Steph’s electric vehicle myth busters

Steph had been considering purchasing an electric vehicle (EV) for a while. As a new mother, she wanted to do her bit to protect her child and help the planet. She also knew that EVs are cheaper to run in the long term.

So when it was time to buy a new car, she decided it was time to make the change.

Steph shared her experience purchasing and maintaining an EV to help others who are considering switching to a zero emissions vehicle.

The challenge:

“I started doing some research on EVs and zero emissions vehicles (ZEVs) last year when I needed to start thinking about buying a new one.

“At first I thought it was too expensive, particularly when I found out I was pregnant.

“However, the week my car died, the ACT Government expanded the Sustainable Household Scheme to include ZEVs.

“This scheme provided us with a zero interest loan of up to $15,000 to help us purchase an EV.

“I test drove a range of models and found the car for me. We put an order in that week!

“I have since found some of the common myths on EVs around range, running-cost and long-distance trips to be overblown.

The action:

“Before owning an EV, I would have to fill up my diesel car once every two weeks and spend about $80. This was in 2021 before fuel prices went up.

“Now I fill up mostly at home and the EV has barely added anything onto our electricity price.

“The car I have comes with a trickle charger, which means I just plug into a normal powerpoint in my house and it charges overnight.

“My car is one of the entry-level models (MG ZS EV) that has a lower drive range of about 250km. This usually provides about two-three days’ worth of around the town driving. I generally don’t let it get below 50% power either without charging – so could go for longer.

“The longest trip we have done is to Goulburn and back and we didn’t have any issues whatsoever.

“Where I have filled up at public charge stations, it has cost me about $5-$10 to re-charge. So all up, it is a lot cheaper!

“The public charge stations are pretty easy to use, but the biggest downfall is there are not many around.

“Many also currently require you to bring your own cable. I haven’t had the opportunity to buy a new cable and so it means I can’t often plug in around town unless there is a cable attached.

“With the infrastructure that is going in, it will be a lot easier and I will be able to do a lot more trips.

The benefit:

“I would recommend owning an EV to others. They are a big investment at the outlay but with the Sustainable Household Scheme it does reduce the cost quite a bit.

“Now I am barely having to pay anything for it, which makes life so much easier, and it will be better for the environment in the long term.

“I have just had a baby and I am hoping that by owning an EV it will reduce the emissions I am putting out and make the planet a better place for them as they grow up.

“The more people who buy EVs and ZEVs, the better the infrastructure will be and the cheaper the cars will become!”

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We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.