The Federal Government is considering a road-user charge for electric vehicle (EV) drivers.

So, why does the government want to charge EV drivers for using the roads and when could it start?

What is the fuel excise

Before discussing the EV road-user charge, it’s important we provide a bit of background. Australian motorists don’t directly pay to use the roads unless they’re driving on a tollway. However, if you drive a petrol or diesel-powered vehicle, you pay a fuel excise – a Federal Government tax – every time you fill up at the petrol pump.

Currently, the fuel excise – which is included in the price of petrol – is 51.6 cents per litre. Unlike registration and driver’s licence fees, which go to state and territory governments, the fuel excise is collected by the Federal Government. This is then used to fund transport infrastructure. Basically, as a motorist, you contribute to the upkeep and development of the roads you’re using.

What about EV drivers?

In 2022, electric cars only made up about one per cent of light vehicle sales. Now, one in 10 of new cars sold in Australia are electric. Several EV cars are now among the most popular on Australian roads.

Motorists who drive electric don’t need to fill up their vehicles with petrol, which means they don’t pay the fuel excise and aren’t paying to use the roads. Why is this a concern?

Well, the money the Federal Government receives through the fuel excise is used to repair and upgrade Australian roads. According to the Productivity Commission, Australia’s $12 billion a year fuel excise is in “terminal decline” as more drivers switch to fully electric and hybrid vehicles.

As a result, the Federal Government is looking at how it can charge road users who no longer pay the fuel excise.

The proposed solution is a distance-based charge for EV drivers, but that hasn’t been confirmed. In New Zealand, the government has rolled out a road-user charge that covers all light vehicles. This means all motorists, regardless of vehicle type, pay a set fee for every kilometre they travel.

Didn’t South Australia propose a road-user charge a few years ago?

A few years ago, the South Australian Government proposed introducing a road-user charge in 2027 along with a set of incentives for people to purchase electric vehicles. However, that was reversed following a change in government.

Victoria started a state-based road-user charge scheme in 2022 and collected more than $3.9 million in EV and plug-in-hybrid vehicle revenue during the 2022-23 financial year. However, that had to be refunded after a high-court ruling found the Constitution states only the Commonwealth can impose customs and excise duties.

What’s next?

No decision has been made on when a road-user charge will be introduced or how it will be implemented. The federal Treasurer has stated that he will hold further discussions with state and territory governments in coming weeks.

What RAA thinks

RAA has long called for the Federal Government to develop a fairer, more transparent, and sustainable model for road funding.   

With the growth in EVs and more fuel-efficient vehicles, some motorists will be paying a road user charge through fuel excise while other motorists will pay far less or pay nothing at all.  

Moving to a distance-based charge for all light vehicles will ensure that all motorists, no matter what car they drive, will contribute fairly to the cost of building and maintaining a safe and efficient transport network. 

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You’ve decided to join the EV owners’ club, so chances are you’ve familiarised yourself with the terminology and tech.

Along with features such as size and safety, you’ll need to consider some EV-specific issues like range and charging infrastructure. Our guide will help prepare you in the search for an EV.

What’s on the EV market?

The EV market is expanding rapidly, and you can now find models from nearly 30 manufacturers. Prices are trending downwards and start with the GWM Ora at $35,990 to the awe-inspiring Rolls Royce Spectre, with its price tag of $1 million.

As with internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, you must consider space, safety, tech and ongoing costs when purchasing an EV. The other big consideration is how the vehicle is powered.

BEV, PHEV or hybrid?

Battery (BEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and hybrid are the mainstream choices available in Australia.

Hybrid vehicles combine an ICE with an electric motor, which reduces fuel usage considerably. They’re best for city driving when the electric motor does most of the work and recharges the battery during deceleration. When driving on the freeway, hybrids run mainly on petrol, so the cost and environmental benefits decrease.

A PHEV also combines an ICE with an electric motor, but it has a bigger battery than a standard hybrid, which can be charged from a power source. PHEVs can travel 40km to 100km on electricity before the engine takes over and cost up to $20,000 more than their ICE counterparts.

Now, turning the spotlight to BEVs – the focus of this article. A BEV runs solely on the electricity its onboard battery stores and requires regular charging from an external power source. With electricity costing roughly a third as much as petrol or diesel per kilometre travelled, BEVs have significant cost advantages. The savings increase further when using solar-generated power for charging.

What BEV suits my needs?

