I’m an energy expert. But buying an electric car baffled me
It was a lot of work, even for someone who’s spent a career advocating for lower emissions. A less passionate citizen would not have stayed the course.
When my mechanic broke the news that our 2007 Volkswagen Golf was on its last wheels, I knew my next ride would be electric. As someone who’s spent 15 years in the energy sector championing lower emissions technology, I wanted to put my money where my mouth is.
The lifetime emissions of an electric vehicle are significantly lower than a fossil fuel car given how efficient they are (and that’s still the case even when the electricity is entirely powered by coal). There are also excellent incentives available, including through novated leasing in which EVs are exempt from fringe benefits tax.
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Dani Alexander is the chief executive of the UNSW Energy Institute.
