1. What are the benefits of an electric vehicle?
Electric vehicles offer a more environmentally friendly motoring alternative. Compared to petrol/diesel vehicles, electric vehicles produce less CO2 emissions, are cheaper to run, require minimal servicing and are not as noisy. When recharged from renewable electricity, they offer zero emissions driving with no reliance on our finite fossil fuels.
2. How does an electric vehicle work? An electric vehicle is powered by a rechargeable plug-in battery and propelled by an electric motor. Once started, driving an electric vehicle is similar to driving an automatic car.
3. Where can I charge my electric vehicle and how long does it take?
Electric cars can be recharged at home using a regular power outlet in 7-8 hours or via a specially-designed external charging station which can charge the vehicle in approximately four hours.
Initially, 12 external charging stations will be located around Perth as part of the trial including one at the RAC building in West Perth.
4. Given how long it takes to charge, are electric vehicles a practical option? While it takes longer to charge an electric vehicle than it does to fill a car with petrol, electric vehicles are still a practical option. A single charge allows EVs to travel between 100 and 180 kilometres so most users would be able to recharge at night ready for the next day.
Eventually there is likely to be a network of charging stations so users can top up their vehicle while at work or doing the shopping.
5. Who can use the charging stations? Although the charging stations have been installed as part of the EV trial, the recharge network can be used by private electric vehicle owners who agree to participate in the trial.
RAC members with electric vehicles are able to use the charging station located at RAC’s West Perth building (832 Wellington Street).
6. How much does it cost to charge an electric vehicle?
The electricity used to charge electric vehicles costs about 1-2c per kilometre, compared to petrol which can cost about 8-9c per kilometre. The charging stations can be used free of charge by trial participants.
7. How far can an electric car travel before it runs out of charge? Most electric vehicles can travel between 100 and 180 kilometres on a single charge but this varies depending on the vehicle and how it is driven. The distance EVs can travel is expected to improve as battery technology advances.
8. How fast can electric vehicles travel? Depending on the model, electric vehicles such as the on RAC will be using, can reach speeds of more than 120 kilometres per hour. Battery Electric Vehicles can accelerate faster than internal combustion cars because the electric motor can produce 100 per cent torque instantly at any speed.
9. Can I get electrocuted from an electric vehicle? No, electric vehicles have in-built safety features to prevent the risk of electrocution even if travelling through deep water or when flooded.
10. Can I buy an electric vehicle? A number of popular car manufacturers have already started producing electric vehicles. While these vehicles are available for sale to the public there are currently limited supplies available in Australia.
11. How much does an electric vehicle cost?
Prices vary depending on the vehicle but at the moment most electric vehicles are priced for the upper end of the market. Their high price is mostly due to the cost of their batteries however these are expected to be more affordable as research and development of the technology advances.
12. Who else is involved with the WA electric vehicle trial? Along with the RAC the other participants in the trial are; CO2Smart, UWA, Department of Transport, Telstra, Water Corporation, City of Perth, City of Swan, Main Roads WA, The West Australian, Department of Environment and Conservation, LandCorp, and City of Mandurah.
13. Is there a danger in how quiet the electric vehicles are? Research undertaken by The Royal Automobile Club of Queensland, on hybrid vehicles (which also lack engine noise at times) shows that they present no more or less of a risk than any other quiet petrol vehicle. A study has not yet been conducted specifically on electric vehicles but similar results would be expected.
14. Does the amount of electricity used to charge the vehicles outweigh their environmental benefit? EVs are powered by an electric battery therefore they don’t produce any emissions or toxic pollutants, unlike petrol or diesel vehicles.
Because they run on electricity, there is the potential for EVs to impact on energy usage levels. However, in Australia, there is an excess of electricity produced at night when there is reduced demand for it. This excess electricity can be used to charge electric vehicles without increasing energy production.
For a greener alternative, if the EV is charged from a renewable energy source (eg solar power) it has zero driving emissions.
15. What is the prediction for the take-up of electric vehicles in Australia?
There are many factors that will impact the take-up of electric vehicles in Australia including their availability and price, range and the price of fuel. Some studies have shown that electric vehicles will account for one third of cars in Australia by 2030; others show faster or slower growth than this.
At the conclusion of the electric vehicle trial, we will have a greater insight into the interest in electric vehicles and how quickly they are likely to become part of everyday life in Australia.
16. Do you need special training before you can drive an electric vehicle?
No. As with driving any new car some adjustment is needed but once shown the basics they are very much like driving an automatic car.
17. Can I get my car converted to electric and what are the costs? There are currently two companies in Western Australia that convert combustion engines to electric; EV Works and Perth Electric Vehicle. Costs can range depending on what conversion you get, however it is likely to cost more than $35,000 at this stage. The cost varies depending on the performance required. More information on conversions can be found at
http://www.aeva.asn.au/faq.php.
18. Will the government give me a rebate for my DIY or purchased conversion? No. there is no government rebate for cars converted to zero emission electric vehicles.