Think about your lifestyle and ask yourself what you want from your new vehicle. Do you have a large family and need something roomy, like the Kia EV9? Perhaps you’re a couple and want something smaller with decent storage space, like the Tesla Model Y or Hyundai IONIQ 6. Maybe you’re after a van like the LDV eDeliver 9 or a sports car like the Porsche Taycan.

As for safety, ANCAP rates EVs according to their crash test performance in the same way they do ICE vehicles, so look for a 5-star rating. When shopping, you’ll find standard tech like climate control and Bluetooth, but also EV-specific options like Vehicle to Load and dog-detection mode. In the future, bi-directional charging, where the car’s battery powers your household, will also be a mainstream and popular feature. As they say, you get what you pay for, so do your homework and decide which features are important to you.

What are the ongoing costs?

The biggest BEV saving is the cost of electricity, compared with petrol, diesel or gas. According to the EV Council, the average Australian drives around 12,000km per year and spends about $2500 on petrol. This equates to about $0.20/km. On average, a BEV travelling 12,000km each year would cost about $500 to charge ($0.04/km). That’s an annual saving of $2000 on fuel.

With fewer drivetrain parts, EV servicing is generally cheaper. However, you’ll still need to service, repair or replace items such as brake and suspension systems, the 12-volt battery and fluid reservoirs.

BEV tyres are more costly as they’re designed to be quieter and stronger to compensate for the vehicle’s extra weight and higher torque, so expect to pay more at replacement time.

When it comes to insurance, you won’t need a specific EV policy, because most comprehensive car insurance policies on the market already cover EVs. The price you pay for insurance depends on various factors, but you’ll find that EV insurance can be comparable to ICE vehicles.

How far can I go on a full charge?

Think about how far, and how often, you’ll drive your BEV. If it’s mainly for short trips, or it sits in the garage for much of the week, range anxiety (the fear of running out of charge) won’t be a problem. However, if you regularly drive longer distances in rural areas, the number of kilometres you can travel on a single charge is more relevant.

A bigger, long-range battery that gives you an extra 100km from a charge can add $10,000 or more to the purchase price, so if you’re opting for that make sure it’s justified in your circumstances. If you love a road trip don’t be put off, because the average battery capacity of a BEV will still give you a range of about 300km from a single charge. When travelling further, check where the public charging infrastructure is along your route (more on that later).

If you need to recharge, rapid (150kW) or ultra-rapid (200kW) chargers will do the trick in 15 to 45 minutes. This will allow you to stretch your legs while you have a coffee and a bite to eat.

Most manufacturers provide an eight-year or 160,000km traction battery pack warranty and guarantee at least 70 per cent capacity after that period or distance. While most BEV batteries are designed to last the life of the vehicle, 2024 replacement costs are about $11,800 for a 40kWh battery (as in a Nissan Leaf ZE1) and $24,300 for an 82kWh battery (as in a Tesla Model 3 Long Range).

Keep in mind, though, BEV batteries rarely need replacing. Increasingly sophisticated battery management software and cooling technology (which will likely improve) means batteries should outlive the vehicles. The price of lithium-ion batteries has also been decreasing steadily. According to forecasts by energy research organisation BNEF, EV battery replacement costs are expected to drop by nearly 40 per cent by 2030.

Where can I charge?

With Australia’s geography and highly urbanised population, access to public EV charging infrastructure has traditionally been challenging. The good news is that SA has more public fast chargers per registered EVs than any mainland state. This is largely because of the RAA Charge network. When completed later
this year, RAA Charge will have 140 EV charging sites across the state, with 75 per cent in regional areas. Most are less than 200km apart and well within the driving range of the average EV. As more public chargers appear, range anxiety will soon be a thing of the past.

Finally, think about when and where you’ll charge your EV. If you drive infrequently, charging overnight with a standard wall socket (trickle charging) takes longer but might be sufficient. If you drive medium to long distances each day, you might want to install a fast charger at home. Think too about where you’ll charge your BEV if your residence has no off-street parking. Will you get by with public chargers or need to make alternative arrangements, like charging your BEV at work?

What’s the bottom line?

The future is electric but there are lots of factors to consider before making the switch. And we’ve only scratched the surface.

Before you sign on the dotted line, arm yourself with plenty of knowledge to be confident. Be sure to check out our article about test-driving an EV.

The post EVs: a buyer’s guide appeared first on samove.com.au.

