With erratic fuel prices and uncertain supply, there's never been a better time to switch to an electric vehicle (EV). EVs cost far less to run than petrol or diesel cars and produce zero tailpipe emissions, helping create cleaner air and a healthier community.
Many Boroondara residents are already enjoying these benefits, including Kew locals Phil and Mary who recently made the switch.
'The best car I've ever had'
Phil bought their EV last October after checking out the EV display at the Electrify your Life Expo at Hawthorn Arts Centre.
'This EV is the best car I've ever had,' says Phil.
'I purchased it for environmental reasons, but it also ticks the boxes for financial savings and featuring the latest technology. And now there are so many on the market the pricing is highly competitive.'
To charge the car, Phil and Mary use a home charging unit. They also have solar panels and a home battery that stores energy and sends excess power back to the grid, all of which Phil says work seamlessly with the EV and charger.
Their EV gets about 420 km per charge. They slow charge it at home to make the most of their solar panels. They've also used Council's fast charger at Hawthorn Aquatic and Leisure Centre.
'We don't have to worry about 'range anxiety' here in Boroondara and more widely,' says Phil. 'There are many accessible charging stations that are very easy to use and the apps mapping the chargers make it seamless.'
Your EV questions answered
Thinking of getting an electric vehicle? Our sustainability team answers your most common questions.
What does an EV cost these days?
You can now buy a new electric car for less than $25,000. And there's a wide choice of sedans, hatches and SUVs for under $45,000. You can even buy a new electric ute for as little as $60,000.
How far can I go before recharging?
EVs have an average battery range of around 450 km. This allows someone driving 40 km a day to go for at least 10 days on a single charge. Many newer models claim a range of more than 600 km.
What about running costs?
The Electric Vehicle Council of Australia estimates that the average Australian driving about 12,000 km a year would spend about $2,500 on petrol, or 20 cents a kilometre. An EV travelling the same distance would cost about $500 to charge, or 4 cents a kilometre. Charging an EV from a home solar system could cut charging costs to around $200 a year. And with fewer moving parts EVs are cheaper to service than a petrol-powered vehicle.
What's the battery life of an EV and charger?
Electric vehicle batteries are expected to last 15 to 20 years. They degrade slowly, and when no longer ideal for use in cars, may be repurposed for home or grid energy storage. On average, a level 2 EV charger will last 8 to 12 years with regular residential use.
How long does it take to see financial savings from an EV?
Most drivers start saving money within 3 to 8 years of owning an electric vehicle. While EVs can cost more to buy, their much lower fuel and maintenance costs make them cheaper to run over time.
How do I charge an EV?
You can install a level 2 charger at home which can add around 100 km worth of charge in about 2 to 3 hours. You can also plug into a regular power point for slower charging - taking up to 24 hours to fully charge an EV battery.
What if I don't have a home charger?
Don't let the lack of an at-home charger keep you from going electric. Council operates 3 public EV charging stations, each with 2 chargers, with 2 more scheduled to be installed late this year. Council chargers can be accessed using the Chargefox app.
Find your nearest public charging station, both Council-owned and commercial operators, using the Chargefox or PlugShare apps, or visit our EV charging stations page.
Tip: Check the app before you visit to see if a charging station's available.
I live in an apartment, how do I get an EV charger installed?
Installing an EV charger in an apartment usually requires approval from the strata or owners corporation. They'll also need to check your building has a suitable space for installation and that it can support the electrical load. Contact your strata or owners corporation for advice and next steps.
