HomeElectric Car News and Reviews

Electric Car News and Reviews

The latest news and reviews on electric cars, including expert advice on how to buy, own and live with an EV to get the best out of it.

Electric Cars Header ImageSales of electric cars are growing in Australia and saw a particular boost in 2023, so it goes with reason that car buyers are putting them on their radar. However, in the greater scheme of things they make up less than 4 per cent of annual sales. That means general advice and information isn’t common knowledge which is why we have compiled a quick guide below and you can find links to helpful articles, including the latest news, reviews and advice.

The choice of new models on sale continues to expand as more manufacturers get on board with the technology in preparation for tightening emissions regulations and the upcoming bans on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars in other parts of the world – which has an effect on what cars are made available here. At the same time, the charging infrastructure in Australia is improving, making electric cars more viable for more people – particularly with the different ways you can charge an EV.

What kind of electric vehicle do you need?

Types of Electric Cars

For many, the term electric car implies a vehicle that’s propelled on electricity alone and without an engine’s assistance. However, there are different types on sale and they can be wildly different to each other in terms of tailpipe (exhaust) emissions, battery size and charging requirements, fuel type (electricity vs hydrogen vs petrol), and driving range. The four main types commonly known as:

  1. Hybrid
  2. Plug-in Hybrid or PHEV
  3. Fully Electric or BEV
  4. Hydrogen or FCEV

Below is a quick look at the differences between them.

Hybrid
(Hybrid Electric Vehicle)
  • Fuel
    Petrol
  • Typical EV Driving Range
    <1km
  • Motor Technology
    Internal Combustion Engine & Electric Motor
  • Exhaust Emissions
    CO2 (Carbon dioxide)
  • Typical Driving Range
    650km
PHEV
(Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle)
  • Fuel
    Petrol
  • Typical EV Driving Range
    60km
  • Motor Technology
    Internal Combustion Engine & Electric Motor
  • Exhaust Emissions
    CO2 (Carbon dioxide)
  • Typical Driving Range
    500km
Electric
(Battery Electric Vehicle)
  • Fuel
    Electricity
  • Typical EV Driving Range
    400km
  • Motor Technology
    One or more Electric Motors
  • Exhaust Emissions
    None
  • Typical Driving Range
    400km
Hydrogen
(Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle)
  • Fuel
    Hydrogen
  • Typical EV Driving Range
    600km
  • Motor Technology
    One or more Electric Motors
  • Exhaust Emissions
    H20 (Water)
  • Typical Driving Range
    750km

Hybrid cars use both a petrol engine and electric motor, while a fully electric or hydrogen vehicle uses only an electric motor. This is a key difference if you want to remove your tailpipe emissions while driving – with a hybrid or PHEV there will always be a petrol engine underneath. That said, there’s hardly any hydrogen refilling stations in Australia, so they are not currently a feasible option for those who want zero harmful emissions from the tailpipe.

Pros and cons (charging, price, and range anxiety)

aria-label="Range Rover Velar phev charging"

Compared to traditional models, EVs can look relatively pricey to buy but as an owner, you’ll benefit from lower running costs, as well as the relaxing and near-silent drive.

A new habit will be putting a charging cable across your garage or driveway, or sometimes a path to keep it charged – this means making sure others in the family know to not damage the cables and that they are safe.

Range anxiety is also a thing, but with EV range from a single charge seemingly increasing with every new model, some EV drivers already only need to charge their car once or twice a week. If your car will drive almost 450km on a full charge and your daily commute is around 50km, why not?

On longer journeys, the issue of finding a charger can still make driving an EV stressful. There are 3669 public charging points at 2147 locations across Australia as at June 2022 according to the latest Electric Vehicle Council report. More are being installed every day, but charging still requires extra planning and more time spent plugged into chargers than you would refilling a car with petrol or diesel at a fuel station.