After five years of driving EVs, it wasn’t my Hyundai Kona’s first rodeo. Having taken the Adelaide-to-Melbourne trip many times, I wondered how the EV would perform off the main drag, somewhere a little more remote.

Seeing the RAA Charge network rollout, I wanted to test the network and see how it could open up camping, hiking and bird-watching opportunities in SA.

With the weather on my side, I planned a road trip to Warren Gorge for some hiking, with a stop at Red Banks Conservation Park (near Burra) on the way.

Swag, fridge, firewood and water packed, I set off with the Kona charged up via the home charger at 8c/kWh – that’s about $1 per 100km of motoring.

Checking ABRP (A Better Route Planner) and Plugshare Apps, it was great to see a huge growth in charging opportunities and locations since my last trip to this remote destination.

ABRP lets you choose your EV, input its battery health, and select what SOC (state of charge) you want to arrive at your destination with. It also considers elevation changes, car efficiency and weather data.

Adelaide Hills to Burra

Arriving in Burra for lunch, I could see a new RAA charger in the middle of town, with disability and trailer access and Acknowledgement of Country for the traditional owners on the land where the charger was built. I also noted the security camera and light, which I felt provided user safety. The only thing missing was a cover to protect users from the weather.

When it came to charging, it wasn’t so much that I needed to stop to charge the car. I wanted to stop to refuel my body, take a walk, and use the amenities. But it just makes sense to have the car plugged in doing its thing while I was doing mine.

I always welcome a chat with inquisitive locals on their walk: “How much does it cost to fill up mate?” or “So – how long does it take to charge?” being the most common questions.

Questions are generally framed around driving a car with an internal combustion (ICE) engine. As an EV driver, I don’t wait until empty and then spend time filling the tank, instead, I top up when the opportunity presents itself.

This means the cost varies and is based on the amount of energy I’m putting in and the price of the charger. The price to charge can vary from $5 for 500km at home, to $10 for 120km on the Rapid charger at Burra. Either way, it’s cheaper than petrol, especially when you consider more than 95 per cent of charging is usually done at home or work.

After recharging, I drove down a long dirt road to a campsite. I was grateful to arrive in silence, not disturbing the fauna. I made camp for the night after a 6km walk around Red Banks Conservation Park. The walk was well worth it, and it was a welcome surprise to see water in the creek after such a dry autumn.

Quorn, Jamestown and Warren Gorge

I left Burra bright and early after pre-warming the car’s cabin. The heated seat and steering wheel were a toasty treat – it was three degrees outside after all.

I was keen to get to Warren Gorge, taking in Jamestown and its huge battery and wind farm along the way.

I was keen to grab a coffee, so plugged in just over the road from the hardware store and café, taking the opportunity to stop and support local business.

From Jamestown I headed north, passing through Wilmington before paying park entry fees ($5 for day entry and $15 a day for camping) at the well-kept information centre in Quorn. The attendant at the information centre had a wealth of knowledge about the park and mentioned Quorn locals were keen to get an EV charger of their own to help bring in more visitors.

Arriving at Warren Gorge, I found a great site, set up camp and made a fire. I was planning a big hike the next day, so settled in for a relaxing night in the swag, sleeping under the ghosts of dead gum trees and a billion stars. I woke up to the songs from birds like red capped robins, yellow thornbills, grey butcher birds and Fairy wrens.

All the while, the fridge hummed along in the car, feeding off the 64kWh battery. I was grateful for not having to rely on a small 12-volt camping battery, or worse, running a noisy generator.

Warren Gorge to Clare

After a few days reconnecting with nature, it was time to head home. I chose to take an alternative route through Clare where RAA had recently installed a new 200kW Ultra-rapid charger on Gleeson Street. My vehicle had eight per cent battery and less than 25km ‘in the tank’ when I arrived. 

I realised after plugging in and sampling the treats at the local coffee shop that I was no longer worried about range or charger anxiety. I’ve come to trust my car and its range calculations (along with the route planner) and maybe more importantly, trust the infrastructure to be working, fast and available.

The final leg of the trip was uneventful, and I arrived back with 20 per cent SOC, a few more miles on the odometer, and recharged for the week ahead.

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The popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) is growing, so we put the call out through RAA’s Facebook for some of your common questions.

As part of the ‘Ask Andrew’ series, we’ve called on RAA’s Program Director for Electric Vehicle Charging Andrew Howard for expert help.

Watch the video below and read on to find out more.

