With rising petrol costs, the phasing out of traditional combustion engines, government rebates and increased focus on infrastructure, there is no doubt that Electric Cars are the way of the future.

However, the Electric Vehicle (or EV) landscape can be a tricky one for newcomers… Understanding the various types of EVs, the set-up needed to own and charge one, and the logistics and considerations required for taking longer trips are just a few examples of what owners need to navigate. The Drive Electric Car hub provides everything you need to make this new world a little easier to understand.

Which EV is right for you?

Which EV is right for you?

Are you thinking about getting a Electric car but not sure where to start? We can help!

EV Buying Guide

Types of Electric Cars

Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) – “Hybrid”

A closed-loop hybrid is currently the most common type of electrified vehicle. Hybrids combine a traditional petrol engine with a battery and electric motor to reduce fuel consumption. The battery in the hybrid is charged through driving so they never need to be plugged in. Brands who produce hybrids include Toyota, Lexus, Kia and Haval.

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) – “Plug-in”

Like a hybrid, PHEVs feature a petrol engine that works in tandem with an electric motor. Here though, the battery is bigger, allowing a PHEV to drive anywhere from 40 to 100km on electric power alone. As the name suggests, PHEVs need to be plugged in to recharge the battery. Brands who produce plug-in hybrids include Mitsubishi, Ford, Peugeot and BMW.

Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) – “EV”

The poster children of electric cars, EVs are fully-electric vehicles featuring a large battery array that powers one or more electric motors. With driving ranges of anywhere between 250 to 600km, EVs require charging, either at home or at public charging stations. Brands who produce EVs include Audi, Nissan, MG and of course, Tesla.

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What does that mean? Electric vehicle jargon explained

The world of electric vehicles has brought a new language to the automotive landscape. Here’s what it all means.

EV Basics

Reviews

Drive TV

Drive Car of The Year

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2024 Toyota BZ4X FWD review

Has the Toyota BZ4X leapfrogged the Tesla Model Y, Kia EV6, Ford Mustang Mach-E and others?

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Drive Safer Special: Full program

We’re helping Australians to Drive Safer – take a journey with Trent and a host of industry experts as we look at ways every Australian can Drive Safer

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Best EV $70,000–$120,000

And three of them are siblings, if you’re talking about the Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Genesis GV60. The Best EV $70,000–$120,000 category is an important one at Drive Car of the Year, as it’s currently the most voluminous electric car segment in Australia. It’s also where you’ll find some of the best electric […]

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EV Charging

Everything you need to know about keeping your EV charged, and more! From power sockets to ultra-rapid, we have the information you need...

EV Charging
Electric Car Finder

Electric Car Finder

Are you thinking about getting an electric car but not sure where to start? We can help! Try our Electric Car Finder.

Electric Car Finder

A short history of Electric Vehicles

Sebring-Vanguard Citicar

1974

The Sebring-Vanguard Citicar offered around 64km range at up to 60km/h. Over 4000 were built.
General Motors EV1

1996

The GM EV-1 was the first 'big brand' electric car. With a 26kWh battery, it had a range of about 130km.
First Toyota Prius Hybrid

1997

The launch of the hybrid Toyota Prius marked a significant step in eco-friendly transportation.
Tesla Roadster

2008

The original Tesla Roadster was based on a Lotus Elise and featured a 53kWh battery.
Mitsubishi i-MiEV released

2009

The 16kWh Mitsubishi i-MiEV was the world's first modern highway-capable mass-production EV.
Nissan Leaf launched

2010

The Nissan Leaf was the first mass-produced all-electric vehicle for the global market.
First plug-in hybrid (PHEV)

2011

The original plug-in Chevrolet (Holden) Volt, had a range of around 61km, as well as a petrol engine.
Tesla Model S launched

2012

The Tesla Model S was the first ground-up EV from the US brand.
BMW i3 launched

2013

The BMW i3 was the world's 'greenest' car and used innovative design and lightweight materials.
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV arrives in Australia

2014

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV was the first plug-in hybrid SUV.
Tesla Model 3 launched

2016

With an affordable price and impressive range, the Model 3 brought electric cars to a broader audience.
Faster than fast!

2018

The VW ID R's record-setting run at Pikes Peak showcased the potential of EVs for competition.
Sales milestone

2020

In 2020, global electric vehicle sales topped the 10-million mark.
Changing times

2023

The Tesla Model Y becomes the best-selling car in Europe. The first time for an electric vehicle.

Latest Electric Car News

Image Credit: Carla Gottgens/Bloomberg via Getty Images
News | 23 Apr 2024

Tritium, which makes fast chargers for electric vehicles, is up for sale to try and save it from crumbling.

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2021-2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 recalled in Australia for battery fault
News | 22 Apr 2024

The software fault could cause battery drainage and loss of motive power, according to the recall notice.

Honda unveils new-generation electric vehicles for China
News | 20 Apr 2024

The Honda Ye Series are the latest electric models unveiled for China, but Australia will have to wait until 2028 for an electric Honda.

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2021-2024 Kia EV6 recalled in Australia due to battery fault
News | 20 Apr 2024

The fault could cause a loss of motive power and the battery to stop charging, according to the recall notice.

Electric Kia Stinger replacement axed – report
News | 19 Apr 2024

The electric high-performance sedan set to replace the Kia Stinger has reportedly been cancelled by the brand.

Warning noise law for electric cars to make roads safer for blind people
News | 19 Apr 2024

Australia is catching up with the rest of the world, introducing a new design rule which means electric vehicles must emit a noise when moving at low speeds.

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