What electric cars are available in Australia

Electric Vehicles In Australia

Electric cars are beginning to get a lot of attention worldwide, and Australia is no exception. With growing concern over the climate change crisis and the need to reduce global emissions, many people opt for electric cars over conventional combustion engine-powered cars.

Here in Australia, many popular car makers, including EV (Electric Vehicles) leader Tesla and others such as Audi, BMW, Porsche, and Nissan, have continued to target the Australian auto market with their different models of electric cars.

Although it will be practically impossible to review all the electric cars available in Australia, this article looks at some of the most popular ones. So, if you are in the market for an EV, you may want to look out for one that may interest you!

Hyundai Ioniq 5

The Ioniq 5 was Australia's first genuinely ground-breaking electric car when it was released in 2021. It had a retro-style design, a nice interior, a good powertrain, and a high battery capacity. The Ioniq 5's 800V architecture allows the battery to be charged from 10% to 80% in less than 20 minutes, while an optional roof-mounted solar panel allows for on-the-go charging.

Other than that, a 7kW wall box should be sufficient for all of your overnight charging needs. The car has a complete range of up to 480 kilometres, a 0-100 km/h time of 5.2 seconds, and battery pack ranging from 58 kWh to 72.6 kWh. The Hyundai Santa Fe has a 531-litre luggage capacity in the front, comparable to the Toyota RAV4.

It also has a 12.0-inch or 30 cm touchscreen multimedia system, a 12.0-inch or 30 cm digital instrument cluster, an augmented reality head-up display, and a 531-litre trunk capacity. You can recycle most of the components found here. Finally, thanks to its superior driver-assist technologies, the Ioniq 5 is one of the finest for safety.

MG ZS

The MG ZS EV is a compact SUV that is imported from China, similar to the Mazda CX-3. In addition, the ZS EV makes the most of its compact dimensions, with a 105kW/353Nm electric motor providing strong performance, though the range is a little on the short side at 263km.

A 50 kW fast charger will charge the battery pack to 80% in 40 minutes, while a 7 kW wall box in the home will take less than eight hours. It has been said that the ZS EV's suspension is too stiff over bumps, and the steering wheel isn't responsive enough for sport mode.

Though it's meant for city driving, it's roomy and has a modern centre console and a decent amount of space in the trunk. The price of $43,990 drives away the driveaway features of this car, which include an electric driver's seat, a scenic sunroof, and satellite communications.

There are also safety systems that help the driver, like adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, autonomous emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and rear cross-traffic alert among other things.

EV Kia Niro

This EV is Kia's first electric vehicle, and it's also available in hybrid and plug-in hybrid configurations. It has a 455-kilometre range due to the same 64kWh cell as the larger Hyundai Kona SUV. Using a 10A household outlet will take about a day to fully recharge.

Using a 7kW wall box, an 11kW wall box, or a higher-flow DC charge station will take only about an hour. The car is front-wheel-drive, so it can easily lose traction in the wet. However, its sound quality is smooth and punchy. The Niro is a practical electric vehicle with a high seat and roomy interior and comes with a seven-year warranty. It makes it even more appealing.

Porsche Taycan

Porsche's first electric car is also one of the most expensive cars you can buy in Australia. Taycan is an all-wheel-drive vehicle with an electric motor on each axle. The 4S is equipped with a 79.2kWh battery pack as standard or an optional 93.4kWh "dual-deck" battery pack as an option.

The car's top speed is restricted to 250 km/h because of its good aerodynamics. Porsche says that the Taycan is based on the company's long history of building high-performance cars. It has advanced steering, suspension, and braking components that make it better at high speeds and on the road, and cutting-edge driver-assist technology keeps the high-performance electric vehicle in check.

The sleek Tesla is more than 5 metres long, and it looks a lot like the Tesla Model S. It seats four comfortably and has front and back luggage compartments. At the moment, the Taycan is the only EV with an 800V electrical system, which enables it to receive high-flow capacity from upcoming ultra-rapid charging stations for exceptionally fast top-ups.

