Key points

Myths: There’s a lot of misinformation surrounding Electric Vehicles (EVs), but most of it is false. Let’s debunk these myths.

Future proofing: Emission regulations worldwide are fueling the adoption of EVs, making them an inevitable part of our future.

Warranties: In the USA, all EVs must have a battery warranty of 8 years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km), ensuring they retain 80% capacity. Most manufacturers offer similar warranties in Australia.

Running Costs: EVs are much cheaper to run and maintain compared to ICE vehicles.

What types of EVs are there?

There are three main categories of vehicles that are considered EVs:

• Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs): Also known as all-electric vehicles, these cars run entirely on electricity stored in a battery pack. These are the vehicles we’re discussing and recommending here.

• Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs): These are powered by both electricity and a combustion engine. While we believe they serve as a good transition to fully electric vehicles, we don’t recommend relying on them for the long term.

• Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs): These use petrol as their primary energy source, with a very small electric battery. Essentially, they are internal combustion engine vehicles pretending to be EVs, and we do not endorse them at all.

Myths around EVs

There is a significant amount of misinformation about electric vehicles (EVs), often disseminated by the fossil fuel industry. This tactic, known as FUD (Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt), is designed to hinder progress. Similar strategies have been used in the past with issues such as smoking, seat belts, and more recently, solar panels. Although these myths are eventually debunked, they can still cause considerable harm in the meantime.

The following sections looks at some of these

EVs are too expensive

Like any new technology, electric vehicles (EVs) initially came with a higher price tag. However, as early adopters invest, manufacturers can scale up production and reduce costs. Over time, new technology usually becomes cheaper than the older technology it replaces, as seen with solar panels. Many believe we’ve reached this tipping point with EVs. While some EVs are still expensive, more affordable options are emerging, such as MG and BYD, which have recently broken the $30,000 barrier.

EVs have short battery life

In the USA, all electric vehicles (EVs) come with a battery warranty of 8 years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km), ensuring they retain 80% of their capacity. Most manufacturers offer similar warranties in Australia, which is twice the warranty period typically provided for standard internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.

It’s important to note that batteries usually don’t fail completely; they lose performance gradually. This means their energy storage capacity decreases over time. Remember, an EV battery is composed of many small cells, and if one fails, it can be replaced.

As EVs have been around for more than a decade, their actual lifetimes are only now starting to be measured. According to data from this , Tesla batteries are expected to last more than 10 years. See article here

EV batteries are expensive to replace

At some point, you may need to replace an EV battery. In 2025, replacement costs can range from $5,000 to $20,000, depending on the size and model. However, battery prices have decreased by 90% over the last two decades and are expected to continue this trend, despite a small COVID-related supply chain hiccup. In 10 years’ time, replacement costs are likely to be much lower.

EV range Is too small

The range of electric vehicles (EVs) is greatly influenced by the density and size of the battery pack. As prices drop and density increases, range improves.

It’s crucial to consider the type of travel you do most often. The average car owner drives about 30 km per day. While it’s tempting to worry about that one long trip across the Nullarbor, it’s more practical to focus on your regular driving patterns.

If range is a priority, then battery density is key. There are numerous battery types, and though it’s challenging to specify exact increases, a typical figure is a threefold increase in density over the last decade. Consequently, the average range of EVs has doubled during this period.

For instance, BYD introduced their Blade battery in 2020 and then released the Blade battery 2 in 2024 with a 25% density improvement. The Blade battery 2, available in selected BYD models (early 2025), could be the catalyst for a 1,000 km range car.

Unlike internal combustion engine technology, battery evolution is primarily driven by chemistry rather than mechanical physics. Numerous research projects are exploring various battery chemistries, with solid-state batteries being one of the most promising advancements. A quick online search will reveal the extensive work being done in this area.

EV batteries catch fire a lot

It is true that EV batteries burn intensely when ignited, however, the frequency of EV battery fires is about 20 to 80 times less than that of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. This may seem surprising because EV battery fires often make headlines, but this is mainly due to their attention-grabbing nature.

EVFireSafe tracks EV fires globally and provides information on the risks of EV versus ICE vehicle fires. Heres the link

EVs have higher environmental cost

Some argue that EVs are environmentally harmful due to their higher build cost, such as more materials and weight. While this is somewhat true, the situation changes after driving approximately 35,000 km.

For ICE vehicles, every fill-up involves:

• Extracting 160 kg of crude oil

• Transporting it halfway around the world

• Refining it

• Transporting it to a petrol station

• Driving to fill it up

• Burning it, producing harmful gases

For an EV, you might:

• Charge it from solar panels on your roof

• Charge it from the grid during the day, which is mostly renewable

Most Ev owners are environmentally aware nd use 100% renewable energy.

