Running costs for petrol versus electric vehicles on the average work commute show big operational savings. But there are other more costly elements to an EV

Electric vehicles are likely to save people $45,000 on their work commute over their working life, according to new research. The study found EVs have less than a quarter of the running costs for the average-length commute compared to a petrol car. The Open Agent research found someone who lived 15km away from their work — which is close to the average distance most people live from their workplace according to Census data — pays $58,000 in petrol over a 42-year career. The cost of charging an electric car over this period and distance — similar to someone travelling from Scarborough to the CBD — is about $13,000. Those driving to work from 30km away (roughly the distance between Ellenbrook to Perth, or Karrinyup to the airport) face a lifetime work commute charge cost of $26,460 with an EV, or $116,100 for petrol. At the other end of the spectrum, those driving from 5km away will pay $4410 to charge an EV, or $19,350 for petrol. The research based the a petrol cost of $1.72 per litre, and an electric cost of 0.042c, which is the standard used by the Australian Taxation Office. But the Motor Trades Association warns though operational savings are undoubtedly cheaper, the study did not consider the full suite of costs associated with an electric vehicle. Chief executive Stephen Moir said EVs were generally much pricier to buy than a standard car and incurred extra insurance costs, while also suffering a much faster drop in value withing a few years of purchase. “I would agree with this initial assessment that it is cheaper to run an electric vehicle if you are only looking at running the car from the time you turn it on to the time you turn it off,” he said. Mr Moir also questioned the environmental benefits of EVs considering the impact of mining lithium for batteries. However, he said swift advances on technology could soon see lithium batteries replaced with more environmentally friendly options. RAC general manager of external relations Will Golsby said its surveys showed most EV buyers chose to go electric for reasons like convenience and lower running costs, in addition to the environmental benefits. “Ease of servicing and maintenance, and EVs being cheaper to power are key reasons people are choosing electric or hybrid over petrol or diesel,” he said. “Hybrids have also become popular for drivers who aren’t ready for a full electric vehicle but want the benefits of lower running costs and reduced emissions. “However more needs to be done to bring down the up-front cost of EVs. We need to see a wider variety of options at lower price points. “We support the Australian Government’s fringe benefit tax exemption for EVs and continue to call for more action to improve EV affordability for Western Australians.” WHAT IS COSTS DRIVING TO WORK