Electric Cars 2023 – Expectations vs Reality

There are so many new electric car models entering the market this year and electric car technology is ever evolving. Perhaps you’ve been debating electric vs petrol cars and preferring the former but don’t know where to start? You may be wondering where we currently stand when it comes to electric cars in Australia in 2023.

Do your expectations about them match the current reality?

A couple of standout questions for us were whether they have limited range and low performance and whether they’re really that eco friendly. So, let’s explore our round up the electric vs petrol car facts of 2023.

Top facts: electric cars in Australia in 2023

If you’re going to invest hard earned money into one of these vehicles, you want to ensure you’re making a sound investment. We get it. Here are the most crucial aspects to consider.

Range

One of the main expectations for electric cars is that they’ll have a limited range before needing to be recharged. The reality is that many electric cars on the market today have a range of over 480km on a single charge, and some high-end electric cars even have ranges of over 640km. Bear in mind that there are different types of electric cars, and each will have their own range specifications.

Charging time

Another expectation is that electric cars take a long time to charge. The reality is that fast charging technology has improved significantly in recent years. Many electric cars can now be charged to 80% in as little as 30 minutes.

Cost

Electric cars in Australia have traditionally been more expensive than petrol-powered cars. However, the cost of batteries and electric drivetrains have come down in recent years, making them more affordable than ever. Additionally, with government incentives and tax credits, the total cost of ownership for electric cars can be comparable to or even less than that of petrol cars.

Performance

Some people expect electric cars to be less powerful than petrol cars. The reality is electric cars offer instant torque, which is a measure of the turning power of an engine. Many electric cars can accelerate from 0 to 100kmph in less than 4 seconds – faster than most petrol cars.

Driving experience

Some people expect the driving experience of electric vs petrol cars to be dull or lacklustre. But electric cars have a unique driving feel with smooth and quiet operation. They also have that instant torque we mentioned, which can make for a fun and engaging driving experience.

Availability

Some people expect electric cars to be available only in a few models or be hard to find, but this is changing quickly. Many manufacturers are investing in electric cars and adding more models to their line-up to make them more widely available.

Overall, electric cars are becoming more capable, more affordable, and more widely available. This is starting to close the gap between expectations and reality. They’re becoming an increasingly viable and attractive alternative to petrol-powered cars, and more people are choosing to switch as technology continues to improve.

Environmental impact of electric cars in Australia in 2023

Electric cars are generally considered to be more environmentally friendly than petrol-powered vehicles, as they produce zero emissions from the tailpipe.

Yes, there’s impact

However, the expectation is that electric cars have no impact on the environment, when in fact they do. If the electricity that powers them comes from renewable sources such as solar or wind power, then they can have a very low environmental impact. If it’s generated from non-renewable sources such as coal or natural gas, then the environmental impact may be similar to or even greater. As we know, in Australia we still rely heavily on coal.

Mining for materials

Electric car batteries also require materials that can be difficult to obtain, such as lithium and cobalt. These materials are typically mined in countries where labour regulations and environmental protections are less strict. This can result in the use of child labour and other unethical practices in the mining of these materials.

Challenges of disposal

The batteries can also be difficult to dispose of, as they contain toxic chemicals and heavy metals that can be harmful to the environment if not handled properly. That’s why it’s so important that electric car batteries are recycled. This way we can recover valuable materials such as lithium, nickel, and cobalt. These materials can then be used to create new batteries or other products.

Overall, it can be said that electric cars have the potential to be more environmentally friendly than petrol-powered vehicles, but we still have some way to go in advancing electric car technology to make them totally eco-friendly.

Think you’re pretty well-versed on electric cars? Check out our Electric Cars vs Petrol: Truth or Dare article to see how much you really know!

Electric cars in Australia in 2023 that are available now

There are several electric cars available for purchase in Australia. The below list is not exhaustive, and new models are being introduced all the time. It’s worth checking with manufacturers and car dealerships for the latest info. Some models may be available for import, or as a special order, but not be in regular stock at local dealerships.

The market for electric vehicles in Australia in 2023 is still developing, therefore the list of models available may not be as extensive as in other markets like Europe or the US.

However, with increasing focus on green energy and reducing emissions, manufacturers are investing more in the development of EVs and they’re becoming more widely available in Australia. Some available at the time of writing are:

1. Tesla Model S, Model 3, Model X, Model Y and Cybertruck
2. Nissan LEAF
3. BMW i3
4. Hyundai Kona Electric
5. Mercedes-Benz EQC
6. Audi e-tron
7. Volkswagen ID.4
8. Jaguar I-PACE
9. Ford Mustang Mach-E
10. Renault ZOE
11. MG ZS EV
12. Hyundai Ioniq Electric
13. Kia Soul EV
14. Porsche Taycan
15. Volkswagen ID.3
16. Porsche Panamera 4S E-Hybrid

We’ve written a great deal about electric cars – check out just some of our resources below:

• Top 5 Must-Knows for Buying an Electric Car
• How to Choose the Best Electric Car for You
• Key Electric Car Questions to Ask Yourself and Your Dealer
• Are Hybrid Cars Green Enough?
• Green Cars and How to Help the Planet

Insure your ride

So now you have a better idea of the reality of electric vs petrol cars and electric cars in Australia in 2023. Hopefully you already have a good idea about car insurance. Getting comprehensive car insurance is always a great idea because you’re financially covered for all kinds of accidents that happen on and off the road. These include but aren’t limited to events like collisions, fire, flood, hail, theft and vandalism.

So what about insurance for electric cars in Australia? It stands to reason that being covered is just as important if you’re an electric car owner, right? That’s a no-brainer.

At the time of writing, we’re offering car insurance for some makes and models of hybrid electric cars. Click below to get a quote and find out more.