EVITAL Compare Centre
EV vs Petrol
A practical Australian guide to understanding differences between electric vehicles and petrol vehicles.
Executive summary
What to know before you compare
Battery-electric and petrol vehicles use different powertrains and have different refuelling or charging, servicing and ownership considerations. This guide provides general factual information and does not recommend one option over another.
At a glance
Side-by-side comparison
| Consideration | EV | Petrol |
|---|---|---|
| What to review | Current electric vehicles specifications, pricing and availability | Current petrol vehicles specifications, pricing and availability |
| Up-front considerations | Review current pricing and available variants | Review current pricing and available variants |
| Insurance considerations | Check available cover, excesses, exclusions and repair arrangements | Check available cover, excesses, exclusions and repair arrangements |
| Ownership considerations | Consider servicing, charging and day-to-day ownership needs where relevant | Consider servicing, charging and day-to-day ownership needs where relevant |
Trade-offs
Pros & cons
Potential advantages
- Review the features and ownership characteristics of electric vehicles.
- Comparing current information can make practical differences easier to understand.
Things to weigh up
- Review the features and ownership characteristics of petrol vehicles.
- Pricing, specifications and availability can change, so confirm current information before making a decision.
Insurance considerations
Factual cover topics
- Insurance availability, premiums, excesses, limits and exclusions vary by insurer, policy, vehicle and customer circumstances.
- Read the relevant PDS, target market determination and policy wording before acquiring an insurance product.
- Check how repairs, parts, replacement vehicles, excesses and exclusions apply to the specific policy you are considering.
Ownership considerations
Day-to-day factors
- Consider where and how far you drive, plus parking and charging access where relevant.
- Check current servicing requirements, warranty terms, running costs and resale considerations for the specific vehicle and variant.
Decision factors
Factors that can differ between options
There is no single option that is right for every driver. Compare current specifications, pricing, ownership requirements and, where relevant, insurance product documentation against your own circumstances.
EVITAL does not recommend an insurance product or assess whether a financial product is suitable for you.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
What should I consider when comparing EV vs Petrol?
Consider the features and practical differences that matter to your circumstances. For insurance products, availability, eligibility, exclusions, limits, excesses and policy wording can vary by insurer and policy.
Should price be the only consideration?
Price is one factor. For insurance products, also review inclusions, exclusions, excesses, repair arrangements and the relevant product documentation before making a decision.
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Continue your ownership research
Move from the comparison into the ownership questions behind the decision.
Explore Australian EV ownership guidance and tools before moving into insurance information when it becomes relevant.