Are Electric Cars Worth it in NZ?
While it is well known that electric cars are good for the environment, many people wonder to themselves “are electric cars in NZ worth it?”.
Buying an electric car offers various personal benefits such as speed, distance coverage, handling capabilities, cost savings from no petrol expenses and reduced maintenance requirements.
Additionally, with increasing availability and affordability due to market growth and support from charging infrastructure development initiatives globally makes owning an electric car a viable option for many individuals seeking sustainable transportation solutions.
Electric Cars have Great Speed
Owning an electric car in NZ offers several personal benefits that make it an appealing choice for many individuals. One of the advantages is the impressive speed of electric cars.
Electric vehicles are renowned for their quick acceleration and instant torque, which can provide a thrilling driving experience.
Unlike traditional internal combustion engine vehicles that require time to build up power, electric cars generate maximum torque from the moment you step on the accelerator pedal. This instant torque allows electric cars to accelerate rapidly, often outperforming their gasoline-powered counterparts in terms of acceleration. The powerful performance of electric cars can be attributed to their unique drivetrain technology.
Electric vehicles typically utilize an electric motor that delivers power directly to the wheels, eliminating the need for a transmission system or gear shifting. This seamless power delivery contributes to a smooth and swift acceleration experience.
Furthermore, due to their design and construction, electric motors have higher efficiency compared to internal combustion engines. This means that they can convert more energy from the battery into forward motion with less energy wasted as heat or noise.
As a result, electric cars can reach higher speeds more efficiently than traditional vehicles. It’s worth noting that different models and brands of electric cars offer varying levels of speed and performance capabilities.
Some high-performance all-electric sports cars boast incredible acceleration figures comparable or even superior to some supercars powered by conventional engines.
Driving Range
With advancements in battery technology, electric vehicles can now travel much farther on a single charge compared to earlier models. This enhanced range provides drivers with the confidence to undertake longer journeys without the fear of running out of power.
The practicality of electric cars has significantly increased due to these extended driving ranges. They are no longer limited to short commutes or city driving, but can also be used for everyday use and even road trips. This expanded usability makes them a more viable option for a wide range of drivers.
In addition to the convenience factor, longer driving ranges also contribute positively to the overall sustainability and environmental impact of electric vehicles. By allowing drivers to cover more ground without needing frequent recharging, they reduce the need for additional charging infrastructure and help promote cleaner transportation options.
As battery technology continues to advance, we can expect further improvements in driving ranges for electric cars in the future. This ongoing development will make them an even more attractive choice for individuals looking for an eco-friendly and practical mode of transportation.
Handling
Electric cars offer excellent handling due to their low center of gravity, thanks to the placement of heavy batteries in the vehicle’s floor. This results in improved stability and maneuverability, enhancing the overall driving experience.
Electric cars indeed offer excellent handling due to their low center of gravity. This advantage is a result of the placement of heavy batteries in the vehicle’s floor, which contributes to improved stability and maneuverability.
By distributing weight evenly, electric cars can effectively navigate corners and curves with enhanced precision. This feature not only enhances the overall driving experience but also promotes safer and more controlled handling on the road.
So, along with their environmental benefits, electric cars provide an enjoyable and responsive driving experience for enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike.
When it comes to handling, electric cars do have certain advantages over petrol cars. Here are a few key differences:
1. Weight Distribution: Electric cars tend to have better weight distribution due to their heavy battery packs being placed low on the chassis. This results in a lower center of gravity, which helps improve stability and cornering ability.
2. Instant Torque: As previously mentioned, electric motors provide instant torque, meaning they can deliver power immediately when you press the accelerator pedal. This quick response enhances acceleration and makes electric cars feel responsive and agile.
3. Regenerative Braking: Most electric cars use regenerative braking systems that convert kinetic energy into electrical energy while decelerating or braking. This feature allows for smoother braking and better control over the vehicle’s speed.
4. All-Wheel Drive (AWD): Many electric vehicles come with all-wheel drive capabilities, as each axle can be powered independently by separate motors. AWD improves traction and handling in various driving conditions like wet or slippery roads.
5. Advanced Driving Modes: Some electric car models offer additional driving modes that alter settings like suspension stiffness, throttle responsiveness, or steering feel for a more personalized driving experience. However, it is important to note that not all electric cars will necessarily have excellent handling compared to petrol cars as this can also vary depending on specific models and manufacturers’ design choices.
Electric Cars Eliminate Petrol Costs
One significant advantage is the absence of petrol costs. Electric cars run solely on electricity, eliminating the need to purchase gasoline or diesel fuel. This not only saves money but also reduces dependence on fossil fuels and contributes to a cleaner environment.
By eliminating the need to buy gas or diesel fuel, electric car owners can save a considerable amount of money in the long run. The cost of electricity is generally lower than that of traditional fuels, making it more economical to operate an electric car.
Depending on your travel needs, the cost of charging an electric car can be compared to only paying 30c per litre of petrol. Using a public electric charging station, it could cost an estimate of $10 per 100kms.
