Debunking Electric Car Myths

Electric cars have become a staple on Australian roads. Ever since their introduction to the market, electric vehicles (Evs) have continued to grow and become even more popular among Aussie drivers. But some are still on the fence about going electric.

There are a few concerns about electric cars that are understandable, but there are also prevalent ones that simply aren't true. To set the record straight, we've compiled a few common misconceptions about EVs and provided a few corrections:

Myth #1: Electric cars can't drive long distances

While this may have been true in the beginning when electric vehicles were better suited for short-range city driving, it's not the case anymore. As advancements in technology emerge, more and more electric vehicles are boasting longer ranges. Not only that, but there are EV models that can comfortably compete with their fuel-powered counterparts.

Fact: Electric vehicles are capable of driving long distances

Various electric cars are being sold in Australia with a range of over 600 kilometres. Nowadays, long-range electric vehicles are capable of driving between 200 kilometres to well over 600 kilometres without needing frequent recharging.

On average, Australians drive around 232.4 kilometres a week. If you own a long-range electric car, you could go a week or more without needing to recharge it to full battery. This offers incredible convenience and alleviates range anxiety.

Myth #2: Electric car batteries don't last long

There's a prevalent fear among some drivers that electric vehicles have batteries that won't last their lifetime. The potential expense of replacing an electric car's battery often turns a lot of potential buyers off EVs entirely. But that's not the case.

Electric cars have batteries that are designed to last for up to 10 to 20 years. That's even longer than some diesel-powered cars' engines.

Fact: Electric vehicles can last for 10 to 20 years

EV batteries were made to have low failure rates and last the lifetime of the vehicle. They also have warranties of up to 10 years or 160,000 kilometres. Electric car batteries do deteriorate over time, however, it's not as dramatic as you would think. As with any vehicle, daily wear and tear does eventually affect the battery's charging capabilities.

It's also important to note that electric car batteries have improved over time. Today, you'll see faster charge times and longer ranges compared to only a few years ago. As technology continues to improve, it's likely that we'll see even better EV battery performance.

Myth #3: Electric cars are difficult to charge

Some buyers are reluctant to make the switch to electric because there's a lack of infrastructure to support it. There's an understandable fear among drivers that there are not enough charging stations near them or that charging is inaccessible and inefficient for their daily commute.

Recently, however, there's been a huge improvement when it comes to infrastructure. There are now a lot more charging stations in Australia, especially in metropolitan areas, compared to when electric cars were first introduced to the public.

Fact: Infrastructure to support electric vehicles is rapidly expanding

According to the latest numbers by the Electric Vehicle Commission, there are 1,059 high-power public charging locations and 1,849 individual high-power public EV chargers in service. That's an incredible 90% increase in high-power charging locations compared to last year. These charging stations house multiple charging bays, meaning multiple cars can charge at once.

The number of fast and ultra-fast charging stations has also increased quickly over just a few years. There are plans to add even more charging stations in Australia to make owning an electric car more convenient.

In addition to public charging stations, EV owners can charge at home. With an EV charging outlet, you can power up your electric car overnight and enjoy a replenished battery when you leave in the morning. This is one less thing to worry about when you're on the road.

Myth #4: Electric cars are incredibly unaffordable

While it is true that electric cars typically have higher upfront costs than their non-electric counterparts, this doesn't necessarily mean that they're more expensive overall. In some cases, owning an electric vehicle could save you more in the long run.

Fact: Electric vehicles offer plenty of cost-effective benefits

Owning an electric car could save you money in the long term because of lower ongoing costs. Charging an EV is usually cheaper than fuelling up a car with petrol or diesel. The fact that you can charge your electric car at home adds to savings. Running costs with an electric car become lower per kilometre than a standard car.

You'll also likely save on servicing costs because EVs generally require less maintenance. Electric vehicles have fewer parts; they don't have transmission, head gaskets, and they don't need oil. So, you won't have to organise for a regular oil change, for instance. Electric cars also need servicing only once a year or every 20,000 kilometres, compared to fuel-powered cars that may need to be serviced every six months to twelve months or every 10,000 kilometres.

Aside from ongoing costs, you can save money when you buy an electric car using a car loan. Lenders like loans.com.au offer discounted rates for those buying a fully electric vehicle. Government incentives and rebates are also available for those buying electric cars that fit their criteria.

Ready to buy an electric car?

If you're interested in buying an electric car, make the most out of our green car loans. Get discounted rates on eligible electric vehicles, so you can save more when you go electric. Apply online today!

For more information, reach out to our friendly lending specialists by calling 13 10 90 or book an appointment.