Soaring petrol prices are once again prompting many Australians to consider switching to electric vehicles, as global tensions push oil markets higher and renew attention on fuel costs and emissions.
The strikes on Iran have seen prices of Brent crude skyrocket to trade around US$104 (A$150) per barrel, up from roughly US$68 (A$96) a few weeks earlier. There is no clear end in sight for the current crisis.
As politicians warn Australians not to resort to panic buying, finding constructive ways to reduce petrol expenses and cut carbon emissions has become increasingly appealing. Against this backdrop, electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining renewed interest, supported by a growing range of models and expanding charging infrastructure across the country.
While selecting an electric vehicle is similar to choosing any other car in terms of size, price and safety features, there are additional factors buyers may wish to consider.
Driving range remains one of the most important considerations. Most new EVs sold in Australia offer between 300 and 500 kilometres of range on a full battery, which is sufficient for typical daily driving.
Charging capability is another key factor. Some vehicles can accept faster charging speeds than others, allowing them to recharge more quickly when using high-power public chargers, which can make a difference on longer trips.
Battery warranty is also worth checking. Most manufacturers provide warranties of eight years or around 160,000 kilometres, offering reassurance about long-term battery performance.
For many buyers, the priority is simply selecting a vehicle that suits their everyday driving needs.
Experts suggest drivers should first consider how far they typically travel each day.
Car passenger kilometres per person in Australia have declined from a peak of 13,184 in 2004 to 10,238 in 2024–25, equating to about 28 kilometres per day on average.
At that rate, many drivers could go several days between charges with today’s EVs. In practice, some owners charge their vehicles overnight once or twice a week rather than daily.
Although many prospective buyers assume installing a dedicated home charger is essential, EVs can also be charged from a standard household power point in your garage.
While slower, this method can still add around 10–15 kilometres of driving range per hour. A 12-hour overnight charge could therefore deliver up to 180 kilometres of range.
Some owners choose to install a dedicated wall charger instead, typically costing A$1,000–2,000 plus installation. These allow vehicles to recharge much faster, with most models able to fully recharge overnight.
Public fast chargers play a different role. Designed primarily for long-distance travel, high-power chargers can add 150–300 kilometres of range per hour depending on the vehicle and charger type.
While convenient, public fast charging usually costs more than charging at home, ranging from about 50 to 70 cents per kilowatt-hour. Even so, it remains cheaper than petrol, though the savings are smaller compared with home charging.
Many EV owners use public chargers only occasionally rather than for everyday charging.
Another common question among prospective EV buyers is whether batteries should always be charged to 100%.
For everyday driving, many manufacturers recommend keeping the battery between 20% and 80% to help maximise long-term battery health. Charging to full capacity shortly before a longer trip is generally considered acceptable, as modern battery management systems are designed to protect performance.
Over time, drivers tend to develop simple charging routines based on their usage patterns.
Potential savings on running costs remain a major factor influencing interest in EVs.
Electric vehicles are typically cheaper to operate because electricity costs less than petrol and electric motors are more energy efficient than internal combustion engines.
Overnight home charging often costs around 20–30 cents per kilowatt-hour, translating to roughly $3–5 per 100 kilometres of driving.
By comparison, fuel-efficient petrol cars consuming six to eight litres per 100 kilometres may cost $14–18 to travel the same distance at current fuel prices.
Such savings can accumulate significantly over a year. Online tools, including public EV payback calculators, allow drivers to compare vehicles and estimate potential savings based on electricity prices, fuel costs and driving distance.
Charging access can be more complex for drivers living in apartments or units, although options are expanding.
Many new residential developments now include shared EV charging infrastructure in car parks, and some apartment owners are installing chargers in individual parking spaces where building rules permit.
Workplace charging is also becoming more common as employers install chargers to support staff vehicles.
Public charging networks continue to expand across Australian cities, providing an important alternative for drivers without dedicated parking or charging facilities at home.
As EV uptake increases, improving charging access for apartment residents is emerging as a priority for building managers and policymakers.
With longer driving ranges, falling purchase prices, expanding charging networks and lower running costs, the decision to switch to an electric vehicle is becoming more straightforward for many Australians.
As petrol prices highlight motorists’ exposure to global oil markets, interest in electric alternatives is expected to continue growing.
For many drivers, the question is no longer whether an EV could fit into their lifestyle, but when they might make the transition.