Questions to ask before buying your first new EV - CarExpert

Electric vehicle sales accounted for 8.3 per cent of all Australian new vehicle deliveries in the first quarter of , and that figure is steadily rising year-on-year.

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However, many drivers are still yet to convert from petrol-powered vehicles or don’t know where to start when it comes to buying their first electric vehicle (EV).

There are plenty of considerations for people planning to make the switch, especially surrounding driving range and charging options.

So, these are the questions you should ask a dealer before buying your first EV.

How far can I travel between charges?

Range anxiety, or the fear that an electric vehicle battery does not have the capacity to complete a journey, is one of the foremost concerns of Australian car buyers who are considering an EV.

This was evidenced by Zing Insights’ January EV and Hybrid Vehicle report, which surveyed Australian drivers about their current and future car buying habits. It found 39 per cent of respondents were concerned about the driving range of electric cars, while half held doubts about charging infrastructure.

Those figures are echoed by the trends seen by Melbourne City Hyundai general manager, Ashley Berick.

‘The majority of the questions we get are around range and how charging times work,” Mr Berick told CarExpert.

“People who are looking in that electric space are researching everything, it’s a new landscape for everybody.

“But most of them are curious about range, what charging looks like, and who to source home charging from. Those are the most common questions we get.”

As such, for buyer peace of mind, any EV purchasing process should include a discussion with the dealer about the driving range of the vehicle in question.

The range of modern EVs varies greatly, from a claimed 233km in the outgoing Mini Cooper Electric to 654km in the Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor.

For those who live in the city and use their car predominately for the daily commute, the Mini might have more than enough range. However, drivers who cover a lot of ground will likely want an EV that can spend more time on the road and less at a charging station.

It’s best to discuss your individual needs with the dealer, so they can point you in the direction of an EV that suits your lifestyle.

What are my charging options?

Once the question of range is resolved, charging options also need to be discussed.

For the most part, you can opt to either charge your EV at home or in public, while charging speed varies based on the type of charger available – and the vehicle’s capability.

AC chargers can be portable units which plug into a regular wall socket. It’s the slowest, but the simplest form of charging for anyone with a garage or regular access to a powerpoint.

Faster household alternating current (AC) charging systems (known as a wall boxes) typically connect to the standard electricity grid, and are the faster way to charge your EV.

Wall box charging can initially be expensive because the equipment and installation doesn’t come cheap, although some brands include installation with the purchase price of the car.

On the other hand, direct current (DC) charging is the faster, but more expensive powering up your EV. Most owners only use DC chargers on road trips.

This type of charging is available at fast-charging stations, and offers superior charging speeds to AC systems. One downside is that DC charger availability isn’t guaranteed, both due to high demand, maintenance issues, and gaps in coverage across Australia.

Muddying the waters further, not all cars can draw charge at the same speed. Some electric cars with high-tech 800V platforms can draw charge at up to 320kW (Porsche Taycan), meaning you’re able to zap from flat to 80 per cent in 18 minutes using the fastest 350kW public chargers.

Plugged into the same charger, a Nissan Leaf is only able to draw charge at 50kW. That means it takes an hour to charge the battery from 20 to 80 per cent plugged into a 350kW charger, despite it having a much smaller battery than the Taycan.

There are some complexities here that don’t exist with an internal combustion engine (ICE) car, so it’s worth talking to the dealer about charging options and which will be best for you in terms of cost and convenience.

“We try to make the process easier by offering charging options as part of our online buying process,” said Mr Berick.

Is charging hardware included in the purchase?

The answer to this question seems obvious, but you’d be surprised to learn that a charging cable is not included in the price of all electric cars.

In fact, the world’s top seller of electric cars – Tesla – is one of the brands that treats charging hardware as a paid option. It’s a worthwhile point to clarify, as portable charging cables can cost up to $500 depending on which brand you opt for.

How much will it cost to run and maintain?

In general, EVs are cheaper to service and maintain than equivalent ICE alternatives, and that is a big drawcard for prospective buyers.

However, this varies from manufacturer to manufacturer.

For example, Tesla vehicles are cheaper to service because they are not held to a set maintenance schedule, while BYD electric cars require annual servicing which shifts costs closer to a combustion engine powered car.

Make sure to confirm the service schedule for your new EV with the dealer to avoid any nasty surprises.

EVs are also cheaper across the board than ICE cars when it comes to day-to-day costs, as charging an electric car will set you back less than refuelling the equivalent alternative when charged using affordable home power.

Outside of servicing intervals, buyers should also ask their dealer about the availability of spare parts, as supply is limited for some makes and models.

Are there any financial incentives for buying an EV?

The financial sense of buying an EV depends on where you live in Australia, with some states offering incentives for drivers to make the switch.

South Australia, New South Wales, and Victoria recently scrapped rebates of $ on EV sales, but the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) still incentivises adopters of electric cars, as does Queensland with its $ rebate.

New EVs are exempt from stamp duty in the ACT, equivalent to around $ for a $60,000 car that emits more than 221g of CO2 per km.

ACT registration costs are also wiped for the first two years of EV ownership, regardless of whether the car is new or used. Finally, zero-interest loans are available to EV buyers as part of a Sustainable Household Scheme in the ACT.

