• ZEVs produce no tailpipe emissions
• ZEVs are quiet due to absence of engine noise
• ZEVs may help have lower operating costs of fuel and maintenance, reducing the total cost of ownership
• ZEVs have fewer moving parts and don’t require oil changes (less waste disposal)
• ZEVs have a higher expected longevity than that of a traditional ICE vehicle, with less to go wrong
• ZEV performance is now at least equal to that of an ICE vehicle
• ZEVs have a smooth drive, with no gear changes and minimal braking and in most scenarios the performance is ‘exciting and fun’
• ZEV charging costs a fraction of the cost of fuelling an ICE vehicle
• Affordable ZEVs are here now

Pure ZEVs operate on electric power only. Plug-in hybrid ZEVs can operate on electric power for about 20-50 kilometres and can then extend their range
by converting to a conventional ICE with the ability to quickly refuel at a traditional petrol station.

Plug-in hybrids benefit drivers who travel mostly short distances, while also providing peace of mind with the unlimited range potential of a traditional ICE vehicle.

Affordable ZEVs are here now. Hyundai, Nissan, Renault and several other manufacturers are bringing models to Australia starting at $35,000 for vehicles with a 180 kilometre range and up to $55,000 for vehicles with a 430 kilometre range. Prestige and performance brands such as Tesla, Porsche, BMW and Mercedes have models available starting at $55,000.

It depends on the model of the car, but on average, ZEVs can travel between 230 and 400 kilometres on a single charge. Most people drive less than 50 kilometres per day which is well within the range of most ZEVs. For example, a $45,000 Hyundai Ioniq ZEV would need charging once every five days for the average driver. If you want to get a longer range, a Hyundai Kona has a reported range of over 400 kilometres, while the Tesla Model S can travel up to 600 kilometres on a single charge.

The lifespan depends on the type of battery and its usage patterns. Most vehicles are using lithium-ion batteries, which can last up to 10 years or longer. Most manufacturers are offering an 8-year battery warranty.

The type of charge outlet required will depend on how fast you need to charge. A normal home socket will work but it will be slow. If faster charging is required, then a special charger will be needed. As a rule, the price increases in line with the increased speed rate of the charge. sgfleet can advise on the types of chargers required based on the fleet vehicles’ usage patterns, such as time spent stationary and average distances travelled.

ZEVs must meet the same Federal safety standards as other cars. They are still rated under the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).

Yes. The traditional belief is that water and electricity don’t mix so charging an electric car in the rain might be dangerous. However, both the vehicle manufacturers and EVSE installation specialists have designed and engineered their products to meet the relevant Australian standards.

Yes, they can be. ZEVs need to be recharged and must draw that electricity from somewhere. If that electricity supply comes from a coal-burning power plant, the ZEV is still part of a pollution cycle even though it doesn’t emit CO2 from its tailpipe. However, ZEVs can also get electricity from renewable or green energy resources such as hydro-electric or solar power facilities, including home roof top solar.

The lithium-ion batteries used in most modern zero emission vehicles are recognised as being non-hazardous to the environment. They are also fully recyclable.

ZEVs are as reliable as ICE vehicles. ZEVs have fewer moving parts and in theory fewer points of failure than ICE vehicles.

Manufacturers recommend one routine service or vehicle check per year.

As there are few moving parts to a ZEV, the likelihood of a breakdown is minimal unless you run out of power. If that happened, you would simply call sgfleet roadside assistance as you would do with an ICE vehicle. Alternatively, plug it into the nearest power point.

Yes. However, based on the manufacturers’ recommendations, at this stage, this is limited to one or two models with very little payload rating. The exception is the Tesla Model X SUV, which can tow up to 2 tonnes.

This depends on your cost of electricity and the capacity of the vehicle’s battery. As an example, if your cost of electricity per kilowatt hour is $0.25 and it takes approximately 18 kWh to travel 100 kilometres, it will cost approximately $4.50 (18 x $0.25) in electricity.

Some ZEV charging stations are capable of receiving and transmitting electricity and usage data. Some providers offer software to see how much electricity has been used, which can then be managed in the same way as for a traditional fuel card. sgfleet will integrate that information into our online portal Fleetintelligence, ensuring fleet managers can manage the whole-of-life costs of ZEVs.

Trickle Charging/Mobile Charging is slow overnight charging ideal for a ‘top-up’ when the battery is close to full, using a traditional 240 volt wall socket, without the need for an installed EVSE.

Fast Charging is typically charging from home or public charging stations during trips or when a quick charge is required using a 7-22kW charger.

Rapid/Ultra-Fast Charging is done in public stations that use DC power to charge your vehicle in a short period.

AC Charger – A charger that outputs alternating current (AC), which is converted to direct current (DC) within the vehicle via the onboard invertor.

DC Charger – An EVSE that outputs direct current that flows directly into the battery. This is faster than AC charging because it bypasses the onboard invertor.

Alternating Current (AC) – is the flow of electricity that ‘changes direction’. AC is used in houses and office buildings etc.

Direct Current (DC) – is the opposite of alternating current. Rather than ‘oscillating’ back and forth, electricity flows at a constant rated flow analogous to a water hose.

The Level 2 Type 1 plug is used by Mitsubishi and some pre-2018 ZEVs. It is also the plug standard in North America and Japan.

The Level 2 Type 2 plug standard is currently used by all other ZEV manufacturers and is now the standard here in Australia and for all of Europe. It is capable of 3-phase charging, allowing it to charge vehicles much faster if 3-phase power is available.

DC Chargers are direct current chargers and are only available for some select models. This type of charger is high powered and is typically used for commercial applications.