The article by the ABC provides detailed information on this topic – click here

EVs have nowhere to charge

When considering the switch from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs), it’s easy to think that every petrol station needs to be replaced by a fast EV charger. However, we need to rethink our approach.

Electricity is already widely available. Most people will simply charge at home to top up for the 30 km they drive each day. Others will take advantage of the increasing availability of chargers at workplaces, supermarkets, shopping centers, theaters, restaurants, car parks, curbside electricity posts, and more.

For longer trips, planning is required, but evolving networks such as Evie and Tesla allow you to identify charging points in advance and plan your route accordingly.

EV’s are expensive to run

The average car covers about 30 km per day. This can be easily managed for nine months of the year with excess solar energy from a 10 kW system for free. Alternatively, EV-based tariffs can make charging very affordable, typically around 25% of the cost of petrol.

EVs have about 1,200 moving parts compared to the 7,000 in ICE cars. For example, EVs don’t have gearboxes. Solid-state electric systems don’t need servicing as frequently as mechanical ones. Think about how often you service your drills or fans. There are still service costs with EVs, but they usually involve checking software versions and replacing consumable parts. Due to the extra weight, EVs do have higher tire costs.

EV’s are a fad

Well, let’s look at some examples:

• China, the second largest country by population, has about 37% of vehicles that are EVs (25% BEV, 12% PHEV). New orders for cars in China are over 50% EVs

• In Norway, where electricity is free or cheap, 85% of new car orders in 2023 were EVs.

EVs are the future. ICE vehicles are the past and will only get more expensive as their numbers dwindle.

Key features to look for in an EV

Electric vehicles (EVs) have many of the same features as internal combustion engine (ICE) cars. Rather than going through everything, here are the aspects that are new or more significant when buying an EV:

• Warranties: Ensure the EV comes with warranties for not just the car as a whole but also for the battery life and performance. These should typically be at least 8 years, with a maximum performance loss of 20% (e.g., in 8 years, the battery should still hold 80% of its charge).

• Battery Type: Currently, Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries are preferred, but this may change over time.

• Driving Range: The range is usually quoted in WLTP (Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure). Reduce this figure by about 15% for real-world driving. Adding a trailer will further reduce the range. Remember, most people only drive about 30 km per day. It’s not necessary to buy a car that’s best suited for those rare long trips.

• Towing: Most EVs won’t tow, or if capable, will only tow a small trailer.

• Recharge Time: If you’re charging on slow AC, this is not likely an issue. However, for fast DC charging, make sure you understand what you’re getting. Also, ensure you have the correct charging port.

• Smart/Safety Features: Many EVs come with a range of smart and safety features such as partial self-driving, lane assist, automatic braking, etc.

• Vehicle to Home (V2H) – this is discussed below but wouldn’t it be good to use your car as a home battery

How to find a good EV brand

Buying an EV is just as challenging as buying an ICE car. While we don’t make specific recommendations, we do advise the following:

• Traditional brands have been slow to embrace EVs, so their offerings might not be the best.

• China has embraced EVs, and their manufacturing quality has improved significantly, similar to the progression seen with Japan and Korea before them.

• Consider some of the emerging Chinese brands like BYD, MG, and Geely and Polestar.

• There are 12 new Chinese brands coming to Australia in 2025. Heres a link to the article https://www.carsales.com.au/editorial/details/12-new-chinese-auto-brands-coming-to-australia-soon-145965/

• Online reviews are a valuable resource for identifying brands and features that suit your needs.

How to find a suitable EV for You

Currently, the range of EVs is limited, although it’s growing rapidly. The main focus right now is on mid-range vehicles, such as town cars. In 2025, we can expect to see larger and luxury vehicles entering the Australian market.

Once you know the style of car you’re after, here are a few options to shortlist models:

• The EV Association of australia have a list of all available EVs here
• Choice Magazine has EV reviews here

• Google It: Start with a search to find information on different EV models.

• Look on YouTube: Watch videos and reviews of various EVs.

• Ask on Facebook Forums: Pose your questions on electric vehicle forums to get insights from other EV owners and enthusiasts.

• Ask around: you may have friends who have EV’s

Once you have a shortlist, repeat the above process to access reviews of each model.

Lastly, make sure to do a test drive.

Happy car hunting! 🚗🔋✨

EV things to be aware of

FAQ & more reading

• Check out the EV owners local stories from the bottom of our home page

• More information on charging here Solar Quotes website

• The EV Association of Australia here 
• EV Choice website here 
• Solar Choice has a great set of information on EV chargers here