Regardless of where you are in Australia, there are Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemptions for anyone trying to lease certain electric vehicles, designed to make them more attractive to buyers.

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While there is plenty of information available online, dealers will almost certainly be on top of the incentives in their area, so it’s best to quiz them while searching for your first new electric car.

What’s the warranty period for the drive battery?

Unlike an ICE car, electric cars are sold with both a vehicle warranty and EV battery warranty, the latter of which covers the drive battery for defects or wear under normal use.

Most manufacturers guarantee the drive battery will maintain a certain percentage of its original capacity for eight years or 160,000 kilometres, although some carmakers have a slightly different policy.

Can my EV tow?

Some EVs can haul a load behind them, but not all.

One such example is the Cupra Born, although it’s unlikely buyers were intending to tow a caravan with their Spanish rear-drive hatchback.

There can be a lot of disparity between EVs when it comes to towing capacity, so it’s worth checking the spec sheet or ask the dealer about the capability of your desired EV.

Welcome to The Switch, Euronews Next’s new mobility series for people considering making the switch to an EV.

As the pace of electrification quickens amid a growing climate crisis and an uncertain economic outlook, we'll be your companion as you make the transition from your fossil-fuelled car to electric. 

Each week, we’ll offer guidance and insights from industry experts as well as aim to demystify the process and dispel misinformation.

As this week’s Paris Motor Show highlights the latest in electric vehicle (EV) innovation, it's a timely opportunity for prospective EV buyers to weigh their options before making the switch. 

Navigating the electric car market requires a careful balance of practical factors - daily commuting needs, charging infrastructure, and battery warranties - alongside personal preferences and financing options.

So, what questions do you need to ask yourself before getting carried away on the showroom floor?

1. What are my specific needs and preferences?

First and foremost, you should start by considering your daily driving habits and lifestyle requirements. 

The choice of EV depends on factors such as commute distance, type of driving (city, motorway, or rural), and specific features you might need, such as Isofix seating for small children, boot space for sports equipment, or off-road capabilities. 

New EVs offer ranges between 300 km and 600 km, with many models achieving over 400 km on a single charge but the actual range can vary depending on weather, vehicle and battery size, and driving style. 

If your daily commute is relatively short, a model with a smaller and more affordable battery may suffice. For longer commutes, or if you frequently take road trips, a larger battery and longer range may be more suitable. 

For those living in rural areas, a vehicle with all-wheel or four-wheel drive, and potentially towing capabilities, might be necessary.

2. What charging options are available?

Charging is a crucial aspect of owning an electric vehicle, and understanding your options can simplify the transition to electric driving. 

If you have the ability to install a home charger, this is usually the most convenient and cost-effective solution in the long-term. 

Charging at home overnight not only ensures you start each day with a full battery but also allows you to take advantage of reduced electricity rates. 

For those without access to home charging, the public charging infrastructure is rapidly improving across Europe. Charging stations can be found in convenient locations such as supermarkets, motorway service areas, and train stations.  

Familiarising yourself with the charging options near you, as well as along any planned travel routes, can prevent potential issues during longer trips. 

Workplace charging is also becoming more common, with many employers installing EV chargers. Additionally, hotels are increasingly providing charging stations for guests, making it easier to charge while travelling. 

Programmes like the EU Just Transition Fund are also supporting the rollout of the public charging infrastructure.

3. What incentives or grants are available for purchasing an EV?

Government incentives play a vital role in making electric vehicles more accessible by lowering the upfront cost. 

These incentives often take the form of purchase grants, tax exemptions, and financial assistance and aim to reduce the price disparity between electric and internal combustion engine (ICE, or petrol and diesel) cars.

For example, Ireland provides up to €3,500 for new electric cars priced under €60,000, with additional vehicle registration tax relief of up to €5,000. France offers an ecological bonus of up to €7,000 for low-emission vehicles, while in Norway a 25 per cent VAT exemption applies to the first 500,000 kroner (€42,507) of the price of a new EV.  

In the Netherlands, buyers of new and used EVs can claim subsidies of up to €2,950 and €2,000 respectively.

However, the landscape is shifting, as some countries scale back their support. 

Germany ended its EV incentives in , and Sweden announced a phase-out by the end of , reflecting a trend toward winding down government subsidies.

4. What about battery warranties?

The battery is one of the most expensive components of an electric vehicle but new EV batteries come with warranties lasting between 8 to 10 years or up to 160,000 km. 

These warranties typically guarantee a minimum capacity level, usually around 70 per cent of the original capacity of the battery.

5. How should I pay for an EV?

Choosing the right financing method depends on your financial situation and driving needs.

Firstly, a bank loan would provide full ownership but often come with higher monthly payments and interest rates.

Alternatively, dealer financing can be convenient and often accompanied by promotional rates, but may not always offer the best terms.

Another option is manufacturer financing, offering competitive rates and special incentives for specific models, but is brand-limited.

Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) features lower monthly payments with the option to buy the car at the end or move on to another contract, but be aware that strict mileage limits apply.

Finally, hire purchase would mean that ownership of the vehicle transfers after the last instalment with no mileage restrictions, but the car cannot be sold until fully paid off.

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