The Times Australia
The Times World News

.
Times Media

.

Want to buy an electric car but unsure you can justify it? Here’s how the arguments against EVs stack up

  • Written by John Rose, Professor of Sustainable Future Transport, University of Sydney
An electric vehicle parked next to a row of chargers

So you’re thinking of buying an electric car. Perhaps you want to save money on fuel, or reduce your greenhouse gas emissions, or both. After all, for Australia to reach net zero it needs to electrify vehicles (and expand public transport use).

But you’ve heard arguments against electric cars: they have limited range and many owners can’t easily charge at home. They cost too much, resale values are poor and insurance costs are higher than for other cars. They’re also heavier and cause more damage to our roads.

Alarmingly, the mining of some minerals used to make them involves modern-day slavery.

Are these concerns warranted? Let’s walk through them.

Driving range

In 2014, an electric vehicle’s top driving range was between 160 and 210 kilometres. Today, most new models can travel 300–600km[1] under real-world conditions.

In Australia, the average privately owned car travels 12,100km a year[2]. That’s about 33.2km a day. Current models have more than enough battery capacity to cover most trips.

Access to chargers

What about longer trips? Many drivers still worry about finding a public charger. It’s common to see long queues at public charging stations[3] (when they are working) or owners searching for a charger.

Public charging infrastructure is struggling to keep up with rising demand. While not an issue for short trips (90% of owners[4] charge at home or work), it’s a challenge for longer travel.

Private home chargers are getting cheaper but not everyone has off-street parking. Some resort to the legally questionable strategy[5] of running power cables over sidewalks or through trees.

Apartment block residents typically have requests to install private chargers rejected for safety reasons (mainly fire risks). Many also can’t install solar panels[6], which would greatly reduce charging costs.

People living in apartment blocks might not be able to charge their vehicles at home. Supamotionstock.com/Shutterstock[7]

Purchase costs

While electric vehicles cost more than petrol or diesel vehicles today, this won’t be true in future. In 2023, the average price[8] of a new petrol car in Australia was A$40,916, compared to $117,785 for battery electric vehicles.

But the problem with averages is they’re skewed by outliers. And there are lots of very expensive outliers on the electric vehicle market. You can own a Porsche Taycon Turbo S for $374,000, or a Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 for $327,000.

Three models account for about 70% of electric vehicle sales[9] in Australia: the Telsa Model Y (from $60,900), Tesla Model 3 (from $58,900) and the BYD Atto 3 (from $48,011). The Model 3 entered our market in 2019 at $66,000, so it’s clear prices are dropping, and dropping fast. You can buy the GWM ORA or MG4 Excite MY23 for $39,990.

Prices becoming cheaper is common for most new technology. It’s just we notice it more with electric vehicles because they cost more than most technology we buy, including phones and TVs.

Secondhand value

Concerns about resale value may be justified. In the year to January 2024, the value of used electric vehicles fell 21%[10], which was more than for fossil fuel vehicles.

A higher initial price does not necessarily carry over to the second-hand market. Early adopters valued EV technology, but most buyers have different priorities.

As the technology improves and misconceptions fade, resale values could rebound[11].

Insurance costs

Insurance costs are also higher than for other vehicles – typically around 20% more[12].

The vehicles generally cost more to buy in the first place and newer technology is more costly to produce and replace. The supply chain for parts is still developing, with fewer trained technicians and service centres to maintain these vehicles.

As the market grows and service infrastructure improves, insurance costs should fall.

An electric vehicle parked next to a row of chargers
Access to charging and service infrastructure will improve as electric vehicles become mainstream. Darunrat Wongsuvan/Shutterstock[13]

Environmental damage?

One recent study[14] suggests electric vehicles are actually more environmentally damaging than petrol and diesel vehicles. They are typically heavier, resulting in more tyre wear and heavier braking. As this produces small particulate matter with a diameter of 10 microns (PM10) or less (a typical human hair is 50–70 microns wide), the suggestion is electric vehicles will produce more of it.

But such studies often compare particulate emissions from EVs to tailpipe emissions from their fossil fuel counterparts. They ignore the latter’s tyre and braking concerns, which means comparing apples to oranges. More scientific studies[15] suggest electric vehicles, particularly smaller ones, produce less PM10 from non-exhaust sources than their non-electric equivalents.

Slavery in the supply chain

Unfortunately, the modern-day slavery concern is very real.

Electric vehicle batteries require cobalt. About 70% of the world’s supply[16] comes from the Democratic Republic of Congo. About 20% of this mining activity[17] involves small, informal, subsistence mines with little or no mechanisation and often using child labour[18].

The minerals from such mines are scattered throughout the world’s supply chains. Those who raise slavery concerns[19] against electric vehicles are usually silent on other affected products such as phones and laptops. Much more must be done to reduce these concerns about battery supply chains.

The good outweighs the bad

On balance, you’re justified in buying an electric vehicle, assuming you want one. Overall operating costs are far lower than for other vehicles. Public charger issues affect a small percentage of trips.

