Fast charge: What you need to know before buying an electric car

It doesn't seem that long ago that electric cars were a novelty on Australian roads. Tesla dominated what was a relatively small market, with the asking price putting the experience out of reach of the average buyer.

Australian drivers were interested in the new kids on the block, however, with a 2021 NRMA survey finding more than 40 percent would consider switching from petrol or diesel to an electric vehicle (EV) within six years. Reasons for hesitancy included the cost of electric cars, access to EV charging equipment, convenience of recharging, driving range, and the models available.

A lot has changed in five years. According to the Electric Vehicle Council (EVC), Australians bought more EVs in the first half of 2026 than the entire previous year. More than 23,000 electric vehicles were bought in July, marking the third month in a row that EVs made up more than one in five new car sales.

China now produces almost 75 percent of the world’s EVs, with brands such as BYD, Geely and Zeekr flooding the market, and bringing prices down in the process. But Australians are also driving away in luxury brands, with fully electric vehicles accounting for more than 42 percent of Volvo's sales in the year to date, and 65 percent of sales in July.

In 2021, Australians had just 33 different models of electric vehicles, including plug-in and non plug-in hybrids, to choose from. Now there are 110 electric vehicle models across more than 40 brands. While more choice is good news for buyers, it also gives us more to consider before going electric.

Why are more Australians switching to EVs?

The EVC estimates Australia’s electric vehicle fleet has surpassed 650,000 vehicles, with the high cost of petrol and diesel amid continued uncertainty in the Middle East undoubtedly playing its part.

“It’s clear that the fuel crisis has reminded all of us how reliant we really are on overseas fuel,” EVC chief executive Julie Delvecchio said. “For Australian households feeling the cost-of-living squeeze, going electric is real relief from rising costs – around $3000 a year saved on fuel and maintenance, straight back into the family budget”.

The Clean Energy Solutions Index, a national research project that ranks public support for renewable energy transition, showed a sharp jump in support for EVs in 2026. “When we talk to people who have made the switch, it’s a bit like taking back control, having agency,” researcher Rebecca Huntley said.

The reduction in the price of EVs has also had an impact. A new study found that purchase price is by the biggest influence on whether Australians will buy an EV. The rush of models entering the market under $30,000 from the likes of BYD and Geely would appeal to budget-conscious buyers.

The New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NEVS), designed to help meet Australia’s target of net zero emissions by 2050, has also had an effect. It applies to all new cars supplied to Australia from January 1, 2025, and incentivises car companies to sell more fuel-efficient models, with each manufacturer given a set average emissions target. The more electric vehicles, or hybrid models, they sell, the fewer emissions and the less likely they are to be penalised.

 

 

What should you consider before buying an EV?

While you will undoubtedly be influenced by the best deal you can get for your budget, there are several other factors you should consider before buying an EV.

Vehicle range versus real-world use. The range of an EV on a full charge given at sale is measured under ideal conditions. Hot weather, air-conditioning and freeway driving can all affect the range. Check independent reviews rather than relying on marketing material.

Charging at home. Some EVs come with a charger that plugs into a standard wall plug in the garage. People who live in an apartment complex or who have to park their car outside need to consider where they can charge their EV.

Mobile charge stations. It is important to look at the prevalence and accessibility of public charging stations, particularly if you live in a regional area or travel long distances regularly.

Battery warranty and lifespan. Most EVs sold in Australia have an eight to 10-year battery warranty or a kilometre limit, whatever comes first. This is usually set at 70 percent of original capacity. Do your research and compare battery warranties.

Servicing and repairs. Not every mechanic is across the ins and outs of EVs. Choosing the right mechanic matters just as much for an EV. Ask the dealer what happens if something goes wrong and how far you will have to go for authorised repairs.

Insurance and other running costs. Get a quote before you buy, as electric vehicles can be more expensive to insure. Most EVs don't come with a spare tyre, either, so make sure you factor this into the equation.

 

 

What does an EV really cost to run?

Charging at home is typically far cheaper than filling the car up with petrol, particularly in such a volatile market. Just as you would with other appliances, look at charging in off-peak times or connecting to solar, if that is an option.

Servicing an EV is generally cheaper than a petrol car because they have fewer moving parts and don’t use as many fluids, but specialist EV technicians can charge a premium in areas where they are scarce. Check with the car dealer what the fixed-price service entails and get regular services as you would with a petrol car.

Tyres tend to wear faster on EVs because of their extra weight and instant torque, and registration costs can vary, depending on your state or territory’s EV incentives. Many of those introduced to encourage people to switch to EVs have been wound back with the uptake in the market.

There is also the possibility of a future road-user charge. EV drivers no longer pay the fuel excise that help build and maintain our road network, but government is looking at ways to recoup that lost revenue, with a distance-based charge of between 2.5 and 3.5 cents per kilometre being proposed.

 

 

What about newer EV brands?

With so many new manufacturers entering the Australian market, it pays to ask a few extra questions of any you haven’t heard of before taking up EV ownership:

• • Who is the Australian distributor and how long have they operated here?
  • Where can the car be serviced and how far away is the nearest authorised repairer?
  • Are parts held locally or shipped from overseas as needed?
  • Who honours the warranty if the distributor changes or the brand leaves Australia?
  • If a cashback offer or discount is part of the deal, what conditions are attached, and can you have them in writing?

These are issues already affecting some EV drivers. Dealers have warned that some newer electric car brands are taking six to eight weeks or more to approve repairs and warranty claims, with some parts needing to be shipped from overseas rather than flown in.

If you are buying a used EV, it is also worth brushing up on how warranties transfer between owners. (And no matter what you are buying, there are some key steps to avoid ending up with a lemon.)

It is also important to know your consumer rights if your EV doesn’t deliver. It doesn’t matter whether the brand has been in Australia for 20 months or 20 years, you have the same protections under Australian Consumer Law.

Electric vehicles are clearly appealing to more Australian drivers for many reasons. If you're one of those thinking of making the switch, going in armed with the right knowledge will save you a lot of grief down the track.