For the time being, 36.5 hours of charging at home are required, or 11.5 hrs with a 7kW wall box; a fast-charge station can provide 240 kilometres in an hour or more than 500 kilometres in 30 minutes if a rare 100kW-plus rapid outlet is available.

Tesla Model X

The Model X is founded on the Model S liftback sedan in a big way. The car comes in five-seat and seven-seat versions and has a lot of space inside. You can quickly get to the third row of seats through the "Falcon Wing" doors. The dashboard is mainly based on the Model S, which means that the cabin was completely redesigned for 2021.

It has a new display, better materials, better back seats, and a quartic steering wheel that looks like that of a jet fighter. The Plaid's three engines shatter SUV acceleration records. The Model X has no difficulty transmitting its enormous power to the ground with an electric engine on each axle.

Additionally, it corners as though glued to the road, helped by a delightfully comfortable suspension. Tesla's Supercharging Network speeds up charging by between 23 minutes and 57 minutes, depending on how much power passes through.

A standard household plug takes about 50 hours to charge, while with the optional 7kW wall box, it takes about 15 hours, and with a 22kW plug, it takes almost eight hours. The Model X is undoubtedly the most interesting SUV globally, even though its style isn't everyone's choice and its price isn't cheap.

Sportback Audi e-tron

BMW profited handsomely by converting the boxy X5 SUV into the swoopier X6 SUV coupe. Audi aims to reap similar rewards with its new e-tron Sportback SUV, which has a sporty five-door liftback design and 20mm less height. The two e-trons are nearly identical on the inside.

This means two battery pack configurations—71kWh for the 50 and 95kWh for the 55—and an electric engine on each axle for all-wheel-drive grip. According to experts, the Sportback is identically elegant yet quick off the line (particularly the sprightlier 55), delivering a peaceful and tranquil driving experience complemented by significantly sharper handling for more engaging cornering.

The Audi A4 strikes a balance between precise handling and a comfortable ride; this, along with the car's opulent interior, makes the Audi look like a luxury car. Both e-trons have the same 150 kW-plus ultra-rapid charging potential for a 50-minute recharge or an optional 7 kW wall box (14 hours).

This is versus the 48 hours needed by a standard home socket or several hours at a public electric vehicle charging station. Audi includes six years of complimentary public charging, periodic maintenance, and roadside support with the Sportback.

Considerations Before Buying EV's In Australia

How much do you plan to spend?

You should think about your budget before making any acquisition. That rationale still holds true when it comes to purchasing an electric vehicle. Everything else you check throughout your electric vehicle purchase decision will be dictated by how much money you have to spend on an electric car in the first place.

It will influence where you buy, how you buy, what year you buy, what sort of maintenance you can budget for, tax, battery size, model, size, engine, and other factors. Before you even leave for the car dealership, take a moment to sit down and study a guide. Don't forget to account for road tax, too.

Consider what year models you're looking at, the estimated miles you want to travel each week and whether you want to compare the budget to the cost of a traditional gasoline vehicle. The contrast between new and used cars can be mind-boggling, so be prepared for a rude awakening. Home charging is a much more affordable, long-term solution for charging your car.

It's also worth considering the budget for charging, battery, and charging points. Charging stations may make recharging your EV more economical in the short term, but it will cost more per charge over time. There is no set guarantee that a charging station will be in your area. You can begin the actual purchasing process when you have all the numbers in front of you.

Is EV a viable option in your area?

Before purchasing an electric vehicle, consider the feasibility of EVs and hybrid cars. It's not the best option for everyone, which is understandable given the circumstances. You should consider how many children you have, how you get around daily, and how much money and time it takes to use an electric car in the first place.

The fewer hours you spend driving in public, the better. Sure, EVs have challenges when it comes to running in inclement weather, but the fundamental issue will be battery life. This is explicitly true if you live in an area of Australia where it is difficult to find service stations with electric vehicles and automobile chargers.

How will I charge my EV?

