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Unexpected tips new-to-EV drivers need to know
More motorists than ever are driving EVs but there are a few quirks to be aware of for those new to the experience.
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6 min read
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4 min readDrive
More motorists than ever are driving EVs but there are a few quirks to be aware of for those new to the experience.
Published
6 min read
Text size
Published
Text size
This is the year of the electric vehicle.
With demand surging on the back of consistently high fuel prices, battery electric cars made up 19.1% of all new car sales for the between January and September 2026.
Before the oil price fluctuations, EVs hovered around 11 per cent of the market. By August this year, fully electric vehicles reached 24.9 per cent of new vehicle sales, outpacing petrol cars for the first time.
But as volatile fuel prices this year coincided with EVs becoming more affordable, in large part due to an influx of Chinese car brands, the promise of lower running costs has been a major drawcard, along with zero emissions, near-silent performance and a wider choice of models.
The convenience of charging an EV at home or work instead of having to visit a petrol station is a further incentive for some, as is cheaper maintenance.
However, for drivers new to EVs, there are a few quirky realities to keep in mind, beyond the much-discussed range anxiety (the fear of running out of charge before reaching your destination).
This is a big one. While public charging infrastructure is expanding, the unexpected increase in EVs is putting pressure on capacity and maintenance of chargers, especially higher-powered DC outlets that get a lot of use, can be inconsistent.
EV drivers need to plan, including by downloading the appropriate apps that show real-time information about the chargers you want to use, and ideally have back-up options if your preferred charger is out of action.
On longer drives to popular destinations, especially during holidays or weekends, you should also be prepared to queue up.
Charging stations can be in out-of-the-way places and less well-trafficked and lit than a traditional petrol station, so consider your safety, particularly at night or in more isolated areas.
Other amenities may also be lacking, such as protection from the weather or access to water, food and toilet facilities.
Most EVs can take both AC (slow) and DC (fast, or high-powered) charging.
It is recommended to plug-in to a regular, 2.2kW to 2.4kW household-style power outlet overnight or while at work most of the time, saving the DC chargers for top-ups or road trips. This helps preserve the battery by avoiding unnecessary degradation from frequent fast charging.
Using wall boxes that generally offer between 7kW and 22kW of AC charging is also fine.
Don’t always charge to 100 per cent or drop down to near zero, as both will also increase wear on the battery.
A trailer or caravan can massively increase how much energy your EV uses, with the amount depending on the size and weight you are towing.
The same applies to roof boxes and other accessories that disrupt airflow.
If they’re not being used regularly, take them off. Aerodynamic efficiency is vital to an EV’s performance.
Plugging an EV into a public charger requires complicated electronic "handshakes" to occur to ensure vehicle, data and payment security.
While that may seem obvious, the delay at the beginning and end of each transaction may take upwards of three minutes before the automatic locking system clamps on to begin the flow of electricity or off to end it.
This can seem like an eternity if you’re in a rush or out in the elements, especially in dark and/or isolated areas.
It’s a minor inconvenience but one to be aware of.
Frustratingly, most EVs do not come with a spare tyre, relying instead on a tyre-repair kit with a small air pump and viscous goo to release into your flat.
This can be ineffectual if the puncture is too big, and it's a big job to clean it all up.
A spare wheel kit (with a compact temporary tyre, jack and brace) costs from about $500 depending on size and comes in a carry case that can be secured with taped Velcro to a carpeted floor of your boot.
Note that these tyres are speed-limited and best for cars used for city driving, where the nearest service centre is not far away.
The longest charging cord you can store in your EV is recommended, as insurance for the inevitable day that a socket is further away than expected.
It is not recommended to use a standard extension cord due to the risk of overheating and fire.
This may come as a surprise, until you realise that a typical mid-sized SUV EV weighs upwards of 300kg more than its internal combustion engine (ICE) equivalent.
Keep a close eye on your tyres so you can make sure they are replaced when needed.
Request a 12-volt battery health check every time you service your EV.
EVs use a regular car battery to power electronics, such as lights, locks, windows and wipers, as well as booting up the large traction battery pack that drives the engine.
Therefore, just as in a traditional petrol vehicle, an EV will not start if that 12-volt battery’s voltage drops due to age or condition.
In some cases, depending on make/model, an expired battery may require the EV’s system to be reset before it accepts a replacement.
EV transmissions automatically select park when the vehicle is powered down.
In a breakdown scenario, such as running completely out of charge, this may mean the vehicle cannot be put into neutral.
If you need a tow, it will require special bogies for each of the locked wheels to ride on, in order to pull the EV on to the back of the truck.
Using your EV to return electricity back into the grid, or Vehicle to Grid (V2G) can void your warranty in Australia, as the infrastructure is not ready.
EV makers have switched off V2G capability in Australian-bound vehicles, but several third-party firms sell a workaround that enables this function.
But don’t risk it - workarounds such as this may affect the vehicle’s warranty. Wait until V2G is sanctioned in Australia. EV manufacturers, including Hyundai and Kia, assure owners they will be notified of the necessary official software upgrade when the time comes.
EVs are inherently quiet: too quiet for some distracted pedestrians, cyclists or other road users who may not hear one approaching.
Since late 2025, every new EV has had to meet a special Australian Design Rule about the level of noise it has to make, via the Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System, or AVAS.
But drivers should remain vigilant behind the wheel in case others don’t hear their EV coming, even with the sound. And there are thousands of older EVs on Australian roads that may not comply, because there was no requirement that the noise systems be retrofitted.
The author ran an EV in 2012 and 2013, owned an EV 2015-2018 and again since 2025, and has driven most EVs available in Australia.