While it is faster to use a public electric car charging station, you can also charge them at home overnight. Again, depending on the model of your electric car, this could cost an estimate of around $3.00 for 100kms.
Charge from home
The absence of petrol costs provides drivers with more convenience and flexibility. Electric vehicle owners can charge their cars at home using a regular power outlet or install specialized charging stations for faster charging times.
This eliminates the need for frequent visits to gas stations and allows for greater flexibility in terms of when and where you charge your vehicle. Electric vehicles (EVs) indeed offer the convenience of home charging.
EV owners can use a standard power outlet at home to charge their cars, commonly referred to as Level 1 charging. While this method is slower compared to specialized charging stations, it is still an accessible option for many. For faster and more efficient charging, EV owners can choose to install specialized charging stations at home. The Level 2 chargers require professional installation but provide faster charging times compared to Level 1 chargers. With a Level 2 charger, you can fully charge your vehicle in a matter of hours instead of overnight.
By having the ability to charge your EV at home, you eliminate the need for frequent visits to gas stations. This saves you time and offers added convenience since you can conveniently plug in your car whenever it’s parked at home. Having control over when and where you charge your electric car provides greater flexibility.
You’re no longer reliant on finding public electric car charging stations or planning routes based on their locations. Instead, you have the freedom to recharge your EV whenever it suits your schedule and needs!
Electric Cars are Becoming More Affordable
As more companies invest in producing more electric cars and infrastructure, there’s an increasing supply of electric vehicles in the market. This increased supply makes them more affordable for people, especially when considering second-hand options.
One major advantage is that as more EVs are produced, economies of scale come into play. This means that the cost of manufacturing components and assembling vehicles decreases, resulting in lower prices for consumers. Additionally, with a larger selection of EV models available, competition among manufacturers intensifies, further driving down prices.
Second-hand options also contribute to the affordability of electric vehicles. As the market expands and more people trade-in or sell their used EVs, buyers can find good deals on pre-owned models. In some cases, these second-hand options may be significantly cheaper than buying a brand new vehicle!
Lower maintenance costs
Electric cars have fewer moving parts compared to traditional internal combustion engine cars, which means there are fewer components that can wear out or break down. This leads to less frequent servicing and lower maintenance costs over time.
One of the main advantages of EVs is that they don’t require oil changes, as they don’t have an internal combustion engine that relies on lubrication. This saves you both time and money on regular oil changes.
Additionally, EVs don’t have a transmission like conventional cars do. The absence of a traditional gearbox eliminates the need for transmission fluid changes and reduces the chances of transmission-related issues arising.
Another aspect worth noting is regenerative braking in EVs. This technology converts kinetic energy into electrical energy during deceleration, reducing wear on brake pads and increasing their lifespan.
However, it’s important to remember that routine maintenance is still necessary for electric vehicles. Regular checks of tires, brakes, suspension components, coolant levels (if applicable), and battery health are recommended to ensure optimal performance and safety.
Overall, while EVs may require less frequent servicing compared to traditional cars due to their simpler design with fewer moving parts, it’s still crucial to follow manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedules for longevity and trouble-free operation.
charging stations Across New Zealand
As New Zealand continues to invest in sustainable transportation initiatives, there has been a significant increase in the number of electric charging stations being installed. This expanding network ensures that EV owners have convenient access to charging facilities wherever they go.
The increased number of electric charging stations supports the growing adoption of electric vehicles and encourages more people to make environmentally-friendly transportation choices.
With these charging stations, EV owners can conveniently charge their vehicles while on the move, ensuring that range anxiety becomes less of a concern. Moreover, having a widespread network of charging stations helps address one of the main barriers to EV adoption – range limitations.
By providing accessible and reliable places for drivers to recharge their vehicles, it encourages longer trips and facilitates intercity travel with ease. The investment in sustainable transportation initiatives demonstrates New Zealand’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning towards a greener future.
As this network continues to expand across New Zealand, it not only benefits existing EV owners but also creates an encouraging environment for potential buyers who may have been hesitant due to concerns about infrastructure support.
The presence of convenient charging facilities promotes confidence among consumers considering switching from conventional gasoline-powered cars to electric alternatives.
Finance for EV Car Loans
While the upfront costs of buying an electric car in NZ can be quite expensive, it’s easy to see how owning one could potentially save a lot of money in the long run!
Getting a loan for an electric car through financing can also add to the various cost effective benefits. Rather than paying the full amount at the time of purchase, an electric car loan allows you to buy your car now and pay it back in installments.
Whether you’ve already found the perfect car you want to buy, or are still shopping around for electric cars on sale, Exceed Finance can help you out! We offer loans for electric cars in NZ, and you may even be able to receive a pre-approved loan which will set you up with the funds while you shop around.
You can also check out an estimate of how much your repayments or interest rates might be through Exceed Finance’s easy online loan calculator.
If you would like to look into getting an electric car loan, feel free to apply online here.
- Updated April 17, 2024
