Last year, 33,410 electric vehicles (EV) were sold in Australia. That figure represents just over 3 per cent of total new vehicles sales for the year and while that may not seem terribly impressive, the truth is that the EV market is expanding, and doing so quickly.

MTA Queensland and the MTA Institute recognised the emergence, and growing importance, of the electrified vehicle market some time ago and developed, and now offer, a number of courses focused on the technology. These include the Battery Electric Vehicle Inspection and Servicing Skills Set, the Hybrid Electric Vehicle Inspection and Servicing Skill Set, the Depower and Reinitialise HEVs and BEVs short course, as well as Introduction to EV and Introduction to Hybrid online micro-credential courses.

To further our commitment to the training in future technologies, MTA Queensland recently purchased a full battery-electric vehicle, and a BYD Atto 3 Extended Range model now joins our electrified vehicle fleet of Camry Hybrids and plug-in Hybrid Mitsubishi Outlander.

I was asked if I would like to use the BYD to replace my Camry Hybrid company vehicle. My biggest concern of EV ownership, range anxiety, almost made me pass on the offer, noting that the Camry will travel 900km before it requires refilling, running at an average of 4.6 litres per 100km. The cost being approximately $7.80 of E10 per 100km (at today’s fuel prices).

However, I am a ‘car person’ and have always been interested in new technologies. Plus, like we all have, I have witnessed the increased popularity of EVs over the last few years. I look at this as an opportunity to explore that world to answer some questions for myself, including “Can I live with an EV?”.

While we will delve into all the aspects of living with an EV over the coming months, initial impressions are positive, and the BYD experience has been enjoyable. It seems well built, has plenty of technology to explore, and the initial torque from the electric motor gives effortless acceleration from the lights. While missing the exhaust note of my personal V8 vehicles, I am torn as I am also enjoying the refined quietness an electric motor gives.

The advertised range seems to be accurate and acceptable – the figure being 400km before you would start looking for a charging station or normal home wall socket to re-charge. Charging the Atto 3 has been a breeze, so far. Every couple of days I connect it to MTA Queensland’s EV charging box, and I have been ensuring it is fully charged on Friday afternoons for weekend use. Range anxiety will be an issue, I am sure, and travel/charging will require some planning.

Over the next few issues of Motor Trader magazine, I plan to give you an honest update on my experience “owning” an EV full time.

I plan to report on the logistics of longer distance driving, how range is affected by driving conditions, the reality of using public charging stations, and the cost of running the vehicle. Other questions to be answered include whether I will require a tow truck when/if I run out of charge, will I be asking for my Camry back, and just how many cups of coffee (and snacks) will be consumed while waiting at a public charging station!

The final question will be, of course, will I enjoy “ownership” of an EV enough for me to replace one of my V8 or Turbo 4-cylinder personal vehicles? We are going to find out.

ANY QUESTIONS?

If you’ve got any questions regarding long-term electric vehicle ownership, then get in touch with us via our Facebook page where we’ll be posting about Scott’s journey with the BYD Atto 3.

Words by Scott Gerkhe | Manager Training Delivery, MTA Institute

Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (February 2023)

24 February 2023