Electric vehicles (EVs), have many advantages over traditional petrol and diesel cars.
Runs are cheaper than run
An EV’s electricity cost is approximately 40% lower than a petrol-powered vehicle of similar size driving the same distance . You can charge your EV using your solar PV system, or at no cost charging stations.
It is cheaper to maintain
The Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) is lighter than a traditional petrol/diesel vehicle. Servicing a BEV is easier, more cost-effective and less frequent than a petrol/diesel car.
All EV batteries degrade (become less efficient). Most car manufacturers guarantee EV batteries to last at least eight years. In some cases, it may be necessary to replace an EV battery within the first eight years of its ownership.
Plug in Hybrid Electric Vehicles Also, PHEVs have a petrol/diesel engine that requires servicing. A PHEV will therefore be more expensive to maintain than a regular BEV.
Registering is cheaper
The Queensland Government offers a discount on stamp duties for the purchase and ongoing registration of an electric vehicle.
Better for the environment
Less pollution You can help reduce harmful air pollution by driving an electric vehicle. Although an EV emits no exhaust gases, it still produces greenhouse gas emissions from its charging from the electricity grid.
Renewable energy You can further reduce greenhouse gas emissions if you have a solar PV panel and charge your electric vehicle during the day. GreenPower can also be purchased from an electricity retailer. Even if your EV is charged from the grid, you will still get electricity from renewable sources.
Better for our health
We can expect to see a decrease in harmful exhaust emissions, which is good news for our overall health. Higher air quality will result in fewer health problems and lower costs from air pollution 3. EVs also emit less noise than petrol/diesel vehicles, which is good.
Better for the network
EV charging can be managed efficiently, especially outside peak demand periods, allowing us to create a flatter electricity network profile over a typical 24-hour period. This will allow us to:
- Better to use the electricity network
- Help EV owners avoid charging at higher rates
- Make the whole electricity system more efficient
- Support the integration of larger-scale, renewable energy systems into our electricity grid.
Better for our energy security
EVs can be a major contributor to Australia’s national liquid-fuel energy security. Australia is currently dependent on oil imports from other countries.
EVs can be powered from renewable and local energy sources. This reduces our dependence on oil. EVs will not be affected if Australia’s fuel supply is interrupted or fuel prices rise significantly.
