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Your guide to buying an electric vehicle in WA

Here's how to choose an electric vehicle

You might want to reduce your environmental impact, cut down on fuel spending or embrace some new tech.  

Whatever your reason for considering an electric vehicle (EV), we’re here to help you work out how to choose your first EV, understand the upfront and running costs, overcome range anxiety and more. 

Electric vehicle types explained
 

Hybrid

A hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) uses both a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) and an electric motor with a battery pack to reduce fuel consumption.

Plug in Hybrid

A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) combines an ICE with an electric motor and battery pack, similarly to a hybrid, but can also be externally recharged unlike HEVs.

Battery EVs

Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are known as ‘all-electric’ or ‘full-electric’ cars. These electric vehicles are powered only by electricity, with their motors drawing current from onboard battery packs with no internal combustion engine at all.  

Electric car costs: Australia  

Upfront

  • At the moment, EVs tend to be more expensive to buy compared to an internal combustion engine equivalent of around the same make and model. It’s likely EVs will become more affordable in the future as even more options become available.  
  • A growing number of workplaces are now offering novated leasing options which could be worth considering. 
  • Even though the upfront cost of an EV is higher, global studies show that beyond the purchase price, EVs are generally much cheaper to run compared to a regular internal combustion engine car of the same size.

Running costs

  • EVs don’t rely on petrol or diesel as much as internal combustion engine cars – and may not need these at all depending on the type of EV you choose. You could potentially save a lot in running costs by not needing those regular trips to the fuel pump to refill. 
  • To keep your EV running costs even lower, you may be able to charge your EV using energy from your home solar system, instead of purchasing electricity from the grid. 

Maintenance

  • BEVs can also be cheaper than fuel cars or hybrid cars from a maintenance point of view. This is because they have fewer moving parts, so there’s less wear and tear. BEVs don’t need fluid changes like fuel cars or hybrid cars, so you could also save on those ongoing servicing costs. 

Frequently asked questions   

What time of day should I charge my EV?

If you have solar panels, try to charge your EV with the electricity your solar panels generate during the middle of the day.

Take a look at our Electric Vehicle Add On plan which could help you to save on your electricity costs by charging your EV during what we call Super Off Peak (9am to 3pm) and Overnight (11pm to 6am) periods. 
What’s the difference between HEV, PHEV and BEV vehicles?
A hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) uses both a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) and an electric motor and uses a battery pack to reduce fuel consumption. 

A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) combines an ICE with an electric motor and battery pack similarly to a hybrid, but can also be externally recharged unlike HEVs.  

Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are known as ‘all-electric’ or ‘fully-electric’ cars. These are powered only by electricity, with motors drawing current from onboard battery packs with no internal combustion engine at all.
How far can most electric cars travel on one charge?
According to the Electric Vehicle Council, most EVs have a range of around 400km, but technology is constantly evolving and newer models can travel over 600km on a single charge.  
What does it cost to charge an EV at home in WA?

Charging your EV at home is the most common and convenient choice for most EV drivers. You can simply plug in when you are at home and leave your car to charge during the day or overnight. The cost depends on your electricity plan: 

  • If you’re on our standard Home Plan, you pay the regulated flat-rate Synergy tariff (also known as the A1 tariff).  
  • Our Midday Saver Plan has three time periods with three different electricity charges.  
  • Our Synergy EV Add On Plan has four time periods but is designed for EV drivers, with one more time period than the Midday Saver Plan available if you prefer charging your EV overnight.  

The actual cost to charge will depend on your EV battery size, tariff and how much you charge your battery capacity.  
Can rooftop solar panels charge my EV?
Yes, you can charge your EV with electricity generated by your solar panels. Try to charge your EV during the middle of the day, when solar generation is typically at its peak.  
Are maintenance costs lower for electric cars than petrol cars?
Maintenance costs can be lower for some types of electric cars when compared to petrol cars. BEVs can be cheaper to maintain as they have fewer moving parts and need less maintenance. This type of EV doesn’t need fluid changes like fuel cars or hybrid cars, so you could also save on servicing costs too.
Where can I find fast-charging stations on the WA EV Network?
We worked with Horizon Power and the State Government to create Australia’s longest connected Electric Vehicle (EV) charging network, the WA EV Network. EV drivers have access to more than 100 fast and ultra-fast charging points across 49 locations, from Mundrabilla at the South Australian border to Kununurra in the far north of Western Australia.  

Find the WA EV Network charging station locations 
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Synergy acknowledges the Traditional Custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, water and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders past, present and emerging.