Having lived with electric vehicles (EVs) for the better part of seven years now, I’ve learned the ins and outs, and the myths and the realities.
In this article, we’ll cover the absolute basics: what it’s like to drive one, the key differences in battery technology, the realities of charging at home and on the road, and even some of the ownership perks like servicing costs and tax benefits that you might not know about.
This is for anyone who’s curious about making the switch, or perhaps isn’t sure how an EV would fit into their life. Let’s get into it.
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The EV driving experience: What’s different?
The first thing you notice when you get behind the wheel of an EV is the quiet. Without an internal combustion engine rumbling away under the bonnet, the experience is incredibly serene.
Once you’re over that, the other thing you’ll notice is the immediate ‘throttle’ response. Most EVs don’t have a traditional gearbox; it’s just a fixed gear. The second you touch the accelerator pedal, you get a shove in the back and the car just gets moving – fast.
This instant torque is addictive, both from a standstill and when you’re already on the move.
But perhaps my favourite feature of many modern EVs is one-pedal driving. Instead of wasting energy as heat dissipated by your mechanical brakes, EVs use regenerative braking to capture that energy and put it back into the battery. When you lift off the accelerator, the car starts to slow down – sometimes aggressively enough to bring you to a complete stop without you ever touching the brake pedal.
It takes a little getting used to, but once you do it makes city driving incredibly smooth and efficient. You simply learn to modulate the accelerator. Of course, the brake pedal is always there for emergencies, but you’ll find you use it far less often.
It’s important to remember, though, that not all EVs are created equal. Some, like a Porsche Taycan, deliberately avoid an aggressive one-pedal driving mode to maintain a more traditional sports car feel. This is why a proper test drive – ideally for 24 hours – is crucial. Take it home, see how it fits your life, and make sure it has the features you actually want before you commit.
Decoding the tech: A simple guide to EV batteries
Okay, let’s talk batteries. This can get incredibly complex, so I’ll keep it high-level. You’ll mainly hear about three types of battery chemistry.
- LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate): This is the most popular type, especially in cars coming out of China and more affordable EVs. The key thing to know about LFP batteries is that manufacturers recommend you regularly charge them to 100 per cent.
- NCM (Nickel Cobalt Manganese) and NCA (Nickel Cobalt Aluminium): These are typically found in more expensive vehicles. Unlike LFP, you generally want to keep these batteries charged between 20-80 per cent for daily use to preserve their long-term health. You can, of course, charge to 100 per cent for a long road trip, but the sweet spot for longevity is between 20 and 80 per cent.
The main technical difference is energy density. NCM and NCA batteries can store more energy in a smaller, lighter package. This means a car with an LFP battery needs a physically larger and heavier battery to achieve the same range, which can impact efficiency.
For the end user, though, the biggest practical difference is simply the charging recommendation and charging speed – typically vehicles with LFP batteries won’t charge as fast.
How temperature affects your range
Here in Australia, we don’t often have to deal with the sub-zero temperatures they see in Europe or North America. But it’s still something to be aware of. In very cold weather (sub-zero), an EV can lose up to 40 per cent of its stated range.
This happens because the battery needs to use its own energy to heat itself up to its optimal operating temperature (around 20-25°C). That’s energy that can’t be used for driving. Hot weather can also reduce range, though not as severely.
On a chilly 5-degree morning in Melbourne, for example, you will see a drop in range but it won’t be as dramatic as in a true winter climate. It’s just something you factor in.
Charging your EV: At home and on the road
This is the topic that causes the most anxiety, but it’s simpler than you think. There are two main types of charging:
- AC (slow) charging: This is the type of charging you’ll do at home, at a hotel, or at some public destination chargers.
- DC (fast) charging: This is what you find at dedicated public fast-charging stations and is the quickest way to top up your battery.
For most EV owners, the vast majority of charging happens at home. If you can only rely on public charging, I’d honestly recommend holding off on buying an EV for now.
The beauty of home charging is that you plug in when you get home and wake up to a full battery every morning. You rarely have to think about range in your day-to-day life. You can also take advantage of solar and cheaper off-peak charging.
Getting a home charger installed can cost anywhere from $500 to over $2000, depending on the complexity of the installation. It’s also worth looking into electricity plans that offer cheaper, or even free charging during off-peak hours.
Why does fast-charging slow down as the battery becomes full?
When you’re on a road trip using a DC fast-charger, you’ll notice the charging speed is fastest between about 10 and 80 per cent. After 80 per cent, the charging speed drops off dramatically.
Think of it like filling a glass of water. You can turn the tap on full blast at the start, but as you get close to the top, you have to slow the flow to avoid spilling water everywhere. It’s a similar principle with batteries.
At a lower state of charge, the voltage difference between the charger and the battery is high, allowing a lot of current to flow quickly. As the battery fills up and its voltage rises, that difference shrinks, and the charging has to slow down to manage heat and balance the individual cells.
Cheaper cars often have less sophisticated battery management systems and therefore charge slower than more expensive models. This is why on a long journey, it’s often quicker to do two shorter 20-80 per cent charges than to wait for one 0-100 per cent charge.
The ownership experience: Beyond the drive
Servicing: Cheaper, but still essential
One of the big ownership benefits of electric cars is cheaper servicing. An EV has significantly fewer moving parts than an internal combustion car, which means there’s less to service.
However, don’t fall into the trap of thinking they need no servicing. A lot of people believe you never need to service a Tesla, and that’s just not true. You still need to rotate tyres, check wheel alignment, and replace your brakes and suspension components as required. Regular checks are essential for safety and longevity, regardless of what powers the vehicle.
Financial perks: The FBT exemption
For some buyers, there are significant tax incentives. The Australian government’s Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) exemption for eligible EVs can be a game-changer if you’re able to get a novated lease through your employer.
This allows you to pay for the car and its running costs from your pre-tax salary, which can significantly reduce your taxable income and the overall cost of ownership. As always, this is not financial advice, so have a chat with your accountant to see if it makes sense for your situation.
The power of the app
A good smartphone app can completely change your EV ownership experience. Because you often need to schedule charging to take advantage of off-peak rates, a solid app is essential.
The best apps also allow you to pre-heat or pre-cool the cabin before you get in – a fantastic feature on a frosty Melbourne morning or a scorching summer day. You can also do things like grant keyless access to a friend to drive your car, or check on your car’s security cameras remotely.
App quality varies wildly between brands. Tesla and BMW are generally excellent, while others can be quite average. It’s a key part of the modern car experience, so don’t overlook it.
Is an EV right for you?
So, after all that, should you buy one?
For most Australians, an EV will comfortably cover their daily driving needs with very little hassle, especially if you can charge at home.
However, if you do a lot of long-distance driving or heavy towing, a traditional internal combustion car might still be the better tool for the job right now.
The other option is to have an EV for the daily grind and a second car for those specific use cases. You just need to be aware of the limitations around battery range in cold weather and the fact that our public charging infrastructure can sometimes be unreliable.
Owning an electric car is no longer a niche experience. With a bit of planning and an understanding of the basics, it can be a very convenient and cost-effective way to get around.