Electric vehicles

• A more environmentally friendly motoring alternative than petrol/diesel vehicles
• Produce less CO₂ emissions
• Require minimal servicing
• Not as noisy
• When recharged from renewable electricity, they emit zero emissions

No, electric vehicles have in-built safety features to prevent the risk of electrocution even if travelling through deep water or when flooded.

EVs are powered by an electric battery so, unlike petrol or diesel vehicles, they don't produce any tailpipe emissions or air quality pollutants.

Because they run on electricity, EVs can increase energy use. However, in Australia, an excess of electricity is generated at night when there is reduced demand. This capacity can be used to charge EVs, but will increase energy production. If this extra electricity production comes from renewable energy generators like wind turbines, the extra consumption from EVs will not cause more emissions. If it comes from fossil-fuelled generators, then emissions will increase accordingly.

Yes you can. There are two companies in WA that convert combustion engines to electric: EV Works and Perth Electric Vehicle. The cost varies but is likely to be more than $35,000. There is no government rebate for cars converted to zero emission electric vehicles. Visit the Australian Electric Vehicle Association for more information.

A second-hand electric vehicle like the Tesla Model S, Nissan Leaf and the BMW i3 start from $16,000, rising to more than $180,000 for a Tesla with all the bells and whistles.

An EV is powered by a rechargeable plug-in battery and propelled by an electric motor. Once started, driving an EV is similar to driving an automatic car.