1. How long does it take to recharge an EV, compared with refuelling an ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicle?

It takes a few minutes to refuel an ICE vehicle, depending on the size of the fuel tank, how full it is, how much you’re adding and the pump’s flow rate.

The time it takes to charge an EV varies. If you’re using an ultra-rapid (200kW) DC charger, you can take your EV from, say, 10 per cent to 80 per cent charge in 15 to 45 minutes. If you’re using a standard three-pin AC power socket – known as trickle charging – it can take up to 24 hours to fully charge with your car parked at home.

“The average EV gives you about 400km from a single charge, which should be ample for a typical week’s worth of driving,” Andrew says.

2. I’ve seen social media reports about lithium-ion battery fires. Are EVs safe?

Of the seven or so EV battery fires recorded in Australia, about half were started by a separate fire. Lithium-ion battery fires are more likely to occur in e-bikes, e-scooters and smartphones.

In fact, research shows that electric vehicles are less likely to catch alight than ICE vehicles. EV manufacturers go to great lengths to improve battery safety and encase them in thick metal to protect them in collisions with other objects or vehicles.

If a lithium-ion battery does on a rare occasion catch fire, it poses additional challenges, but emergency services are rapidly adapting with new techniques and equipment. Thermal runway, caused by overheating lithium-ion batteries, is extremely rare in EVs. This issue has more to do with a poor-quality product containing a lithium-ion battery than the battery itself.

3. Are charging times the same for each EV brand?

Charging time has more to do with the battery than the vehicle brand. Factors impacting charging time include the EV’s battery type, technology, size, temperature, and how much charge it already has. Some of these factors vary across EV brands, so charging times also vary.

If you’re buying an EV and you see some impressive charging time figures, look at the finer details. Some charging times are based on optimum conditions and rely on a 350kW charger when the real-world peak charging rate will be less than that.

4. If the EV battery is out of warranty, how does that affect the resale value?

Most manufacturers offer an eight-year or 160,000km warranty and guarantee at least 70 per cent capacity after that period or distance. Although batteries are a large part of an EV’s cost, increasingly sophisticated technology means they rarely need replacing and usually last at least the vehicle’s life.

Some of the common issues with used EVs are the perceived technology risks and costs and the competitive market which is seeing prices fall rapidly. Consumers might also be concerned about their lack of ability to accurately check the health of a battery in a used EV.

If you’re buying or trading in a used EV, the price will reflect the age and condition of all components. The used EV market is still in its infancy, but the price of lithium-ion batteries is forecast to drop by nearly 40 per cent by 2030 and this will flow through to trade-in prices.

5. If I drive 500km a week, how long will it take to recoup the EV price premium?

Again, this depends on various factors but let’s consider the following basic example to get an idea of how long it’ll take to recoup the cost of purchasing an EV.

According to EV Council data, the average Australian drives 12,000km each year and spends about $2500 on petrol. This equates to about $0.20 per kilometre, so if you’re driving 500km, you’re spending about $100 per week on fuel. In comparison, the cost of driving a battery electric vehicle (BEV) is about $0.04 per kilometre, so 500km will cost about $20 per week.

“With fuel and other savings, it costs about $4160 less each year to drive a BEV so if, say, the price premium is $15,000 you’ll make up that difference in about three and a half years,” Andrew says.

Note: these figures are based on a fuel versus electricity comparison only and don’t include any potential differences in other running costs, such as servicing, tyres and insurance. Keep in mind that the EV price premium is likely to continue dropping in the coming years, meaning payoff times will also reduce or disappear altogether.

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Test driving a brand-new car is an exciting mix of unusual smells, fancy tech and shiny paintwork.

If you’re test-driving an electric vehicle (EV), you’ll also notice some quirks that might feel unfamiliar.

Before making a big investment in a new car, you want to make the most of the test drive. Read on and our guide will help you find the right EV for you.

Where to find a demo EV

COVID-19 upended the vehicle global supply chain, making some models hard to find in Australia. Although the worst is over, some types of EVs still have long wait times, but you’ll usually find a demo model.

If you’re test-driving an EV from a manufacturer that also produces ICE vehicles – such as Kia and BMW – contact your local dealership to see if they have demo models available.

EV-only showrooms are becoming more common – think of it like an Apple Store but with cars. You can visit an EV showroom – such as CUPRA’s in the Adelaide CBD – to check out the cars and then arrange a test drive in a different location. Read more about the future of car dealerships here.

