Most of the leading car manufacturers are producing electric vehicles (EV) however, many of these are not available in Australia. We’ve identified a number of reasons of the slow take-up – and they’re probably not the ones you’re thinking of! First, let’s look at the trends overseas.

The overseas success

In Europe for example, the various incentives for fuel efficient and electric vehicles include free registration, rebates to reduce purchase prices, exemption from congestion taxes and use of bus lanes and special parking spaces. Not only has Europe focused on increasing electric vehicle sales, but has also put pressure on manufacturers to reduce the average fuel consumption of their standard internal combustion vehicles. And the stats show it has worked.

The EU target of an average fuel consumption of 5.6 litres per hundred kilometres for new passenger vehicles was successfully reached in 2015, with the new target now 4.1 litres by 2020. In Australia, by contrast, the average emissions for new passenger vehicles was 7.7 last year, nearly 40% higher.

The Australian potential

The Australian government have, naturally enough, focused on promoting Australian made vehicles and have also incorporated as many of these as they can into their own, vast fleets.  Their support / incentives towards the Australian car manufacturers has meant less support for the roll-out of EV’s.

However, the last Australian car will soon roll off the assembly line. This means the Australian government may contemplate the management of electric vehicles and other incentives that have worked overseas.

Are EV’s really suitable for you?

nisan leaf inside

The design of today’s EV’s have evolved from earlier, clunkier, low range models. The interiors are well designed and the overall size of EV’s have increased from earlier models.

Leading makes are now completely electric. This means they do not have a petrol or diesel powered engine to supplement. There are no emissions and they provide a quiet ride.

The engine design of most EV’s provides instant power. Electric motors produce 100% of their torque at zero RPM which provides instant acceleration with no lag.

Many EV’s are identical in design to a conventional compact car. They have room for 4-5 occupants the lithium-ion batteries often are placed under the floor and between the axles which means today’s EV’s feature a boot of reasonable volume.

Their range between recharges is up to 8 hours in a home supply point. With more charging stations and models coming into the Australian market, we should be seeing more EV’s on our roads, cleaner air and quieter streets.

Additional information: Gilchrist Clendinnen – Fleet Auto News.


Brighton Panel Works specialises in prestige car repairs, providing services ranging from panel beaters and paintless dent removal to courtesy cars. We are experienced in repairing all prestige car models, including Range RoverAudiVolkswagenLexusVolvoPorscheMercedes and BMW. Our clients come from all across Melbourne, including HamptonGlen IrisToorakArmadaleMalvernBrightonElwoodElsternwick, Bentleigh East and more.