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. You can also check out the Electric vehicle buyers guide to find out how they work and learn more about their benefits.

Electric vehicles have great range

New EV models can go much further than you think on one charge. Average EV range spans between 300 – 450km depending on the make and model, with performance improving all the time.

The average Canberran drives only 40km per day. This means everyday driving needs can be met by charging only a couple of times a week. EV range will continue to grow as manufacturers use new technology, and apply lessons from early EV models, to create more efficient batteries and electric motors.

Electric vehicles are cheap to run and maintain

EVs are cheaper to run than petrol and diesel cars. Petrol and diesel cars require servicing and oil changes approximately every 15,000 km. In contrast, electric motors that power EVs require no regular maintenance.

Powering your vehicle with electricity is cheaper than using 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.

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

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*. Many people can charge their EV through a standard power point (known as trickle charging) which can add about 15 km of range per hour depending on the model.

Trickle charging can provide more than enough range to cover the average Canberran’s daily commute of 40km. Plus, if you have solar and a home battery, home charging can even be free!

*Reference https://evse.com.au/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-home-charging/

Using public EV chargers is easy

For those that cannot charge at home, need to top up around town, or are on a road trip, public chargers are available across the country. As EV popularity continues to grow, so too will the number of public chargers.

The ACT already has more than 160 public EV charging bays powered by 135 public EV chargers (as of January 2024) with more coming online every year. Chargers are also popping up on key transport routes around Canberra, making it easier for drivers to make long-distance trips.

To locate charging stations near you, or to plan your next road trip, visit Plugshare or charging operator websites.

Electric vehicles are increasing in popularity

As of January 2024, there are approximately 60 EV models available to buy in Canberra. 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 deadlines to become EV-only brands. The ACT has set a target of 80-90% of all new car sales to be ZEVs by 2030.

Many countries across the world have also made commitments to phase-out petrol and diesel vehicles and set ZEV sales targets. Improvements in vehicle choice, technology and affordability are only expected to get better as electric vehicles become the new 'normal' on our roads.

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.

EV batteries last a long time

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

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.