Buying an EV checklist

1. Your driving know this before you shop

• Your usual week's kilometres and your longest regular trip.A car's real highway range is often 20–30% below its official figure, and less in cold weather.
• Where you'll charge at home: a power point, a wall charger, or no off-street parking.
• Your electricity plan: is there a cheap overnight or free midday rate?
• How often you tow, take long trips or carry a full load
• Run your numbers in the EV Pick running-cost calculator for the cars on your list.

2. On the test drive

• Plug it in: check the charge port position works for your garage or driveway.
• Try the one-pedal or regenerative braking settings, and whether you like them.
• Check the boot with your actual gear (pram, golf clubs, tools), and whether there's a frunk.
• Test the driver-assist features: lane-keeping can feel intrusive in some cars. Find how to turn it off.
• Use the screen while parked: can you find the climate, wipers and mirrors easily?
• Drive on a rough road and the highway for ride comfort and road noise.
• Check rear visibility and the reversing camera

3. Costs to compare

• The drive-away price in writing including on-road costs, stamp duty and rego.
• Insurance quotes before you buy: some EVs cost much more to insure.
• Servicing costs and intervals, or whether servicing is included.
• Home charger cost if you need one (often $1,500–$3,000 installed).
• Tyre size and replacement cost: EVs often wear tyres faster.
• Novated lease quote if your employer offers one: EVs under the luxury car tax threshold can be exempt from FBT.

4. Warranty and the battery

• Battery warranty years and kilometres, and what capacity it guarantees (often 70%).
• Who services it near you, and how far the nearest service centre is.
• Roadside assistance: does it include towing to a charger if you run flat?
• Which charging cables come with the car: a portable cable for a power point is not always included.
• Check for recalls on the model at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

5. Before you sign

• Confirm the exact variant, battery size and colour on the contract.
• Delivery date and what happens if it's late
• Trade-in value in writing, separate from the new car price.
• Ask for any free charging credit or home charger offer in writing.
• Install the car's app and check how it locks, pre-cools and schedules charging.

Notes