No doubt that electric cars will take over our roads in a near future. Compared to the US, Europe or China, Australia has been slow to switch to electric cars due to the lack of direct government incentives and the long distances causing “range anxiety”. EVs are also an expensive niche product in Australia, with vehicles like the BMW i8, the Mercedes-Benz E350, and the Tesla starting from $100,000. One exception, the Renault Zoe, by far the most affordable EV available on the market at the moment with prices around $52,000.
2019 could make a big difference with a few new affordable models:
- Hyundai Iqoniq: the petrol and hybrid form is already available in Australia. The electric version will have a range of 230km, shorter than most of the others EVs but enough for the daily commutes. The Hyundai Ionic recharge in only 23 minutes with a fast charger and priced below the $50,000 mark.
- Nissan Leaf: the second generation of Nissan Leaf is making its way to Australia and will be available in June this year. Its 40 kWh lithium-ion battery will offer a driving range of 270km and an 80% charge in approximately 60 minutes. Prices are expected to be just over the $50,000 mark.
- Audi E-Tron: Its big 95kWh battery will give this all-wheel drive a range of more than 400km. the Audi e-Tron can use fast-charging stations to complete a charge in just 30 minutes. Set to arrive in the second half of 2019, its price is expecting to be over $100,000
- Mercedes-Benz EQC: with a battery capacity of 80kWh, the Mercedes-Benz EQC has a range of up to 450 km. The model is set to arrive in Australia mid-2019 with a price between $100,000 and $150,000.
- Jaguar I-Pace: You’ll have guessed it’s not the cheapest EV option. This luxury SUV range from $119,000 to $140,800. An 80 per cent charge takes about 10 hours using a home charger, or just 40 minutes at a public charging station. With its 90kWh battery, Jaguar I-Pace can drive up to 480km in one charge.
All plug-in EVs available in Australia have a lithium-ion battery and two charging options: at home/work or from public charging stations. Public charger stations provide power directly to the battery and at a faster rate while charging at home or at work is possible in approx. 8 hours. Read more about charging EVs here.
If you are considering an EV charging for your electric car and need some advice, call Energis on 1300 782 217 or at contactus@energis.com.au. One of our smart energy consultants will talk you through the best option for you.
