Electric Vehicles 101: What Aussie Buyers Need to Know

Range in the real world

Manufacturer range figures are measured in ideal lab conditions. In Australian summer with the air-con running, expect 15–25% less. When comparing used EVs, look up real-world range reports for that exact model rather than the brochure number.

Battery health is everything

Unlike a petrol car's odometer, an EV's value hinges on battery health. Ask the seller for a battery state-of-health report (many modern EVs show this in the menu or via an app). A healthy 3-year-old EV might still show 90–95% of original capacity; anything below 85% on a young car is a yellow flag.

Warranty matters too: most manufacturers cover the battery for 8 years or 160,000 km. Check whether the warranty is transferable to a second owner — it usually is, but confirm before you buy.

Charging at home and on the road

If you have off-street parking, a home charger makes EV ownership effortless — you wake up 'full' every morning. Without it, you'll rely on public DC fast chargers, which are fast but cost more per km than home charging. Factor a ~$1,500–$2,500 installed home charger into your budget.

Running costs stack up in your favour

Electricity is cheaper per kilometre than petrol, and EVs need far less servicing — no oil changes, fewer brake replacements thanks to regen braking, and fewer moving parts. Over three to five years, a used EV can save the average Aussie driver thousands in fuel and servicing.

What to check on a used EV

Tyres (EVs chew through them faster due to torque), charging cable and adaptor, software update history, and the charging port condition. Take it for a test drive and try a fast charge at a public charger if you can — it'll tell you a lot about the car's health.