fossil fuels still results in some Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, it's a more environmentally friendly option than ICE vehicles. Charging with renewable energy sources makes them entirely emissions-free.
   

Q: Do EVs require the same maintenance budget as ICE vehicles?

• A: No, EV repair and maintenance costs are significantly lower than for ICE vehicles. EV drivers can save approximately $665 per year due to 70% lower maintenance expenses.
   

Q: Is driving an EV slower than driving an ICE vehicle?

• A: No, EVs accelerate much faster than ICE vehicles, reaching 95 km/h in about 5 seconds compared to 7 seconds for ICE vehicles. Although top speeds might be slightly lower due to manufacturer limits, they are well above Australian highway speed limits.
   

Q: Are EVs just a passing trend?

• A: No, EV sales are rapidly increasing both in Australia and globally. The Australian EV market share grew by 65% in 2022, and there are plans for 1,000,000 EVs on the roads by 2027, with a government target of 90% of new vehicles sold in 2050 being EVs.
   

Q: Is driving an EV more dangerous due to the lithium-ion battery?

• A: No, EVs are as safe as or even safer than ICE vehicles and plug-in hybrids, and they are less prone to fires. They are equipped with advanced safety systems such as Battery Management Systems (BMS) and Thermal Management Systems (TMS).
   

Q: Do EVs only demand power and negatively impact the grid?

• A: While EVs do consume power, they also have the capacity to support the grid by returning power through bidirectional technology. They can function as active components in Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) and even provide power to homes.