While prices are dropping quickly, this doesn’t mean the bottom is falling out of the market. Price reductions simply represent greater supply of cheaper electric vehicles. Previous market-leading manufacturers can no longer charge hefty premiums for their products.

And demand isn’t decreasing. The share of electric vehicles on the road continues to increase[20].

Further, the technology is evolving. Trials of vehicle-to-grid charging[21], where vehicles return power to the grid or directly to a person’s house, have been taking place across Australia. This ability to power your house will help reduce energy bills, saving owners even more money.

Aside from justifiable concerns about human rights abuses, most of the perceived barriers to EV uptake aren’t really barriers at all, or soon won’t be.

References

  1. ^ 300–600km (www.iea.org)
  2. ^ 12,100km a year (www.bitre.gov.au)
  3. ^ queues at public charging stations (www.arrb.com.au)
  4. ^ 90% of owners (www.sciencedirect.com)
  5. ^ legally questionable strategy (www.drive.com.au)
  6. ^ can’t install solar panels (www.ahuri.edu.au)
  7. ^ Supamotionstock.com/Shutterstock (www.shutterstock.com)
  8. ^ average price (www.whichcar.com.au)
  9. ^ 70% of electric vehicle sales (www.carexpert.com.au)
  10. ^ fell 21% (www.theguardian.com)
  11. ^ could rebound (www.carsales.com.au)
  12. ^ around 20% more (electricvehiclehub.com.au)
  13. ^ Darunrat Wongsuvan/Shutterstock (www.shutterstock.com)
  14. ^ recent study (www.theguardian.com)
  15. ^ More scientific studies (www.oecd-ilibrary.org)
  16. ^ 70% of the world’s supply (www.sustainabilitybynumbers.com)
  17. ^ 20% of this mining activity (www.wilsoncenter.org)
  18. ^ using child labour (theconversation.com)
  19. ^ raise slavery concerns (www.skynews.com.au)
  20. ^ continues to increase (www.drive.com.au)
  21. ^ Trials of vehicle-to-grid charging (theconversation.com)

Read more https://theconversation.com/want-to-buy-an-electric-car-but-unsure-you-can-justify-it-heres-how-the-arguments-against-evs-stack-up-229608

The Times Features

The Gift That Keeps Growing: Why Tinybeans+ Gift Cards are a game-changer for new parents

As new parents navigate the joys and challenges of raising a child in the digital age, one question looms large: how do you preserve and share your baby's milestones without co...

Group Adventures Made Easy: How to Coordinate Shuttle Services from DCA to IAD

Traveling as a large group can be both exciting and challenging, especially when navigating busy airports like DCA (Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport) and IAD (Washington...

From Anxiety to Assurance: Proven Strategies to Support Your Child's Emotional Health

Navigating the intricate landscape of childhood emotions can be a daunting task for any parent, especially when faced with common fears and anxieties. However, transforming anxie...

The Rise of Meal Replacement Shakes in Australia: Why The Lady Shake Is Leading the Pack

Source Meal replacement shakes are having a moment in Australia, and it’s not hard to see why. They’re quick, convenient, and packed with nutrition, making them the perfect solu...

HCF’s Healthy Hearts Roadshow Wraps Up 2024 with a Final Regional Sprint

Next week marks the final leg of the HCF Healthy Hearts Roadshow for 2024, bringing free heart health checks to some of NSW’s most vibrant regional communities. As Australia’s ...

The Budget-Friendly Traveler: How Off-Airport Car Hire Can Save You Money

When planning a trip, transportation is one of the most crucial considerations. For many, the go-to option is renting a car at the airport for convenience. But what if we told ...

Times Magazine

Melbourne's North, Bar Mexico has officially opened

Nestled in the heart of Melbourne's North, Bar Mexico has officially opened its doors and is set to become the ultimate post-work and weekend hotspot for both locals and visitors, promising authentic Mexican cuisine, hand-crafted drinks and lively ...

Take The Plunge, Elevate Your Personal Health: P3 Recovery Opens In Port Melbourne

World leaders in wet and dry therapy make wellbeing even more accessible for Melbournians  Ice baths, infrared saunas, IV therapy, breathwork. Just some of the latest wellness therapies that happen to be housed inside P3 Recovery centres emergin...

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Commercial Mover!

Relocating your business is a big job. Unlike moving house, moving a business involves a complex network of logistics, equipment, and employee considerations. Minimising downtime and ensuring a smooth transition are crucial for keeping productivity...

Choosing the Right WordPress Hosting Provider in Australia

Introduction Australia’s thriving technological market has led to an increase in demand for trusted web hosting providers more than ever before, specifically for organizations and users who are utilizing WordPress to increase their online visibili...

Things you need to know about certificate iii in mobile plant technology

g Certification is very important for all types of work in the industry. To succeed in the field, you need to complete the certification in the required field that you opt for. You can keep industrial technology working at peak capacity with certi...

Considerations When Deciding on JC Tuition

As a crucial aspect of the academic journey of many students in Singapore, JC tuition plays a vital role in helping them achieve their educational goals and fulfil their academic interests. Junior College education is a financial investment that pr...