EV-only manufacturers like BYD and Tesla allow you to book a test drive through their websites. You can choose the model, enter your details and travel to a specified location to start your test drive.

Watch out also for drive experiences, where the manufacturer provides EVs in one location for you and others to test. Some organisations also host multiple-vehicle EV test-driving events, such as the event RAA held last year.

Behind the wheel

In many ways, shopping for an EV or an internal combustion engine (ICE) car is the same. You need to make sure your basic car needs are met, like space, comfort, standard equipment and budget. The EV differences become clearer when you climb into the futuristic cabin.

Some EVs have a traditional dashboard and instrument layout, while others – like the Tesla – adopt a minimalist approach where most functions are controlled through a touchscreen. Style is a personal choice but think about everyday practicality. Do you want to be scrolling through touchscreen menus each time you adjust the climate control or change the music, or would you prefer to do so with buttons and dials?

On the road

Most EVs have a start/stop button and start with a fob, card, or smartphone app. When starting an EV, you won’t hear the engine roar to life. Instead, it’s so quiet you might wonder if the car has started at all. All EVs are automatic, and have a dial or lever for park, reverse, neutral or drive.

RAA Future Mobility Expert Mark Borlace recommends test driving them on a variety of quieter roads you know while you get used to EV driving, as well as going easy on the accelerator.

“Electric motors deliver big doses of torque, and you’ll feel an instant response when you put your foot down,” he says.

EVs use regenerative braking to recharge the battery while you drive. This increases efficiency and gives you a smoother ride, but it might feel odd at first when you take your foot off the accelerator. The regenerative braking effect varies from car to car and in some models it’s adjustable so experiment if you can.

“Some EV models feature one-pedal driving, where regenerative braking is strong enough to bring your car to a complete stop,” Mark says.

Of course, the brake pedal is there if you need to stop suddenly.

Other EV features

You’ll notice the lack of engine noise in an EV, especially at low speeds, and a quieter cabin where music and conversations seem clearer. When test-driving the EV, take it on a freeway to compare the cabin noise at low and high speeds.

“EVs are heavy but have a lower centre of gravity, thanks to floor-based battery packs, so the extra weight doesn’t have much of an effect on handling and responsiveness,” Mark says.

Most EVs will have parking aids so park it in various spots you normally go to. Is it manoeuvrable with good visibility? Check the EV has enough boot space for your needs and a full-size spare tyre if that’s important to you. Also test drive it at night if you can.

During your test drive, keep an eye on the battery charge indicator on the dashboard or touchscreen and what range the car will give you. Will that suit your everyday needs, or will you need an EV with a longer-range battery?

When you drop the EV back to the provider, ask if you can test the charging cable to get a feel for the process.

Images: Newspress Australia

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Speak to the average person about electric vehicle (EV) batteries and it might raise some questions. How big are they? How long do they last? Can they be recycled? Are they safe?

These are all valid questions, so we’ve called on RAA Mobility Technology Specialist Mark Borlace to help. We’ve separated fact from fiction to help you make an informed choice when buying an EV.

Watch the video below then read on to find out more.

1. What type of battery is in an EV?

Battery technology has improved significantly and is still evolving. Many EV hybrids use a nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery, but the lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery is the most common type in new Battery EVs (BEVs). Think of a much bigger version of the battery in your mobile phone or a modern cordless drill. Li-ion batteries are quicker to recharge, maintain power for long periods, provide consistent voltage and can cope with moderate temperature changes. There’s plenty of information online if you want to know more about the types and makeup of EV batteries.

2. Where’s the battery in an EV?

Most batteries weigh about 500kg and they’re generally the most expensive component of an EV. Batteries are usually flat and form part of the vehicle’s floor, which has a couple of advantages. Because an EV has no transmission tunnel and needs less engine room, a floor-based battery allows for more interior space and better design. Also, placing the battery in the floor structure keeps the centre of gravity low for improved handling.

3. Are EV batteries safe?

There’s much misinformation about the safety of EV batteries. Consultancy firm EV Firesafe found that while an EV battery can catch alight, it’s a minuscule risk and less likely than an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle fire.

With 130,000 EVs on Australian roads, there have been about seven battery fires, three of which were ignited by a separate fire and none by spontaneous combustion (another common misconception). If a Li-ion battery does catch fire, extinguishing it is challenging, although emergency services are adapting special techniques and equipment. EV manufacturers go to great lengths to make their batteries safe.

