Types of electric vehicles (EVs) and their benefits

There are different types of EVs to suit various budgets and lifestyles. As more people move towards EVs, more models will become available to the Australian market, competition will increase and prices will reduce.

Types of EVs

There are two main types of EVs:

• Battery EVs, that run entirely on batteries,
• Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles (PHEVs), which have both an electric motor and an internal combustion engine, powered by another fuel source such as petrol which can extend the range of the vehicle if the battery runs out.  

There is a range of EVs and PHEVs already in the Australian market. Read the Electric Vehicle Council's Vehicle Guide to browse all EVs currently available in the Australian market. 

Benefits of electric vehicles

EVs can provide a significant cost-of-living benefit for owners, and are better for the environment and community health.

Save money

You can reduce your energy bills by switching to an EV and avoiding the rising cost of imported petrol and diesel. In fact, EVs are 70% cheaper to refuel with annual savings of up to a $1,600 for the average driver, or even more if you charge them from your own solar. They are also cheaper to maintain, saving around $400 per year.

Better for the environment

Transport accounted for 28% of South Australia’s total greenhouse gas emissions in 2019. With two-thirds of South Australia’s energy now powered by renewables and on track to be 100% renewable by 2030, EVs will produce much lower emissions compared with internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. These benefits of EVs include: 

• Reduced air and noise pollution contributing to a more sustainable and healthy environment. 
• Significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions, with zero emissions from the vehicle exhaust or fuel when powered by renewable energy. 
• Improved energy security, with an ability to generate all the energy needed to power EVs locally via renewables, instead of importing petrol and diesel.
• The creation of new jobs and economic opportunities to support the electric transport industry.