Electric vehicles for beginners

The ACT has the fastest growing electric vehicle (EV) market in Australia, with more Canberrans making the switch to an EV every year. But that doesn’t mean everyone is an expert.

To help new and prospective EV owners get up to speed with EVs we have put together a list of the most important things to know. More detailed information about how EVs work, and their benefits, is available in the Electric vehicle buyers guide.

Electric vehicles have great range

New EV models can go further than you think on one charge. The average EV range spans between 350 and 550km depending on the make and model.

The average Canberran drives only 40km per day. This means you would only need to charge a couple of times a week to keep your EV topped up. EV range will continue to grow as more manufacturers enter the market and batteries and electric motors become more efficient.

EV batteries last a long time

Most modern EV batteries have an expected service life of 15 to 20 years. This means the electric motors and batteries in EVs may outlast petrol and diesel vehicles.

Did you know?

EV battery health testing is becoming available for people looking to buy (or sell) used EVs in the ACT. This means buyers can have greater confidence in the condition of a used battery. It also means sellers of quality used EVs can negotiate better prices by providing battery health information.

Electric vehicles are cheap to run and maintain

EVs are cheaper to run than petrol and diesel cars because electricity is cheaper than petrol or diesel. Households with solar panels or home batteries can further reduce their costs by using their own free solar energy to charge their EV.

Petrol and diesel cars also require servicing and oil changes approximately every 15,000 km. In contrast, electric motors that power EVs require no regular maintenance.

Find out how much you could save and compare costs by switching to an EV by using our free total cost of ownership tool.

Did you know?

Switching from a petrol or diesel vehicle to an EV could save you around $18,000 in running costs over 10 years. It also has the potential to reduce your greenhouse gas emissions by around 3 tonnes per year.

Electric vehicles are becoming more affordable

There are many new EVs entering the Australian market for under $40,000. EV prices are continuing to drop as technology improves and more models enter the market.

EVs are now starting to match similar petrol and diesel cars for upfront cost. As EVs become more popular, we will also see a greater number of second-hand EVs come into the market, making EVs more affordable for many Canberrans over the long-term.

Find out how much you could save by making your next car an EV using our total cost of ownership tool.

Charging an EV can be cheap and convenient

Roughly 80-90% of EV owners predominantly charge their vehicle at home overnight (according to EVSE). Many people charge their EV through a standard power point, which is known as ‘trickle charging’. Depending on the model, trickle charging can add about 15 km of range per hour, which is over 120km from one overnight charge. Faster home chargers, that require installation by an electrician, can provide more than 100km of range per hour.

Find out more about safely charging at home.

Using public EV chargers is easy

Public chargers are available across the country for people who cannot charge at home, need a quick top up, or are on a road trip. As EV popularity continues to grow, so too will the number of public chargers.

Apps like PlugShare and A Better Route Planner can help you find charging stations and plan your next road trip. Charge point operators also provide live updates about charger usage on their website/app.

As of November 2024, the ACT has a total of 231 public charging bays powered by 175 charging stations. Chargers are also popping up on key transport routes around Canberra, making it easier for drivers to make long-distance trips. Find out more about public EV chargers in the ACT.

Electric vehicles are increasing in popularity

According to the Electric Vehicle Council, there are approximately 60   EV models available to buy in Australia. This number is constantly growing, with over 450 models available on the global market. Large car companies across the world are making commitments to rapidly expand their EV models over the next decade, with many setting targets to become EV-only brands.

The ACT has set a target of 80-90% of all new car sales to be zero emission vehicles by 2030. Many countries across the world have also made similar commitments. As electric vehicles become the new 'normal' on our roads, vehicle choice, technology and affordability are all expected to improve.

Electric vehicles help reduce climate change

Transport is responsible for over 60% of the ACT’s total greenhouse gas emissions. Private vehicles account for 70% of this, which makes them the largest single source of emissions in the ACT.

Thanks to the ACT’s 100% renewable electricity supply, EVs charged in the ACT produce zero emissions when they are used. This means that one of the most impactful ways Canberrans can reduce their emissions is by switching to an EV or other type of zero emissions vehicle.

More information, resources and tools

If you are still looking for more information and resources to help you get up to speed with EVs, check out the links below.

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Acknowledgement of Country

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.