Electric vehicles have become a familiar sight on Australian roads. More and more charging stations are popping up, new models are arriving every year, and the technology is improving fast.
But that doesn’t mean an EV is the perfect fit for everyone. The real question is whether it works for your lifestyle, budget, and the way you drive. Here are five key things to think about before you make the switch.
1. How and Where Do You Drive?
Your driving habits will have the biggest impact on whether an EV makes sense for you.
If most of your trips are short commutes or school drop-offs, an EV will feel right at home. They excel in stop-start city traffic and are quiet and smooth to drive.
If you’re planning on road-tripping over the weekends, look at charging availability along your favourite routes. The network is improving quickly but planning ahead is still important. If you travel big distances for work, the lower running costs of an EV can really add up, provided you can charge easily.
2. How Easily Can You Access Charging?
The biggest change from a petrol car is how you ‘fill up’. Home charging makes life simple. Plug in overnight and start the day with a full battery.
If you live in an apartment or townhouse, check whether charger installation is possible or look for reliable public charging nearby. Even if you can’t charge at home, apps like PlugShare make finding and planning around charging stations much easier.
3. Understand Your Costs Over Time.
It’s true that EVs can cost more upfront, but they can be cheaper to run over time. Charging at home is often far less expensive than filling up with petrol, especially during off-peak hours.
Servicing is also lighter on the wallet, thanks to fewer moving parts. Depending on your state, you may also get rebates or lower rego fees, which can help balance the purchase price.
4. Consider Novated Leasing To Make the Switch Affordable.
For many, the upfront price is the biggest hurdle. A novated lease can help remove that barrier.
It bundles your car and running costs into one manageable pre-tax payment, reducing your taxable income and spreading the cost over time. Eligible EVs may also qualify for the electric car discount, which removes fringe benefits tax and can increase your savings even further.
5. Try Before You Buy
No amount of reading will tell you how an EV feels on the road.
Take a few models for a test drive. Notice the instant acceleration, the quiet cabin, and the regenerative braking that slows the car when you lift your foot.
You might find you don’t want to go back to petrol.
The takeaway: EVs can be a smart, enjoyable, and future-ready choice if they suit your driving patterns and lifestyle. By weighing up these five points, and exploring a novated lease to make the numbers work, you’ll be better equipped to decide if now’s the right time to go electric.