EV basics

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Different types of electric vehicles (EVs)

Battery electric, hybrid electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles are all fully or partially powered by electricity, but they’re not all the same. The below table outlines the key differences between the main types of electric vehicles.

Battery electric vehicle (BEV)Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV)

Hybrid electric vehicle (HEV)

These cars run purely on electricity, so there’s no petrol or diesel involved. They don’t produce emissions and the battery capacity determines the driving range. BEVs are quiet, cost-efficient and eco-friendly. They are required to be plugged in for the battery to be charged. It makes use of regenerative braking to store electricity.A PHEV is powered by fuel and electricity. The key difference compared to a HEV is the battery is charged independently via a power outlet or charging station. These cars will typically run on electricity for 50-60km before the petrol engine takes over to increase the car’s range. It makes use of regenerative braking to store electricity.

HEVs run on both petrol and electricity. They have an electric motor and a petrol engine. When you start driving, the electric motor kicks in, then the petrol engine takes over as you accelerate.

In a hybrid, a small battery is recharged while you drive via a process called regenerative braking, so it’s always ready to go without ever needing to be plugged in. You still need to fill up with petrol, but your fuel economy is better compared to a petrol car.

Key components

Electric motor(s)

Battery (~60 kWh)

Key components

Electric motor(s)

Battery (~15 kWh)

Engine

Key components

Electric motor(s)

Battery (~1 kWh)

Engine

Fuel source

Electricity

Fuel source

Electricity

Petrol/Diesel

Fuel source

Electricity

Petrol/Diesel

Examples

Tesla Model 3, BYD Atto 3, Nissan Leaf.

Full list of BEV models

Examples

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, MG HS Plus EV, Kia Niro EV.

Full list of PHEV models

Examples

Toyota RAV 4 HEV, Lexus ES HEV, Subaru  Forester HEV

Pros and cons of EV ownership

Like anything you own owning an EV has its pros and cons compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. We’ve listed some of the most common ones in the below table.  Please note this is general advice and you should undertake your own research before making your decision.

ProsCons
Lower running costs
  • EVs have fewer moving parts and require less maintenance than conventional cars. As a result service and maintenance costs are typically lower.
  • EVs are cheaper to operate per kilometre than petrol or diesel vehicles, especially with lower electricity prices or renewable sources.
Higher purchase cost
  • EVs are currently more expensive than comparable models of ICE vehicles, due primarily to the higher cost of batteries and other components.
  • EVs may require additional expenses, such as installing a home charging station, upgrading your home electrical system, or paying for public charging services.
Environmentally friendly
  • EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, which reduces air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
  • EVs can also reduce noise pollution, as they are quieter than ICE vehicles, especially at low speeds.
  • EVs can source energy from renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power.
Lower driving range
  • EVs have a limited driving range compared to ICE vehicles. This means they need to be charged more frequently and may not be suitable for long-distance trips or rural areas.
  • EVs may suffer from reduced battery performance or capacity in extreme weather conditions, such as very hot or very cold climates.
Driving experience
  • EVs provide a different driving experience. For some people, the benefits include a superior driving experience including a quieter and smoother driving experience
  • According to this survey 9/10 people would not switch back to a petrol car after having owned an EV.
Lack of readily available charging
  • EVs may face a lack of charging infrastructure, especially in remote locations, or encounter long wait times or high demand at charging stations.

Cost of owning an EV

While the upfront cost of purchasing an EV is in most cases higher than an equivalent petrol car, the total cost of ownership (TCO) can be competitive or even cheaper with ICE vehicles.

The TCO for EVs encompass a range of factors that, when combined, represent the overall expense of owning an EV. These factors include:

  1. vehicle purchase cost: This is the upfront cost of the EV, which can be affected by various incentives or subsidies available at the time of purchase​
  2. depreciation: EVs, like all vehicles, depreciate over time. The rate of depreciation can vary based on the make, model, and market conditions​
  3. financing: The cost of borrowing money to purchase the EV, including interest rates and loan terms, contributes to the TCO​
  4. fuel costs: For EVs, this is related to the cost of electricity for charging. It's generally lower compared to the fuel costs for ICE vehicles​
  5. maintenance: EVs often have lower maintenance costs than ICE vehicles because they have fewer moving parts and less routine maintenance, like oil changes​
  6. insurance costs: Insurance premiums for EVs can vary but are generally included in the TCO calculations​
  7. rebates and incentives: Various incentives and rebates are available for EV purchases, which can lower the overall cost. You can search for what’s currently available at energy.gov.au
  8. travel: The amount and type of driving done can influence the TCO, as more mileage may lead to higher electricity costs and potentially more maintenance​​.

Considering these components holistically provides a more accurate measure of the true cost of owning an EV over its lifespan, rather than just looking at the purchase price alone. It's also worth noting that these factors can vary widely depending on your location, usage patterns, and changes in technology or government policy.

For those who don’t have access to charging at home or require charging in transit to a destination, you can use public EV charging stations, similar to how petrol cars fill up at service stations. You can learn more in this public EV charging guide.