Your EV questions answered

Australians are catching on to the benefits of electric vehicles (EV) in increasing numbers as purchase options increase and prices decrease. And with many renewable solar energy households, integrating an EV into their home has become a relatively easy transition.

For some, EVs are now a mainstay in their daily lives. For others, EVs are still somewhat foreign. To understand your battery electric vehicle (BEV) from your plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV), RACV has answered common questions for those considering making the switch. 

Do all EVs run on electricity only?

There are currently two main types of electrified vehicles in the market. A pure EV, or BEV, refers to cars that run on electricity and are charged via a plug. This is typically what people mean when they say ‘EV’.  

The second is a PHEV, which can run shorter distances – up to 100 kilometres for newer models – on electricity alone but have a petrol engine used for longer distances and/or higher speeds.

What is the price range for EVs now that they’re more accessible? 

EV costs heavily depend on the vehicle brand, size, and its features.  

In Australia in 2024, the lowest price for an EVs is around $36,000 driveaway for a small EV hatch, from around $40,000 for a mid-range sedan or SUV, and more luxurious EVs start around $80,000 up to $350,000 plus! 

As an alternative to the new-car price range, exploring purchasing a used EV car could be an option, with first comers to the EV market beginning to upgrade or repurchase. If looking to purchase a used EV vehicle, RACV suggests considering these key things.  

How do EV service costs compare to petrol and diesel vehicles?

EVs generally have lower ongoing maintenance costs and less frequent service intervals compared to petrol and diesel vehicles. However, potential EV battery replacement costs, if not covered by warranty, can be a significant expense. The specifics of servicing costs can vary depending on the vehicle’s make and model, driving habits, and vehicle maintenance. It’s important to factor in both the immediate savings and long-term costs when considering switching to an EV.   

What are EV driving ranges like?  

An EV’s driving range depends on the size of the car, battery capacity, and how and where you drive it, with wind, hills, air conditioning use and road types impacting the distance. Outside temperatures can also influence an EV’s driving range because electricity is used to heat or cool the batteries for optimal performance.  

Most BEV claim a range of at least 400km per full charge, while some EVs claim a range of more than 500km. Each new generation of battery has generally increased capacity and efficiency, which improves potential travelling distance. EV buyers should consider the type of driving they’ll do when choosing an EV. Sometimes a more affordable EV with a smaller battery may be a better fit if there’s good charging access.

How accessible are EV charging stations across the country for longer drives? 

EV drivers will find there is usually a charging system enroute if a trip is planned well, with approximately 3,000 public charging stations in Australia, including standard and fast chargers, ultra-rapid chargers, and Superchargers.

Around 2,000 of those charging stations are on the Chargefox network, which has more than 300 fast charging plugs in more than 100 locations, and several ultra-rapid sites that are mostly powered by renewable energy. 

Use the free EV charging station map, PlugShare to ensure you know where the available charges are before you drive.

RACV Members can save 10 per cent when charging on RACV’s, NRMA’s, RAA’s, and RACQ’s ultra-rapid charging stations across Australia – visit the RACV website to learn how.

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