We're finally at a stage where EVs (Electric Vehicles) and PHEVs (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles) are becoming more accessible to buy. There's more choice and competition of make and models, an increase in government incentives to help you buy, and more availability to charging infrastructure. These are all small but welcomed steps to lowering carbon emissions with car travel.
Do you need help figuring out whether to get an EV or PHEV? No worries, we've put together a list of pros and cons to help you decide what suits your personal needs better.
EV (Electric Vehicle):
Pros:
- As an EV runs solely on electricity, you're cruising around emissions-free driving and sleeping soundly at night, knowing you've lowered your carbon footprint.
- Low running costs as electricity is cheaper than petrol, which has increased dramatically in the past months.
- Lower maintenance costs as EVs have fewer moving parts than traditional combustion engines; unless you're hooning around, which we don't recommend with any vehicle.
- Better acceleration and torque due to instant electric motor power. So you can pull away from the lights faster than your mate in the petrol car next to you (but you're still not hooning).
- Some government incentives and tax credits on buying an EV, making them more affordable for the everyday Joe.
Cons:
- Not suitable for long-distance driving (and Australia is hella-big). An EVs driving range is usually around 100-300 miles per charge, depending on the model and how fast you drive.
- Charging points can be limited, especially in rural areas, so always plan your journey.
- Longer charging times than refuelling with petrol, so be prepared to sit and scroll on your phone if you are charging mid-journey.
- Battery degradation over time can affect the vehicle's range and performance.
- Higher upfront costs compared to traditional cars. Even with the government's helping hand, most brands are releasing EVs as their more premium model.
PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle):
Pros:
- It can run in electric and petrol mode, so you have the flexibility of an extended driving range and less chance of getting stuck in the middle of nowhere.
- Low emissions and fuel consumption in electric mode, so you're still sleeping well, saving the world.
- Eligible for some government incentives and tax credits on buying a PHEV, be sure to check your state government's website for more information.
- Reduced dependence on petrol and potentially lower fuel costs, but you're still able to engage in small talk about the ridiculous price of petrol.
Cons:
- Higher upfront costs compared to traditional combustion engine vehicles.
- Limited electric-only driving range, usually around 20-40 miles per charge, so you will be relying on petrol for longer journeys.
- Charging infrastructure may be limited, especially in rural areas, think of it as your driving petrol but have the nice choice to use electricity every now and then.
- Battery degradation over time can affect the vehicle's range and performance the same as an EV.
- Potential higher maintenance costs, because it has both petrol and electric engines it's double complex.
- Someone may mistake you for an uber driver and try and get in your car.
As the popularity of EVs and PHEVs grows over time, so will the number of charging stations and choice of make and model, hopefully reducing prices. We're all doing our bit to lower emissions.
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