Why I bought an EV, and how I feel about it now

With electric vehicle sales now gathering speed in Australia, there’s a building degree of well-informed chatter around EV ownership – when to buy, what to buy and teething problems along the way.

Most EV owners are happy to talk about their experiences, and at carsales we’ve got a growing band of employees who’ve recently made the switch to zero-emissions motoring.

Today being World EV Day makes it the perfect time to hear from them.

Daily weekday commutes for the carsales EV owners we spoke to range from 4km to 65km round trips, with the majority of charging done either at the workplace (there are two charging stations at carsales HQ in Melbourne) or at home, using public charging as and when needed.

While their shared experiences reveal some common themes, the perceived barriers, buying motivations and day-to-day relationship with their EVs vary.

On top of that, a “no-regrets” consensus shines through.

Let’s hear their stories…

Which EV did you buy?

Our carsales crew represents a cross section of the slowly but surely broadening EV line-up in Australia, including the Polestar 2, Tesla Model 3, Cupra Born, Kia EV6, Tesla Model Y and Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric.

What prompted you to buy an EV?

Like any purchase decision, lifestyle and life stage as well as budget are key considerations, while buying an electric car also adds a level of environmental awareness, noting “sustainability/climate” as factors along with “environmental impact”.

It came as no surprise that the financial savings EV ownership can bring was a key factor, with Polestar 2 owner Adam Carbone noting “rising petrol prices” while others named “reduced [running] costs” as determining factors for making the switch.

For several buyers, the fast-expanding EV market in Australia was important, with greater choice and “quite a few to choose from” as well as “a lot of talk about electric cars in the media” making the decision more appealing.

“Better technology” was a major factor for Tesla Model Y owner Roy Xiong, while Kia EV6 owner Mark Cripsey adds that “they are cool cars!”

What were your concerns with buying an EV?

Buying concerns were many and varied among our cohort of carsales EV owners.

During the research process, top of mind were the usual concerns including range anxiety and public charging infrastructure.

One owner noted that their rental property did not facilitate at-home charging while others were able to tame their “pre-emptive range anxiety” around their daily commute, but less so for their faith in the charging network to support longer road trips.

Tesla Model 3 owner Shane Burford had to discover for himself: “Where do I charge while driving [from Melbourne] to Adelaide?”

The real-world range of their vehicles as well as the impact that battery degradation may have on that range was also a concern for multiple EV owners, which in turn raised the question of battery replacement and what to do in the event of a breakdown.

As would-be owners they also lamented the lack of model suitability, with “no [battery-electric] large SUV” available in Australia at the time of purchase and long wait times to land alternatives.

Uncertainty around the longevity and reliability of EV technology was also raised, with the mindset that “an EV is basically a computer on wheels” and what does that mean going forward?

A pertinent question from one owner: “What could happen if there was a bug and it prevented me from being able to drive the car?”

How do you feel about those concerns now?

Charging infrastructure remains a sticking point, but it seems that where there’s a will, there’s a way.

While her concerns felt valid, Cupra Born owner Janine Steinhardt admits they were “outweighed by the benefits” that EV ownership brings.

With carsales HQ charging facilities offering a convenient way to top up, the daily commute is easily covered and, for city-based drivers, range is not an issue, with most people charging “maybe once every two weeks” so that “it’s not been a big deal at all”.

Our Adelaide road-tripper praised the Tesla charging network which had his whole trip covered, while other charging providers offered a back-up plan if need be.

There’s an acknowledgement that public charging infrastructure is improving, but embracing charging network apps like PlugShare or ABRP is beneficial for planning and scheduling charging requirements on longer trips.

Battery health concerns were also diminished, with the realisation that most battery warranty periods would probably exceed ownership of the car.

Time behind the wheel also revealed less worry about battery degradation, one owner pointing to an estimated potential range reduction of just 5km after two years of ownership.

In terms of affordability, two words reign supreme for carsales employees: novated lease.

Installation of a charger in an apartment building was not such a great story, taking months to get done and at a cost of $3500 in this example.

What is the biggest surprise of EV ownership?

Responses to this question read like a myth-busting memoir from start to finish, including EVs being “really fun to drive” and the relative ease of adapting to one-pedal driving.

The joy of overnight charging and never visiting a petrol station again were duly noted. Beyond simply being electric, other owners had the observation that it’s a “very smart” vehicle that leverages technology in a similar way to “a smartphone”.

For many, the promise of a more cost-effective ownership experience was a key motivator for buying an EV, and the reality did not disappoint. Both in terms of the cost of driving (compared to an ICE vehicle), but also the limited maintenance costs, with tyre changes and air filters the not-so-big-ticket items you can expect to tend to.

For Tesla Model 3 owner Dilly Singh, two years’ ownership and just $60 out of pocket, the “pleasant and unexpected benefit” says it all.

The potential benefits of the most efficient one-pedal driving mode see one driver gamify her life and allows her to get the absolute greatest range possible.

And then there’s the friendly chat as you unwittingly become an advocate for cleaner motoring – it’s a great conversation starter and questions are aplenty with people “very, very curious” to learn more, says Volvo XC40 Recharge Electric owner Chloe Fast.

What tips would you offer to people considering an EV?

Supporting the overriding “no regrets” message, the carsales EV owners deliver would-be EV drivers a message of positivity, with a flexible and adaptable mindset a must.

“Don’t stress about range anxiety” and “don’t let concerns about range anxiety stop you from taking the plunge” came from drivers who did in fact worry about those very things in their initial buying journey.

Embracing the number of charging apps is a must, as well as being route savvy when planning longer journeys.

A more simple approach serves as a reminder to not dismiss the relative ease and convenience of trickle-charging using a domestic power point. A full recharge might take a painfully long time, but an overnight charge might be easily enough for the daily commute.

Other EV owners suggested you take the time to “understand your driving patterns” before you panic about range because chances are your EV will likely get you everywhere you need to go, just like an ICE vehicle will on a tank of petrol.

Every EV driver suggests you do your homework about the charging options convenient to your typical travel habits – everyday commutes as well as any regular road trips. Planning is key.

With the cost of new electric cars still prohibitive for some drivers and a stretch for many, the carsales crew spruik the long-term financial benefits like reduced running costs and minimal maintenance that can offset that initial outlay over the duration of ownership.

If you can take up rebates and incentives, like the Electric Car Discount Policy for novated leases, that is a must.

For everything you auto know about EVs, listen to carsales' Watts Under the Bonnet: the electric car podcast

Also check out carsales’ Electric Car hub

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