Living with an EV in Queensland: Realistic Guide

The EV Shift is Happening

We're seeing a huge uptake in enquiries for Teslas, BYDs, and MGs. But is Queensland ready for electric? Here's an honest, practical guide for SEQ drivers considering the switch.

Queensland's Charging Infrastructure

The good news: Queensland's Electric Super Highway is genuinely impressive. Fast chargers run from Coolangatta to Cairns, making road trips viable.

Key charging networks in SEQ:

• Tesla Superchargers: Fast, reliable, but Tesla-only (for now)
• Chargefox: Good coverage, various speeds
• Evie Networks: Growing network, ultra-fast chargers
• NRMA: Expanding in QLD

Typical charger locations:

• Shopping centres (while you shop)
• Highway rest stops
• Council car parks
• Some workplaces

Home Charging: The Game-Changer

If you can charge at home, EV ownership is brilliant:

• Plug in overnight, wake up to full battery
• Average electricity cost: $3-5 for 300-400km range
• Never visit a petrol station again

Home charging options:

Type	Cost	Charge Speed
Standard powerpoint	Free (already have it)	~15km/hour (overnight)
Dedicated 15A outlet	$200-$400	~25km/hour
Wall charger (7kW)	$1,500-$2,500 installed	~45km/hour

The apartment problem: If you're in an apartment without charging, EV ownership is harder. You'll rely on public chargers, which adds hassle. Some body corporates are installing chargers, but it's still uncommon.

Tip: Check with your body corporate before buying an EV. Retrofitting is possible but can take months of approvals.

Range Anxiety: Is It Real?

For most SEQ driving, no.

The average Queenslander drives 35-40km per day. Even the cheapest EVs have 300km+ range. You'll charge once or twice a week at home.

Real-world ranges (SEQ conditions, with A/C):

EV Model	Claimed Range	Real-World SEQ
Tesla Model 3 LR	629km	480-550km
BYD Atto 3	420km	320-380km
MG ZS EV	320km	250-290km
Hyundai Ioniq 5	481km	380-440km

When range matters:

• Brisbane to Gold Coast: ~80km (easy)
• Brisbane to Sunshine Coast: ~100km (easy)
• Brisbane to Toowoomba: ~130km (easy, even with hills)
• Brisbane to Sydney: ~920km (need charging stops)

The Air-Con Factor

Yes, Queensland is hot. Yes, A/C uses battery. But how much?

Real impact:

• A/C uses roughly 1-2kW while running
• On a 400km range car, this might cost 30-50km
• That's 7-12% range loss on a scorching day

Not a dealbreaker for daily driving. On long road trips, factor in an extra charging stop on really hot days.

Pro tip: Pre-condition your car while it's plugged in. Cool it down before you leave, using grid power not battery.

Running Cost Comparison

Let's compare a petrol SUV vs electric (annual costs, 15,000km/year):

Toyota RAV4 Petrol

• Fuel (8L/100km @ $1.90): $2,280
• Servicing: $600
• Registration: $700
• Total: ~$3,580/year

Tesla Model Y

• Electricity (18kWh/100km @ $0.30): $810
• Servicing: $200 (minimal)
• Registration: $700
• Total: ~$1,710/year

Annual saving: ~$1,870

Over 5 years, that's $9,350 in running cost savings—often more than the EV price premium.

The Best EVs for Queensland in 2025

Best Value: BYD Atto 3

• Price: ~$45,000
• Range: 320-380km real-world
• Features: Loaded with tech
• Warranty: 6 years

Best All-Rounder: Tesla Model 3

• Price: ~$55,000-$75,000
• Range: 480-550km real-world
• Supercharger network: Best in Australia
• Resale: Holds value well

Best Family EV: Tesla Model Y

• Price: ~$60,000-$85,000
• Range: 450-520km real-world
• Space: Practical SUV size
• Boot: Huge (front and rear)

Best Budget: MG ZS EV

• Price: ~$35,000
• Range: 250-290km real-world
• Value: Lots of car for the money
• Warranty: 7 years

Best Luxury: BMW iX or Mercedes EQE

• Price: $120,000+
• Range: 400-500km
• Premium experience

Novated Leasing: The EV Sweet Spot

Since July 2022, eligible EVs under $89,332 are exempt from Fringe Benefits Tax when novated leased.

What this means:

• Significant tax savings (often $10,000-$20,000/year)
• Running costs bundled into pre-tax payments
• Protects against depreciation uncertainty
• Makes expensive EVs affordable

Example (Brisbane, $100k salary, Tesla Model 3):

• Without novated lease: ~$800/month after tax
• With novated lease: ~$500/month after tax (including running costs)

If your employer offers salary packaging, novated leasing an EV is often the smartest financial move you can make.

Resale Value: The Unknown

EV technology moves fast. Today's cutting-edge becomes tomorrow's old tech.

Resale concerns:

• Battery degradation (mostly overblown—modern batteries last well)
• Newer models with better range
• Software updates may stop
• Charging standard changes

Resale reality:

• Tesla holds value better than most (strong brand, OTA updates)
• Chinese brands (BYD, MG) are unproven long-term
• First-gen EVs depreciate heavily

Our recommendation: If resale value matters, either:

1. Buy a Tesla (proven resale)
2. Novated lease (let the finance company take the risk)

Is an EV Right for You?

EV makes sense if:

• You can charge at home (house with garage/carport)
• Your daily driving is under 200km
• You're interested in lower running costs
• Your employer offers novated leasing
• You're environmentally conscious

EV might not suit you if:

• You live in an apartment without charging
• You regularly drive 400km+ in a day
• You need to tow heavy loads (towing destroys EV range)
• You're on a tight budget (EVs still cost more upfront)

How We Can Help

Thinking electric? We can:

• Run the numbers: Calculate your specific savings based on your driving
• Find the right EV: Match your needs to available models
• Arrange test drives: Try before you commit
• Handle novated lease setup: Work with salary packaging providers
• Negotiate pricing: Fleet discounts apply to EVs too

No pressure, no judgement—just honest advice about whether electric makes sense for your situation.