Electric vehicles explained: range, charging, costs and potential tax savings

17 August 2026

Electric vehicles (EVs) are now a familiar sight on Australian roads. With more models available than ever before, growing charging infrastructure and initiatives like the Electric Car Discount, many Australians are exploring whether an EV could suit their lifestyle.

But despite the growing number of options, plenty of questions remain.

How far can an EV really travel? Is charging difficult? Are EVs actually affordable? And is the Electric Car Discount still available?

At Smart^TM, Australia’s leading salary packaging and novated leasing provider, we help thousands of employees compare vehicles and understand their options every year. Here are some of the most common EV questions we hear – and the answers.

How far can an EV actually go?

Most modern EVs offer more than enough range for everyday Australian driving.

The average Australian drives around 40km per day, while many of today's EVs offer between 400km and 600km of range on a single charge.

For many drivers, that means several days, or even a full week, between charges.

For commuting to work, school drop-offs, shopping and weekend activities, range is rarely a barrier. Modern EVs can comfortably meet the needs of most Australian households.

Is charging an EV difficult?

For many drivers, charging becomes part of their normal routine. Unlike petrol vehicles, which require trips to a service station, EVs can often be charged while parked at home, at work or while shopping.

Many EV owners simply plug in overnight and wake up to a full charged vehicle each morning.

When travelling longer distances, public fast chargers can add hundreds of kilometres of range in as little as 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the charger and vehicle.

Can I charge an EV using a standard power point?

Most EVs can be charged using a standard household power point, although charging is slower than using a dedicated wall charger. Some owners choose to install a home EV charger for faster charging.

Does Australia have enough public EV chargers?

Australia’s charging network continues to expand rapidly.

There are now more than 1,000 fast-charging locations across Australia, with additional sites being added across metropolitan, regional and highway locations every year.

Whether you’re travelling between major cities or exploring regional Australia, charging options are becoming increasingly accessible. Many charging stations are also located near cafes, shopping centres and rest stops, allowing drivers to recharge both themselves and their vehicle during a break.

And it’s not just city drivers benefiting from the growing network. Road trips in an EV are becoming easier to plan thanks to improved charging coverage along some of Australia’s most popular travel routes.

For example, in our article, An EV Road Trip from Sydney to Merimbula, we explored what it's really like to drive an EV along the NSW South Coast.

The journey highlights how drivers can comfortably travel hundreds of kilometres while accessing charging infrastructure in key regional locations along the way. It also demonstrates how modern EV range, combined with strategic charging stops, makes longer journeys both practical and smooth.

Does the government still offer any tax incentives for EVs?

Yes, significant tax benefits still apply to eligible electric vehicles through the Electric Car Discount.

Introduced by the Federal Government, the Electric Car Discount provides a Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) exemption for eligible^ electric vehicles acquired through a novated lease, helping reduce the overall cost of ownership for many Australians.

For eligible EVs, a novated lease can deliver potentially substantial savings through:

• No Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT)
• Pre-tax salary deductions
• GST savings on eligible vehicle and running costs
• Salary-packaged charging costs
• Lower overall ownership costs

Depending on the vehicle and individual circumstances, these savings can add up to thousands of dollars each year.