What to Consider When Buying Your First Electric Vehicle

Lifestyle

What will be the purpose of your electric vehicle?

Determining how your vehicle will be used will help determine your requirements.

Whether it will be your sole vehicle, a commuter-car only, a secondary vehicle, or something else will help you decide which EV will best suit your needs.

Are you able to complete your round-trip commute without needing to recharge?

Determine how long your round-trip commute is, and how it compares to the average range of an electric vehicle.

EVs are designed to return electricity to the battery during braking improving driving range. To prevent running out of charge most EV owners plug their cars in one or two nights per week, or during the day on weekends to charge off solar.   

Do you require the ability to tow?

Owning an EV doesn't mean saying goodbye to towing. EVs can handle many everyday tasks like dump runs, moving furniture and collecting landscape supplies, and some models are able to tow your caravan. Identify how much towing you'll require to help determine your ideal EV model.

Charging

Do you have off-street parking?

If only street parking is available, you'll need to consider whether you're able to charge elsewhere.

Does your intended EV require more than a basic 240V outlet for charging? 

Installing an in-home charger is a cost-effective way to keep your EV charged. There are a range of products on the market compatible with either single- or 3-phase power that allow fast charging, and even compatible with solar for no cost charging. 

Have you budgeted your in-home charger into your purchase?

The most affordable in-home EV chargers start at around $700 and go up to around to a few thousand dollars for the higher-end models.

Installation costs can vary, however, to get a very loose estimate of a product + installation package, double the cost of the charger you've chosen.  

We offer a range of home charging solutions that can be included in your vehicle finance or lease.

What charging solutions suits you?

If you have single-phase power, a 7kW charger is your best choice and will provide around 40km of driving per hour of charge. 

Three-phase power can handle EV chargers up to 22kW which provide around 120km of driving per hour of charge.

Determine whether you have the means and needs to install a higher output charger, otherwise a 7kW chargers is sufficient for a wide range of EVs.

Are you the final decision maker when it comes to installing a home charger?

If you rent, you will have to get approval from your landlord. If you own an apartment, you may have to get approval from building management.

If you're home is a part of a body corporate arrangement, you may have to get approval through your building manager.

Budget

What is your budget and do the EV models in your budget fit your requirements and lifestyle?

Motorama offer EVs from the best-selling automotive brands and have options from budget-friendly to performance and luxury.

Which discounts or rebate are you eligible for?

Rebates such as the Queensland Government's Zero Emission Vehicle Rebate Scheme can help extend your budget further.

Check out this blog on the scheme to see which vehicles are eligible.

Are you eligible for Novated Leasing?

The Federal Government introduced the Electric Car Discount Policy to help you save more on an EV through fringe tax benefits when you enter into a novated leasing agreement.

Your eligibility and overall savings are determined by your employer and salary, so it's best to speak to a knowledgeable finance broker to determine what's right for you.

Other Questions

If you can't charge at home, do you have options to charge elsewhere?

If you don't have the option to charge at home, identify whether you can use a fast charger at the shopping centre while you're doing the groceries or if your workplace has, or would offer EV charging options.

Do you have enough public charging options in your area?

Smartphone apps like PlugShare, Evie Charging and ChargeFox are great resources for finding the nearest available public charging stations. Navigation apps like Waze have improved their EV infrastructure capabilities and have the benefit of integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to display directly onto your infotainment screen.

Does your workplace have charging options?

If you have the luxury of workplace charging stations, your reliance on an in-home charger may not be as vital.

If your charging options are null, what other EV options have you considered?

Hybrids and plug-in hybrids can be the ideal alternative for those who are unable to commit to a full battery electric vehicle. Both of these options provide greater fuel economy and may also be eligible for certain government incentives.