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What Are the Benefits of Electric Cars?
Table of Contents
- What is an electric vehicle (EV)?
- What are the benefits of an electric car?
- A spotlight on the Mazda MX-30
- Book a test drive today
The popularity of electric cars is on the rise in Australia. Whether that's due to an increasing awareness about climate change or a growing excitement about new technologies that are emerging, the increase in electric car options can only be a good thing.
The benefits of electric cars are impressive. In fact, owning and running an electric car could be more affordable than most Australians think.
What is an electric vehicle (EV)?
Electric vehicles are vehicles that are powered by electricity rather than petrol or diesel.
Electric vehicles typically fall into one of the following categories:
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Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) – powered 100 percent by electricity. Also known as plug-in EVs because they must be plugged into a power source to charge.
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Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) – powered by a fuel engine and an electric motor. The electric battery is charged as the car drives, so you don't need to plug it in as you would an EV. You still need to fill the car up with fuel.
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Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) – powered by both liquid fuel and electricity like HEVs, however they can also be plugged in to be charged.
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Fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) – use a fuel cell to power the electric motor rather than a battery. Typically fuelled by hydrogen.
What are the benefits of an electric car?
There are many benefits of driving an electric vehicle. From lower running costs to reduced emissions and a pleasurable driving experience – there are many reasons to make the switch to electric.
1. More affordable to run
Electric cars are more affordable to run than petrol and diesel vehicles that rely on an internal combustion engine. Estimates suggest that charging an EV costs about 3 cents per km compared to 10 cents per km for liquid fuel.
With the increase in fuel costs and the decreasing prices of EV technology, the affordability of driving an EV is only likely to increase. If you have a solar power system at home and can charge your car during daylight hours, your costs will dramatically reduce.
2. Cheaper to maintain
Electric cars are built with far less moving parts compared to petrol vehicles, meaning they are more reliable and require less maintenance over time.
According to research conducted by the Australian Government, owners of an EV vehicle can expect to save $810 to $1400 per year on maintenance costs.
The same report explains that these savings are expected to grow in the future. Comparing the ownership costs between EVs and cars with an internal combustion engine over 10 years, the report estimates it will be $11,000 cheaper to own an EV by 2025.
3. State of the art technology
EVs are considered cars of the future and feature some of the most innovative technology and features out there. It's an exciting time for car manufacturers who are pushing the boundaries of what's possible.
For example, some researchers are looking into solar body panels so that an electric car could be charged as it drives. Other technology, such as Mazda's G-Vectoring Control Plus (e-GVC Plus) technology is already on the market.
If you're someone who likes to stay ahead of the game, owning an EV makes sense.
4. Better for the environment
EVs have zero exhaust emissions. Compare that with petrol and diesel cars which contribute around 182 - 370 grams of greenhouse emissions per km.
If you charge your EV from the electricity grid, there will still be emissions involved in the process. However, if you charge your EV from a renewable energy source such as solar panels, you could cut the emissions down close to zero.
Some car manufacturers are moving towards using more sustainable materials in their designs. For example, the Mazda MX-30 features sustainable materials throughout the interior, including cork, recycled fabric and premium faux leather.
5. Driving Experience
Electric cars offer a great driving experience, from the quiet, calming noises to the instant power you experience when you accelerate. Handling and balance is typically good in an EV because the battery is often found in the floor for better weight distribution.
Just like petrol vehicles, different EVs will feel different to drive. The best way to find out if a car is right for you is to test drive it.
6. Convenience
BEVs can be charged conveniently at your home overnight instead of having to visit a petrol station. Many shopping centres and workplaces now have electric charging stations, meaning you can charge your car while you're working or running errands.
A spotlight on the Mazda MX-30
The MX-30 Electric is Mazda's highly anticipated first electric vehicle and one of the most innovative EV options on the Australian market. Announced in 2021, the all-electric MX-30 followed the release of the hybrid version of the model.
Both the hybrid and all electric models are receiving praise for the driver-centric design and the stunning features throughout. With the SUV shape that Australians love and a stunning exterior, the MX-30 is a real head turner.
In line with their Kodo design philosophy, "breathing life into the car," Mazda has created a vehicle which fits ideally into the modern urban lifestyle. Convenient, fast EV charging and easy-access freestyle doors means the MX-30 is built for active, on-the-go drivers.
Book a test drive today
Want to see what it's like to drive a Mazda MX-30 for yourself? Book a test drive at your local Mazda Perth dealership today. There's nothing like getting behind the wheel for yourself to experience the benefits of driving an electric car.