Preparing to buy an electric vehicle

Why consider an EV

Electric vehicles (EVs) offer a range of benefits that make them an attractive choice for many Australian drivers.

These include:

Lower running costs: Electricity is generally cheaper than petrol or diesel per kilometre, which can mean significant savings over time. Servicing costs are also lower because EVs have fewer moving parts to maintain. Learn more about the benefits of electric vehicles.
Environmental benefits: EVs produce fewer emissions, help improve air quality and reduce your carbon footprint. Learn more about electric vehicles and the environment.
Government incentives: Rebates and other programs may be available to help offset upfront costs. Learn more about government support for buying EVs.
Ease of use: EVs can be plugged into any standard power outlet for a top-up. Most EV owners charge at home. Learn more about how to charge your electric vehicle.
Energy security: Reliance on imported fuel leaves you vulnerable to paying more in the event of international supply disruptions. Choosing an EV lets you power your vehicle with energy produced in Australia. These benefits are even greater if you can charge with home solar. Learn more about how to choose, use and maintain rooftop solar and batteries.

Deciding if an EV is right for you

Choosing an EV depends on your individual needs, lifestyle, and budget. EVs generally have unique charging requirements, maintenance needs, and driving characteristics compared to petrol and diesel vehicles.

To ensure you purchase a suitable EV, consider your:

lifestyle needs including:
- the length, location, and frequency of your trips
- personal needs like your family size, or towing capacity
- if the vehicle is for personal or business use.
budget including:
- upfront costs of the vehicle
- usage costs like petrol or electricity
- ongoing additional costs like registration, insurance, and servicing.
method of purchase and whether you purchase from a licensed motor dealer or through a private sale. The ACCC provides further guidance on buying a car.

EV purchasing considerations

When purchasing an EV, consider these factors.

You can do most of your charging at home

If you have access to a garage or driveway with power, you’re well-suited for an EV. You can top up your EV from any standard Australian power point. In practice, many EV owners simply plug their car in at home overnight once or twice a week.

Learn more about how to charge your electric vehicle.

Living in an apartment or unit

Charging can be more complicated for people living in apartments or units but options are expanding quickly.

Some new residential developments now include EV charging infrastructure in car parks. Some apartment owners are also installing chargers in their individual parking spaces where building rules allow it.

Workplace charging is another growing option. Many employers are beginning to install chargers for staff vehicles, allowing drivers to top up their EV during the day.

Public charging networks are expanding across Australian cities. While these chargers typically cost more than home electricity, they provide an important option for drivers without dedicated parking or charging access at home.

If you live in a strata complex, check whether EV charging is available and permitted in shared or undercover parking areas. You can also talk to your strata manager about seeking approval from the owners corporation to install an EV charger in your residence.

Learn more about the charging options for houses and strata buildings.

Incentives

Government incentives can help reduce upfront and ongoing costs of an EV.

Learn more about government support for buying EVs.

Charging infrastructure

Australia’s EV charging network is rapidly expanding and supports many common routes. You can find where public chargers are available near you via apps or websites. Find out more about common tools and apps.

Many EV owners live in regional Australia. Battery EVs are now available with ranges over 400 km depending on conditions. If you live in a very remote area, consider if a lower emission vehicle like a hybrid or plug-in hybrid EV may better suit your needs.

Some public EV charging providers require a smartphone app to use public chargers. Consider if this is suitable for your lifestyle.

Charging capacity

Most new battery EVs are designed to charge from around 20% to 80% state of charge within 20 to 30 minutes when plugged into a fast DC charger with the right capacity.

The charging capacity is the maximum rate a charger can supply power to the vehicle. Specifications vary among chargers and EVs but will impact how fast your EV can charge. Learn more about EV charging.

Home and car insurance

If you own a home, check whether your home insurance covers EV charging at your residence.

Get an insurance quote before committing to a purchase. It will vary depending on your insurer.

Warranty

Most EVs come with an 8-year battery warranty or around 160,000km. EV batteries are expected to last 13 years or more.

Plug type

The standard types of plugs used in Australia include:

type 2 plug for slower AC charging
combined charging system (CCS2) for faster DC charging
CHAdeMO, an alternative for DC charging systems – available for a limited selection of EVs.

Most new EVs sold in Australia use CCS2 plugs for fast charging. Adaptors from CCS2 plugs to CHAdeMO are also available.

Availability of public charging infrastructure can vary by plug type and location. Giving consideration to compatibility can support a smoother charging experience. Learn more about electric vehicle charging equipment.

To make an informed decision, learn more about:

Test drive an EV

Booking a test drive can help you see if an EV suits your and lifestyle. A test drive helps you experience:

Charging and range: Understand how far you can travel.
Driving feel: EVs often feature regenerative braking, instant torque, and offer a quieter driving experience.
Technology: EVs often feature modern smart displays and driver-assist systems.

Where to test drive?

You can find a test drive at:

Dealerships: Many major brands now offer EV models. You can enquire with dealerships to book a test drive.
Community EV drive days: Community EV drive days let you try multiple EVs and speak to experts.
Fleet and business events: Some government and industry initiatives include EV demonstrations for businesses.

Buying a second-hand EV

The Australian second-hand market for EVs is rapidly growing. Like any second-hand vehicle you should research the car before making a purchase. There are guarantees under Australian Consumer Law (ACL) to protect you when buying and selling used vehicles. Learn more about Australian Consumer Law.

You should also research the laws and advice specific to your state and territory before making a purchase.

Here are some key considerations.

Battery health

The battery is one of the most important parts of an EV.

Whilst new EV batteries are expected to last 13 years or more, all batteries degrade slowly. To be confident in your future purchase, ask for a battery health report from the seller or dealership.

A battery health check will provide you the state of health (SoH) of your battery. This measures the condition and performance of a battery compared to when it was new. It is generally a percentage, with 100% representing the battery's original, fully functional state.

Many EVs allow you to view battery health via onboard diagnostics or apps, but an independent battery health check may be preferable.

Some Australian providers of EV battery health checks include:

These resources are for information only. The department accepts no responsibility for external content.

There may be other suppliers of similar services in the market.

Service history

Ensure the EV has been regularly serviced according to manufacturer guidelines.

Warranty

Check if the original battery warranty is still valid (many are 8 years or 160,000 km). Some manufacturers may offer transferable warranties for second-hand buyers if the vehicle has received its scheduled servicing.

Charging cables, plug types, and charging ports

When buying a second-hand EV it is important to check which EV plug type your vehicle will use. Learn more about electric vehicle charging equipment.

Before buying an EV check if an EV charging cable is included. If so, inspect the charging cable and port carefully for any signs of damage or wear and tear. If your cable is damaged or absent, you can purchase new cables through many Australian retailers.

General second-hand car advice

While EVs have fewer moving parts than petrol and diesel vehicles, it is good to do an inspection before purchasing any second-hand car.

You can consider a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic experienced with EVs. Reviewing the service history can provide an indication of whether the car has been well maintained.

For guidance, you can use the:

Useful resources when buying a car

State and territory resources

NSW

Victoria

Queensland

Tasmania

South Australia

Western Australia

Northern Territory

Australian Capital Territory

Other resources

These links are provided as an information service only. The department does not endorse any organisation or product and accept no responsibility for external content. Omissions do not mean non-endorsement.