Eyeing off an EV? Here’s the ultimate buy guide

The world of EVs is expanding so quickly it can be hard to keep up, so here’s what to look for when buying an electric vehicle.

Toby Hagon

3 min read

12:00AMMay 26, 2023.

Updated 5:17AMMay 27, 2023

EVs being constructed on a factory line

The size of the engine and what sort of gearbox a car has are two things buyers have traditionally looked for when scouting for a new vehicle.

But the world of EVs has changed the things to check when shortlisting a new set of wheels (they don’t have gearboxes for a start).

As well as fresh acronyms and gadgets there’s a more intense focus on technology – and batteries.

Here’s everything you need to look for when shopping for an electric car.

Connectivity

Tesla Model S featuring wireless charging

One of the big areas EVs have pioneered is with connectivity.

We’re talking more than linking your phone to the car. Instead it’s the car always being online, able to be contacted and communicated with remotely.

Many – mainly Teslas – have over-the-air software updates that utilise a data connection to periodically provide functionality improvements and additional features, in much the same way your smartphone performs regular updates.

You can also lock and unlock the doors, activate the ventilation and even monitor the car remotely, whether it’s moving or parked.

Kilometres per hour

EVs limit their fast charging rate in order to maximise battery life. Picture: Frederic J. Brown / AFP

Not top speed, but how quickly a car can charge.

It’s calculated by looking at the average energy use and the maximum charge rate of the vehicle to establish how many kilometres of range can theoretically be added in an hour of charging.

For fast charging, some cars can easily top 1000km/h – but only for short periods.

EVs limit their fast charging rate depending on various factors, all in the name of maximising battery life.

So even though that km/h peak may be impressively high, it’ll only be briefly touched on during the charging cycle.

Check the battery chemistry

Batteries are at the high end of technology.

Batteries are the high tech – and expensive – part of an EV. It’s important you know what you’re buying. There are two main types of EV batteries, each of them known broadly as a lithium-ion battery.

The most common is NMC, or nickel manganese cobalt. They can hold more electricity but don’t like being regularly charged to 100 per cent state of charge. That’s why most cars with NMC batteries allow you to set a maximum charge level of, say, 80 per cent. So even though the EV may have a range of 500km, for everyday driving it’s more like 400km (manufacturers recommending only topping to 100 per cent before a long trip).

Then there are LFP batteries, which are typically a bit heavier but cheaper to manufacture (they do without nickel and cobalt). LFP batteries also prefer to be charged to 100 per cent regularly, even for daily driving. It means you can always get the full range from the car without worrying about degrading the battery quickly.

Think about charging

Up until recently most EVs have come into Australia with a charger that plugs into a regular powerpoint. But that is not a done deal these days.

Tesla no longer includes a charger with its cars, instead encouraging owners to install a wallbox charger at home.

Some others, including Mercedes-Benz, Cupra and others, also no longer bother with a basic portable charger.

If you want to charge from a standard powerpoint - which is feasible for anyone travelling less than 100km a day - then you’ll have to pay extra.

Torque not talk

Electric motors may not produce their peak power until the motor is spinning fast

Torque is arguably more important than power for an EV.

Electric motors can produce their peak torque – or pulling power – from zero revs. So instead of having to spin up, they can thrust with intensity from the second you press the throttle.

Also, electric motors may not produce their peak power until the motor is spinning fast, often at 80km/h or 100km/h. It means you’ve got to be travelling briskly to even experience that peak power.

But everyone will experience the maximum torque, usually regularly.

Check the spare

Spare tyres are essential, but virtually non-existent in EVs

Spare tyres are virtually non-existent in EVs.

The addition of a big, heavy battery pack lining the floor means that most EV makers are working overtime to reduce weight and find extra space.

It’s inevitably the spare tyre that is the first thing to go.

Tesla, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, BMW, Hyundai, Kia and others don’t bother.

Tesla provides a roadside assist service that includes towing or the loan of a spare tyre.

So make sure you know what you’re in for before you sign on the dotted line.

Loading up

The Hyundai Kona is one of many EVs that has vehicle-to-load capabilities

The average EV has enough electricity on board to power a house for days - or longer.

Some EV manufacturers have tapped into that capacity to allow owners to power everyday items.

Hyundai, Kia, Genesis and BYD have a vehicle-to-load (or V2L) function, for example, which allows people to power a laptop, camping fridge and camp lights – or even charge a nearby EV.

Sure, it reduces the battery capacity, but most household items will have little impact on the range of an EV.