Why an Electric Vehicle Is the Ideal Choice for Australians

Misinformation around electric vehicles (EVs) is a major barrier to their uptake in Australia, with persistent misconceptions around fire risk and battery life perpetuating the issue.

Despite this, research is inconsistent with these concerns, with recent findings suggesting that petrol and diesel cars are twenty times more likely to catch fire than an EV. We’re also seeing credible evidence that the average battery replacement rate is at most 4% over a ten-year period.

Not only are EVs increasingly a more cost-effective option, but choosing to invest in an electric vehicle as an individual has a tangible positive impact on both society and the environment at large. It's clear that electric vehicles have a network effect, with the benefits multiplying when more consumers transition. For example, widespread EV adoption will mitigate air pollutants like nitrogen dioxide that are generated from internal combustion engine cars which can cause cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, as well as cancer. At scale, reducing Australia’s reliance on liquid fuel imports through EV uptake improves our fuel security and resilience to global shocks. 

The Economics of EVs 

Electric vehicles are significantly cheaper to run in comparison to their petrol and diesel counterparts. As EVs have fewer moving components, servicing costs are minimised and common part replacements such as expensive exhaust systems, starter motors, fuel injection systems are totally removed from the equation.  

Considering that the average Australian drives around 13,700km per year, annually the amount saved on fuel could be up to $1200 if you charge at off-peak times. 

It’s also been fantastic to report that the purchase price of an EV has never been lower, with more models and increased stock creating a buyer’s market. After a price-cut of $4,000, the GWM Ora Hatchback retails at just $35,990, making EVs accessible to more Australians. 

Environmental Benefits  

Electric vehicles have no exhaust emissions, which means that they’re better for air quality. One-fifth of global emissions would be reduced if every car on the road became electric if they were charged by renewable energy. Let’s walk through an example to emphasize this further. Providing the market in just Europe grows according to current predictions, a recent study estimated that the continent would save emissions equal to one billion trees and reduce sea level rise by 2.19 millimetres in the next five years. 

At the end of an EVs lifetime, EV batteries are still able to store energy and can be used to power buildings and the grid for up to ten more years. Recycling the battery cells is the last part of the process, creating ‘black mass,’ which is a mix of minerals and metals. After it’s refined and processed, it is sent offshore for new battery products. 

Research indicates that 1.4 million chargers – of which 1.12 million need to be residential – will be required to achieve an 81% emission reduction by 2030. Here at EVOS Energy, we’re proud to be actively contributing to Australia’s renewable energy transition. 

If you have any questions about EVOS, reach out to our friendly sales team at sayhi@evos.com.au