“The batteries are protected with thick metal to help avoid damage in a collision or from something striking it from below,” Mark says. “The risk of a battery fire is low and should not deter you from buying an EV.”

“The risk of a battery fire is low and should not deter you from buying an EV.”

4. How long do EV batteries take to recharge?

Not all batteries are the same and charging time depends on their type, size, technology, temperature, how much charge the battery already has, and the amount of power available from the charger.

You can charge your EV at home with a standard three-pin socket – known as trickle charging – either during the day or overnight to take advantage of off-peak electricity prices. Although it can take up to three nights for a full charge, trickle charging for just one night might give you enough juice for your daily commute. You can also install a fast EV charger at home, which is better if you drive your EV longer distances and more often.

When you’re out and about, you’ll need a public charger, but the good news is that SA has the highest number of chargers per registered EV on the mainland, thanks largely to the RAA Charge network. Some public chargers are found at caravan parks and motels and take several hours to charge your EV battery – fine if you’re staying overnight.

“If you’re on a trip, a rapid (150kW) or ultra-rapid (200kW) charger will get you back on the road in 15 to 45 minutes,” Mark says.

5. What’s the lifespan of an EV battery, and can they be recycled?

Most batteries come with eight to ten-year warranties and can be replaced, but many EVs can be expected to last twice as long as the warranty period or equivalent in number of kilometres driven – 180,000km to 200,000km.

“When a battery is down to 70 to 80 per cent of its original capacity, it’s no longer suitable for an EV but that doesn’t mean it’s done and dusted,” Mark says.

Recycling has improved considerably in recent years, and manufacturers are making strides to ensure their batteries are recyclable. More than 90 per cent of a battery’s plastics, metals and minerals can now be recycled effectively.

EV batteries can also have another life in a different purpose, such as homes and businesses, as they are up to six times larger than a house battery.

The post 5 EV battery facts appeared first on samove.com.au.

A survey conducted by RAA has revealed South Australians have some concerns about EVs. But are these fears fact or fiction? We tackle some EV myths.

In comparison, a base-model petrol Toyota Corolla hatch – similar in size to the Dolphin – has a sticker price of about $29,610 before on-roads. EVs are comparatively more expensive than ICE (petrol, diesel and autogas-powered) vehicles, but prices are constantly dropping.

To encourage sales, the South Australian Government is offering a three-year registration fee exemption for new battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles first registered in SA, until 30 June 2025.

The scheme has a vehicle price cap of $68,750 (including GST). Conditions apply, so visit treasury.sa.gov.au for the full details. At the federal level, fuel-efficient vehicles, including EVs, enjoy a higher purchase-price threshold before the luxury car tax (LCT) applies.

2. EVs have poor range

‘Range anxiety’ is the fear of running out of battery charge and being left stranded. In fact, 70 per cent of survey respondents cited range anxiety as a barrier to EV ownership. The distance an EV can travel on a full charge varies between vehicles.

The folk at Polestar claim that under the right conditions, the Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor model can clock up to 655km between charges, while the Mini Cooper SE may become a little breathless around the 400km mark.

The Tesla Model Y can cover up to 514km before needing a plug-in, which means a road trip from Adelaide to Melbourne can be completed with just one recharge along the way.

Vehicles with ranges around the mid-400km to low-500km mark are common among the rest of the EV pack. Just like ICE vehicles, an EV’s range can be affected by driving conditions, as well as air-con and heater use.

The (7kW) Destination chargers, usually found at places like caravan parks and motels, take several hours to recharge a battery, which is ideal when you’re staying overnight.

Rapid (150kW) and Ultra-rapid (200kW) chargers, commonly found on highways and in town centres, can do the job in 15 to 45 minutes, allowing travellers time to take a break, grab a coffee and refresh themselves.

Manufacturers use a range of methods to protect batteries from damage and overheating. Fire services handle EV fires differently than ICE fires, so EV number plates must display a blue, triangular plate to identify the vehicle as an EV.

While efficiency and safety have long been the main focus of battery manufacturers, there’s a growing emphasis on improved recyclability.

Some batteries can also be repurposed to store power for homes and businesses once their EV days are over.

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Fear of running out of battery charge is one of the main factors preventing members from buying an EV, a 2023 RAA survey revealed.

To help allay this concern, RAA is conducting a six-month mobile EV charging trial.

The video below shows roadside charging in action.

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