The basics of electric vehicles
EV Charging July 27, 2023
If you're considering an electric vehicle (EV), you're in good company. With EV sales soaring, it's clear that more of us are realising the benefits of making the switch. Here’s what you need to know about the types of EVs on the market so you can find the best fit for you.
What are BEVs?
Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) run on energy stored in their batteries, powering the electric motor and propelling the car forward. This means no fuel is burned and no harmful emissions are produced while you're driving it - good news for both your wallet and the planet.
EVs also have fewer moving parts, requiring less maintenance. No need for oil changes or spark plug replacements. While the initial cost of an EV may be higher than a petrol or diesel vehicle, there are substantial long-term savings to be had.
EVs also have fewer moving parts, requiring less maintenance. No need for oil changes or spark plug replacements.
How much does it cost to charge and run a battery EV?
Depending on the model of BEV and its battery size.
- For 30km of daily driving, charging a BEV costs equivalent to paying about 30 cents per litre of petrol.
- Overnight charging for around $3.00 can give you up to 100km of driving, depending on the model of BEV.
- Fast charging at a public outlet costs around $10 for 100km and takes about 20 minutes.
- Most EV drivers save over $2,000 per year in running costs.
This doesn’t include current government cashback incentives, which offer a rebate on your EV purchase, depending on how efficient your vehicle is.
Find out how much you could get back on your EV purchase.
Which BEVs have the best range and efficiency?
The efficiency of your EV is rated by the number of kilowatt-hours (kWh) consumed over 100km. The range estimated by your car is calculated with some easy maths.
If your EV travels 100km in 14kWh, and your battery stores 42kWh, your total range is 300km.
What about hybrids?
A hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) is a car that runs on both petrol and electricity. It has two engines: a petrol engine that uses fuel, and an electric motor that uses a battery. On low-speed commutes, the car uses the electric motor. Higher speed/longer commutes rely on the petrol engine, which charges the battery while in use.
A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) is also a car that runs on both petrol and electricity. However, it has a larger battery than an HEV and can be plugged in to charge the battery. This means that it can run on electricity alone for a longer distance before the petrol engine kicks in.
AC vs DC? What rocks?
The difference between charging with Alternating Current (AC) or Direct Current (DC) power is their respective speeds.
If you're on the road, DC charging has a faster kilowatt (kW) rate, perfect for longer trips or when you're in a hurry. When at home, AC charging tends to be gentler on your battery, providing a slower, more gradual charge that's better for the health of your battery in the long run.
The higher the number, the faster the charger. For example, commercial 100kW DC charging stations are twice as fast as 50kW, and that is the maximum speed at which it can charge your car. Commercial fast chargers sit between 50kW to 75kW and new Ultra-Fast chargers sit at 180kW.
Evnex’s AC Smart Charger sits at a respectable 7.4kW, perfect to charge an EV overnight and in time for your morning commute.
Learn more about home charging stations to get the most out of your charge.