Popular electric cars in Australia

aria-label="Kia EV6 Australia 2022 1"

Without a doubt, Tesla is leading the charge for EV sales in 2022. Thanks to being the tech leader before anyone else, the American car brand has set itself up with a following of fans and owners alike – all leading to the strongest sales of any electrified model in Australia.

However, there are new models coming from many other car makers. Hyundai and Kia are making a charge, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and BMW are bringing premium rivals, while MG offers the most competitive priced electric vehicles in Australia, the MG ZS EV. The main problem with any model being sold here is stock supply, and so while sales of vehicles such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 or Kia EV6 might seem low, it’s not to say they aren’t popular – it’s just that there are not many landing here that can be sold.

Below we list the top ten electric cars by sales this year in Australia but given the above conditions, it is not an indicator of ‘the best’ model, and that will depend on your own needs.

84%
Tesla Model Y
55%
Tesla Model 3
14%
MG HS
10%
Hyundai Kona
8%
Polestar 2
8%
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
7%
Volvo XC40 Electric
7%
Hyundai Ioniq
7%
Mercedes-Benz EQA
7%
Hyundai Ioniq 5

*Key

20%
Electric
20%
PHEV

Advice

How to look after your electric car’s battery

The battery is one of the most important parts of an electric car, so it's important to know how to look after it.

How safe are electric cars?

Batteries and high-voltage electrical systems can pose a fire risk - but in reality, EVs are just as safe as other cars.

The hidden costs of EV range explained

Despite the vast advances in electric car technology in recent years, range anxiety remains an issue for prospective buyers.

Reviews

2025 Audi E-Tron GT review: International first drive 

Loads more power and vastly improved ride and handling makes the 2025 Audi E-Tron GT the consummate Gran Tourer – almost.

2025 Volkswagen ID.3 GTX review

The new Volkswagen ID.3 GTX is an impressive fast family car, but it's let down by a lack of excitement from behind the wheel

2025 Kia EV3 review

The EV3 is the next big step forward not just for Kia, but EV design and engineering at large ⊕ PROs Efficient powertrains Spacious, high-quality interior Good range ⊖...

News

2025 Leapmotor C10 EV review + Australian details

The Leapmotor C10 is a convincing all-electric SUV that offers genuine value for money. The bold interior design won’t suit all and it’s not the best to drive, but it’s an attractive alternative to the norm.

Chery Omoda E5 electric SUV: Australian pricing to start...

The Chery Omoda E5, a compact electric companion to the Chinese company's regular Omoda 5, is now on sale in Australia.

Nissan Ariya Nismo confirmed for Europe, Australia’s Ariya launch...

The Ariya was long ago confirmed for Australia, but exactly when it'll arrive remains unclear. Now, the powered-up Nissan Ariya Nismo is about to go on sale in Europe.

Comparisons

MG4 vs Kia Niro EV Comparison Test

Just how good is the new MG4? We test it against the new Kia Niro EV to find out. Under the direction of parent group...

How does the Toyota bZ4X compare to the Hyundai...

Does Toyota’s all-new bZ4X electric SUV crack the family-friendly formula? Toyota has been building cars with electric motors for decades. However, it’s not until now...

BMW iX3 vs Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs Volvo XC40...

The BMW iX3, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Volvo XC40 Recharge are three of the best electric SUVs buyers will be looking at - can...

Motorsport

Rally-inspired Renault 5 restomod concept teased

Renault’s celebrating 50 years of the iconic R5 with a radical EV restomod concept. Renault has teased a glimpse at a video game-inspired hotrod version...

Rodin FZero V10 hypercar revealed as Red Bull RB17...

Rodin FZero “no limits” track-day car is intended literally to be “the fastest car on earth” – and a road version is planned to...

Porsche 918 GT4 ePerformance Review

Is this 800kW Porsche finally an all-electric racer that excites like an IC? There’s never been a Porsche Motorsport product quite like the 718 GT4...
[adning id="94270"]