Electric cars explained: EV, HYBRID & PLUG-IN GUIDE
Tips & advice
EV, Hybrid & Plug-In guide
Let us guide you through the EV jungle, so you can drive smarter, cleaner and more cost-efficient.
FULL ELECTRIC (EV)
Runs entirely on an electric batter charged by a cable plugged in to the electricity grid. Do not use petrol at all. (BEV)
HYBRID
Runs on both engine and electric motor. The engine gets energy from fuel and the engine charge up the electric motor. This is all automatic, you don’t need to do anything except fuel up once in a while. (HEV)
PLUG-IN HYBRID
Runs on both engine and an electric battery charged by a cable plugged in to the electricity grid.
When charged, the engine runs on the electric battery and when the battery runs low, the petrol engine takes over. You need to fuel up sometimes. (PHEV)
AT HOME - STANDARD WALL POWER POINT
You can charge your fully electric and plug-in hybrid at home, using the charging cable supplied with your car. Plug it into a standard wall power point. (mode 2, max 3.7 kWh)
Read more about charging at the Electric Vehicle Council:
MORE INFORMATION
Read more about owning an electric car at The Electric Vehicle Council's consumer hub (electricvehiclecouncil.com.au).
FAQ ABOUT ELECTRIC & HYBRIDS
How long does it take to charge an EV?
The charging time depends on the vehicle, battery size and charger. At home with a standard power point can take 10-30 hours for a full charge (mode 2). A dedicated home charger usually charges overnight, 6-10 hours (mode 3). Fast public chargers can recharge from 10% to 80% within 20-40 minutes (mode 4).
Can I charge an EV at home?
Yes, through your standard power point or through an installed home charger.
Where can I charge my electric car?
You can charge at home or at public charging stations. The network of public charging stations is growing fast.
What happens if the battery runs out of charge?
Your car will lose power and finally stop. Works the same as with a petrol car if it runs out of fuel. You need to recharge to be able to drive again.
How far can an EV drive on one charge?
Your driving range depends on the model, battery and driving conditions as speed, weather, and driving style. Choose a model that suits your needs and driving range. Most modern vehicles offer between 350km and 600km on one charge.
Are EVs cheaper to run than petrol cars?
In most cases, yes, since electricity is cheaper than petrol. EVs have fewer moving parts and needs less maintenance.
Are electric cars difficult to get repaired?
No, any of our dealerships that offers electric vehicles have qualified and trained mechanics / technicians.
How often do you need to change the battery?
EV's batteries last several years, and all our manufacturers provide specific warranties, usually up to 8 year