EV ownership is currently more concentrated in inner-city suburbs. But our research shows outer-suburban EV ownership (where people generally travel longer distances, often in older, less fuel-efficient vehicles) delivers the most benefits – in both lifecycle emission reductions and fuel and running-cost savings. 

EVs for Everyone is Transurban’s program for helping smooth the path to EV ownership in these outer suburbs, where the benefits of EV ownership are highest.

Wherever you live, the cost of EVs is currently the biggest barrier to ownership – but this is improving, and there’s a wide range of resources to help people get behind the wheel of an EV sooner. We've gathered some handy information together here, all designed to help you in your next vehicle-purchasing decision.

Save on EV rentals

Linkt Rewards members can go electric and save up to 35% off the base rate for Europcar EV car rentals in Australia. Hurry – offer ends 6 December 2024 4pm AEDT. Head to the Linkt app to book. T&Cs apply.

Learn more

carkeys
ev charger
electric car on a road

Options to help with switching to an EV

There’s more than one path to getting yourself behind the wheel of an EV. Here’s some options that might help get you behind the wheel of your first EV. For all options listed below, terms, conditions and fees will apply. Always make sure any financial arrangement is right for you before signing up.

  • Rebates and incentives

    Some Australian states and territories offer rebates on EV purchases – with the goal of spurring EV adoption and reducing energy and transport emissions. 

    Other government incentives, depending where you live and what vehicle you’re buying, can include free car registration, stamp duty and other discounts. If you buy an EV for use in your business, you may also be eligible for tax discounts. 

    Useful links

  • Green car loans

    Some Australian lenders offer 'green' car loans with perks such as reduced interest rates and waived fees on eligible EVs. These loans may help reduce the overall cost of buying an EV. And comparison sites allow you to compare c'green' loan offerings across lenders, and always check the fine print and factor in additional fees or costs. 

    Used EVs can qualify for green car loans – but, and this applies for new EVs as well – do check your chosen lender’s ‘green vehicle’ criteria to ensure your preferred EV model qualifies. 

    Useful links

  • Novated leases and salary packaging

    Novated leases enable you to get behind the wheel of an EV without the up-front outlay – with you making regular payments to treat car as your own, or depending on the arrangement, to buy it over time or at a reduced price down the track. 

    Subscriptions offer the most flexibility – with some allowing you to simply hand the car back when you’re done.

    Some lease and subscription providers allow you to salary package for potential additional tax and GST savings. Comparison websites allow you to shop around for different rates and terms. And, as with any financial contract, make sure you understand the arrangement and its impacts before signing up.

    Tip: If your company doesn’t offer this service, try suggesting they add it, or look for a novated lease or subscription service catering to individuals.

    Useful links

    • Origin Energy offers EV subscriptions via salary packaging for participating businesses
  • EV subscriptions and rentals

    If buying a new EV vehicle outright feels too daunting, more flexible options do exist, including EV subscriptions. These are (usually) offered as month-to-month flexible contracts so you can try out an EV and see how it would fit into your lifestyle without a long-term financial commitment.

    Useful links

    • myEuropcar offers EV subscriptions for a select range of models – with rates that vary depending on your subscription length
    • EV subscriptions can also be accessed via salary packaging through Origin and others. Shop around for the right option for you.
  • Car sharing

    Australia has one of the highest rates of car ownership in the world, but our cars sit idle as much as 95% of the time. Car sharing – think Airbnb but for cars – can help recoup EV purchase costs at times your vehicle might otherwise be parked. Through a car sharing program, you can rent your EV out to other drivers and earn money on your vehicle when you don’t need it yourself. Terms, conditions and fees may apply – and always make sure any arrangement is right for you before signing up.

    Useful links

  • Buying a used EV

    Used EVs are now a thing and make regular appearances on car sale websites. Buying any used car means doing due diligence – with EVs this should include checking the vehicle’s charging ports, cables, battery health and range. Plus, the vehicle and battery may have separate warranties so, if applicable, you’ll want to check these as well.

    Useful links

Learn more about charging EVs – at home and on the go

There’s more than one way to charge an EV. If you have a standalone home with off-street parking, you can use a standard home power point or invest in a home charger. A home charger may also be an option if you live in an apartment, depending if you own or rent, your parking arrangements and other factors. 

When you charge at home, you can time your vehicle charging for off-peak pricing periods (or lowest grid dependency, if you have solar) to maximise your energy-cost savings.

If you’ll be charging your EV at public charging stations, investment in charging infrastructure is increasing and more charging stations are appearing all the time. Depending on your vehicle, the fastest chargers can give you around 300 kilometres’ range in about 10 minutes.

Charging frequency averages

The Electric Vehicle Council, Australia’s peak body representing the electric vehicle industry, says the average Australian drives 38 kilometres per day, and the average EV owner charges every day for 1-2 hours, or does a big charge every 10 days or so.

Going solar

Combining solar with EV ownership can bring your EV running costs down (and reduce your power bills, too). If you can plug your car in at home, solar power means you could be charging your car for free. You’ll also avoid any emissions that would otherwise come from using non-renewable power. Depending where you live, grants and rebates may be available (for eligible households). Price comparison services can help you access obligation-free quotes.

Learn more:

Road tripping with an EV

We invited select Victorian Linkt customers to trial a Nissan LEAF EV for up to 10 days. These folks really put EV driving to the test – including heading off on road trips and charging on the go – to see how an EV would fit into their lives.  

Our test-drivers captured their experiences on video, sharing what they liked about driving an EV, things that surprised them, and things that might make it easier for them to make the switch permanently. 

See all the videos and learn more