You probably know EVs are better for the environment, but are you aware of which country buys them the most? And do you know which is the most popular EV model in Australia?
Buckle up and enjoy the ride as we present 10 facts about electric cars you probably didn’t know.
1 Electric cars aren’t a modern invention
One of the most interesting facts about electric cars is that the first full-sized electric vehicle was actually created by Scottish Inventor Robert Anderson as far back as 1832. Powered by non-rechargeable power cells, the carriage was the first crude prototype for EVs.
2 Aussies love Teslas
When it comes to homegrown facts about EVs, the Tesla Model 3 is Australia’s most popular selling electric car, outselling its closest rival, the MG ZS 1388 by more than eight to one in 2021.
3 There are 20 million EVs on the road globally
According to BNEF, in June 2022 there were 20 million plug-in vehicles on the road. That’s an incredible increase from only one million in 2016.
4 Norway is leading the electric charge
Per capita, Norway has more electric cars on the road than any other country. In 2020 an astonishing 54% of its new cars on the road were EVs, compared to Australia whose new-car market was 0.78% EVs.
5 Australia has 3,000 EV public charging stations
This includes 2,531 AC standard chargers and 470 rapid DC chargers across the country.
6 Electric cars make a fake engine noise
Because EV electric engines are silent, they could present a danger to cyclists and passers-by who may not hear them coming. Today, all new EVs now feature acoustic vehicle alert systems (AVAS) that make a continuous noise at certain speeds.
7 The Mercedes-Benz EQS has the longest range of any EV
New to the market in 2022, the Mercedes EQS has a tremendous range of 780km. The luxurious saloon is capable of driving exceedingly long distances without the need to recharge.
8 Every time you brake, you recharge your EV’s battery
EVs have a regenerative braking system. It takes the wasted kinetic energy from slowing down the car and uses it to recharge the car’s batteries.
9 It would take 300 smartphone batteries to make one EV battery
It’s estimated that the cobalt within 300 smartphone batteries would be enough to be repurposed into one electric car battery.
10 China is the biggest EV market in the world
Accounting for more than 40% of sales worldwide, China is the world’s biggest market for EVs with total sales of 1.3m vehicles in 2020.
Summary
- Electric cars were first invented in 1832 by Scottish Inventor Robert Anderson.
- The Tesla Model 3 is Australia’s most popular selling electric car.
- There are 20 million EVs on the road globally.
- Norway has more electric cars on the road than any other country.
- Australia has 3,000 EV public charging stations.
- For safety reasons, electric cars make a fake engine noise.
- The Mercedes EQS has the longest range of 780km.
- Every time you brake, you recharge your EV’s battery.
- It would take 300 smartphone batteries to make one EV battery.
- China is the biggest EV market in the world, accounting for more than 40% of sales worldwide.
Are you considering making the switch to an electric vehicle? ActewAGL can help you effortlessly find, finance and charge your EV. Discover how ActewAGL can support your transition to sustainable driving today.
Sources
https://www.canstar.com.au/car-loans/top-10-selling-electric-cars/
https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/advice/how-many-electric-cars-are-there-in-australia-83262