Like a gasoline car, an electric automobile has a plug that allows it to be charged with electricity at different stations or at-home charging stations. You'll want to look into what kind of onboard charger your car uses and how much power it can provide. Remember that the longer you drive, the more time you'll spend providing your car with power.

Chargers rated for 3.6 kW typically start at 3.6 kW and can go up to 7.2 kW in some strong electricity models. The upper end of the scale is roughly 22 kW, but you won't want one of those on Australian public roads unless you buy and drive the equivalent of a minivan.

Consider where you'll be charging your car's battery. If you intend to charge your car at home rather than at a station, the time commitment isn't as important, so that you can choose a lower rate charger. However, if you drive a lot on public roads, a more substantial plug will save you a lot of time at charging stations.

What type do I need?

You'll need to choose if you want a pure electric vehicle or a hybrid when you're looking for an electric car. Regular electric vehicles have longer-lasting batteries and longer driving ranges than hybrids, but they might also be more expensive, depending on what vehicle you're looking for.

Electric vehicles may potentially run out of charge quickly if they are fully loaded for a trip. If you drive a significant amount for work every day, an electric car is more likely to suit you. However, keep in mind that driving an electric car will be both cleaner and less expensive as you put more miles on it.

The Benefits And Drawbacks Of Electric Vehicles

Benefits

Lower maintenance cost

Ev's have fewer moving parts than conventional combustion engines, resulting in lower servicing and maintenance expenses. Valves, brakes, spark plugs, and oil changes are not required to be examined or changed as frequently – or at all. This means that dropping your electric car off for repair is less expensive.

However, you'll typically be able to drop it off at the dealership rather than a random mechanic to guarantee you stay within the terms of your warranties. So, you'll have to forego some convenience in exchange for a lower fee.

Less noise

With the absence of a combustion engine, driving an electric car can be a calm experience, enabling a more comfortable journey free of road noise. Having said that, specific versions include additional noise when you depress the accelerator, ensuring that you don't skip out on the engine roar experience.

More storage space

Electric automobiles typically have a front trunk, which is usually where the engine is located in a gasoline or diesel model. These cars typically have their battery pack installed beneath the floor, and because they require fewer components to start and maintain motion, there is more space for your luggage.

This is not to say that an electric car has the most significant storage space available, so if you're packing a lot, make sure to verify the total storage capacity.

Drawbacks

High purchase cost

The cheapest electric vehicle now sold in Australia – the MG ZS EV – is still over $40,000, about double the price of the non-electric MG ZS, and many electric vehicles cost well over $100,000.

The reason for this pricing differential is that electric car technology is still in its infancy and is not yet the most popular option for motorists. It is also expected that as the innovation gains popularity and more businesses use it, the high start-up costs will go down.

Additionally, you'll need to figure out the cost of charging stations for your home and any necessary infrastructure upgrades to ensure that you can charge your EV in your home.

Reduced resale value

Some say that an electric vehicle is the most depreciating item you will ever own, especially in regards to early models. With technology advancing at a breakneck pace, earlier electric car models may not be as lucrative as owners expect.

If you're looking to upgrade, you may find yourself out of money when it comes to trading in your old EV.

Limited number of charging stations

Motorists do not see nearly as many electric vehicles charging stations as they do petrol stations. It's rare to find more than one charging station in a public location such as a hotel, so you may have to wait at length to begin charging if someone has already used it.

Electric Vehicles Are Australia's Newfound Love

In the last five years, the full number of electric vehicles in Australia has risen by 500%. This is due to the total number of incentives introduced by many state governments. According to Guardian News, over 20,000 electric vehicles were sold in 2021, compared to less than 7000 the previous year.

The reports also revealed that the three most popular EVs among Australians are Tesla, Mitsubishi, and Nissan. All these are testament to the growing acceptance of EVs in Australia. When next you are considering purchasing a new vehicle or trading an existing car for a new one, consider getting an EV!

It will be good for you and the environment, especially now that the world is battling global warming. So, if this seems like an option for you, why not have a look at using the services of a car buying and selling company to run you through the process of purchasing an electric vehicle.