RACV provides advice for EV buyers amid surge in sales

As fuel price pressures trigger a surge in electric vehicle interest, RACV is encouraging buyers to look past the panic and consider their lifestyle before buying the cheapest EV option.

EV searches on RACV Car Match increased by 461 per cent in March, compared to the month prior, with brands BYD, MG and Chery among the most searched for the month.

BYD is leading the charge with the cheapest EV on the market, starting from $23,990 plus on-road costs, followed by MG at $31,990 plus ORCs, according to Car Match data.

RACV Head of Policy James Williams said buyers should evaluate which EV brand is a long-term lifestyle match.

“EV sales have continued to surge as motorists look for cheaper ways to stay on the road – but make sure you’re making informed decisions,” Mr Williams said.

"Ask yourself these kinds of questions: What does your daily commute look like? Do you regularly drive long distances or shorter commutes? Are you towing, freeway or off-road driving? Are safety features important to you? What is the brand’s after-purchase support?

“Buyers should think about where and how their EV will charge. RACV Trades will install your home charger, which depending on your insurance cover, could be insured as well.”

Before committing to an EV brand, RACV encourages buyers to consider:

• Driving range – Ensure an EV matches your real-world driving range as official range figures should be treated as a benchmark, not a guarantee.
• Driving style – Features like regenerative braking mean even experienced drivers need to adjust their traditional driving style.
• ANCAP features – While many popular EVs have been awarded the maximum five-star ANCAP rating, check that safety features match your needs.
• Financing options – Plan how your EV will be financed such as through green loans.

Mr Williams warns that increased demand for EVs have already caused delays for new owners.

“We’re seeing many popular electric vehicles have extended wait times, made worse by bottlenecks in delivery processes and factory allocations and offers currently in market are likely to become limited if fuel prices continue to remain high,” Mr Williams said.

“Additionally, as people explore second-hand EV options, buyers need to understand the additional considerations including battery health, warranty checks and software support.

“RACV’s Car Match tool is your best friend when it comes to finding a vehicle that truly works for you. You can search by specification and price, including the upfront and estimated costs,” Mr Williams said.

For more information on electric vehicles, visit the RACV Website.