Myths about Electric Cars | Audi Australia
electric vehicle

Electric Car Myths

Electric cars break down more and are expensive to run

Electric vehicles are less likely to break down as they have less moving parts. Compared to a combustion petrol or diesel engine which requires a lot more maintenance and has a lot more moving parts. All Audi electric car batteries come with an eight year or 160,000km warranty, whichever comes first. Plus we offer bespoke service and maintenance packages for your electric Audi.

You can also save on running costs if you make the switch, as electric vehicles run on electricity. The average Australian travelling 15,000km per year would only spend approximately $600 ($0.04/km) in electricity costs*. Make sure you’re on the best home tariff to keep running costs as low as possible. Or if the electric vehicle owner has a solar panel, charging is free.

Electric cars can’t travel long distances

False. They can. Electric vehicle range has significantly improved. Most people’s daily journeys fit comfortably within the Audi electric vehicle range.

Australia’s public EV charging network is growing and improving continuously. There are thousands of charging stations across the network and more are being added daily, particularly on freeways.

Factors such as the battery size and model will determine the range on a single charge.

It’s no fun to drive an electric car

Electric cars are powerful. Especially when you hit the accelerator. From the start, they have access to full torque, so it’s almost like being on a plane. You’re pushed firmly into your seat as you push the pedal down. Then add dynamic road holding. The car hugs the road as the batteries in the floor push down.

There’s also more leg room in electric cars. Due to no need for a gearbox, centre tunnel or combustion engine. Breathtaking comfort and performance and also really eye-catching. Just look at the stunning Audi e-tron GT.

Electric cars are slow or difficult to charge

Many electric vehicles charge at incredible speeds, just like our Audi e-tron models. Technology has improved significantly, which makes it easier than you think. Just choose a charging unit and connect the cable. Charging speeds vary from slow, fast, rapid and ultra rapid, depending on the capabilities of your charger and electric vehicle model.

Your lifestyle, journeys and distance requirements, as well as access to home, work and public charging stations, will all determine how quickly you need to charge and how often. Planning ahead is important, as it’s a different mindset.

One of the best ways to wake up to a full charge is to use a home charging system overnight while your EV is parked. For example, the 7.2kW compact e-tron charger charges an Audi e-tron 55 from empty to 80% in about 13 hours, and provides around 27 km of range per hour of charge.

There is a network of slow-fast public chargers (3-22kW) available if you do need to top up on the road. Most are located on freeways, shopping centres and major retailers.

• Rapid Charging stations: Chargers with rapid charging speeds of around 50kW can often be found in larger retailers and on freeways.

• Ultra Rapid Stations: Chargers with ultra-rapid charging speeds are also available, offering charging speeds of 100-350kW. These can charge an Audi e-tron 55 to 80% in 30 minutes under optimum battery conditions. Numbers are planned to increase in the coming years, but are currently limited.

Refer to model information below for specific charging times.

Or use the charging calculator for Audi e-tron models.

Electric vehicles can’t go through a car wash

Putting your electric vehicle through a car wash is perfectly safe. Although we do recommend folding in your door mirrors.

Electric vehicles can’t be driven in the rain

EVs are built to withstand all weather conditions. Charging or driving your electric vehicle in the rain, driving through puddles or going through the car wash is perfectly safe.

The environment doesn’t benefit from electric cars

One valuable contribution to climate protection is electric cars. Compared to diesel and petrol-powered cars they produce significantly less CO₂, which is better for the environment, even when you include the production of the car itself. This eco-friendly asset will become more important in years to come, as more and more green energy is fed into the grids and renewable energy is used to charge electric cars.

In Brussels we created the world’s first CO₂ neutral factory and built our first fully electric car, the Audi e-tron. Now, we’re working towards all plants being carbon neutral by 2025. It’s all part of our focus on electric vehicles and our commitment to building a sustainable future.

We’re also focusing on ensuring resources are being used responsibly, improving recycling, reducing waste, and reducing carbon emissions. To do this we’re looking at every part of a vehicle’s life cycle — all the way from the supply chain, to manufacturing.

It’s too dangerous to have an electric car

All Audi vehicles including our electric cars, guarantee the highest degree of safety. To avoid the risk of fire and electric shock, electric cars are fitted with special safety systems. For example, the electricity flow from the battery is stopped immediately, in the case of a crash.

To ensure the highest level of crash safety, Audi installs batteries in large, crashproof blocks in the underbody (made from a solid protective frame and a combination of aluminium profiles and cast components) which protects them from deformation. To fulfil very strict leak-tightness requirements, we designed a protective coating and seal. We also designed a battery system to provide resistance to corrosion and environmental factors.

Public charging stations are few and far between

The network of public charging stations is ever-growing, with new infrastructure being installed across Australia every day. Federal and state governments are investing and private companies have been continuously expanding their networks. Local communities, supported by their local councils, are also installing chargers in public areas, such as supermarkets and near large retailers.

Public infrastructure remains important, even though 80% of EV drivers globally charge their EV at home*.

*Source: https://electricvehiclecouncil.com.au/about-ev/myth-busting/