No doubt the environmental benefits of low-or-no-emissions driving are critical. Having said that, we don’t buy a car purely for what it is.
Who it is matters just as much – the characteristics and capabilities that set it apart. The emotional connection forged between car and driver.
An electric platform presents possibilities for manufacturers to reshape automotive architecture and rethink what a car can be.
Read on to discover how this could lead to a car that captures your heart as well as your mind.
Your vehicle could become the most dependable member of your crew.
A range of brands now offer EVs capable of being used as an external power source for devices, electrical camping equipment, and even e-bikes. Known as Vehicle-to-Load (V2L), it simply requires a V2L external adaptor – much easier than lugging a generator on your travels.
Some manufacturers also feature an internal outlet, which is ideal for laptop charging. These include Kia’s Niro EV and EV6; Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 and 6; the Genesis GV60; and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Exceed.
Other models purely offering V2L via the car’s external charging port are BYD Atto 3 and MG ZS EV.
If you’re a caravanner, the Polestar 2 is capable of towing 1.5tonne – greater than select caravans.
Meanwhile, serious explorers will be thrilled that the Kia EV9 7-seat SUV will be hitting our shores in the next couple months. Tested locally to ensure readiness for rough Aussie conditions (per Kia’s practice for all vehicles in our market), it’s built for activities such as 4WD off-road hill climbing and deep-water wading.
If you value being in the loop and on the cutting edge, team up with an EV featuring over-the-air (OTA) software updates.
Pioneered by Tesla (who is still the market leader), it enables regular deployment via Wi-Fi of new features, increased performance, and functionality enhancements – no need for a trip to the dealership.
For example, the Model 3 has had peak charge rate, acceleration and top speed all increased via OTA updates.
Similarly, Polestar and its parent company Volvo have rolled out EV OTA updates improving DC charging speed, vehicle cameras, climate controls, and the release of a ‘Range Assistant’ with tips and support for achieving maximum battery efficiency.
Although not as extensive as those capabilities, other EV manufacturers invested in the OTA space include BYD, Ford (Mustang Mach-E), and Hyundai (IONIQ 6 and Kona).
An EV saves more than emissions – it can also help you save on tax.
As a salary packaging supplier to selected Federal Government of Australia Departments, and ACT / NSW / VIC Governments, at SG Fleet we’re here to help you reduce your cost of motoring.
If you choose to novate an EV or PHEV priced below the luxury car tax (LCT) threshold for fuel efficient vehicles (currently $89,332), all running costs are drawn from your pre-tax salary. Under the Electric Car Discount Act1, such vehicles are exempt from Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) where provided by an employer to an employee.
If your desired EV is over the threshold, you’ll still save thousands by having a portion of your running costs paid from pre-tax salary to maximise tax savings and offset FBT.
Under both scenarios, you’ll save the GST on the new car price, and on your running costs.
Are you thankful for that adventurous pal who always takes your travels to the next level?
It may follow that you’re someone who seeks a driving experience packing a little more punch. In which case, you could be forgiven for thinking a silent EV-type isn’t up your alley.
However, the Cupra Born rear-wheel-drive hatch could be the car to disprove that notion.
Building on EV structural elements inherently favourable to performance such as a low centre of gravity and lightly loaded front end, Cupra’s stated aim was to take ‘sportiness to the max’. Its steering, stability, and suspension have been praised. It’s also equipped with lumbar-support racing seats and a choice of 19” or 20” alloy wheels.
While it may not yet entirely equate with an ICE hot hatch, when coupled with the benefits of an EV, there’s plenty to satisfy driving enthusiasts.
This article provides general information only about the vehicle/s, it should not be relied upon. SG Fleet is not the supplier or manufacturer of the vehicle and does not take any responsibility for the vehicle or the information about the vehicle contained in this article. You should make your own independent assessment of the vehicle and other sources of information (including the websites of the vehicle distributor/manufacturer).
¹ Further limited guidance on the application of the Treasury Laws Amendment (Electric Car Discount) Act 2022 can be found on the ATO website. A Customer considering entering into a novated lease for an electric car should seek their own independent tax, financial and legal advice regarding any proposed arrangement including the impact of such an arrangement from a salary sacrifice and reportable fringe benefits perspective. SG Fleet is not providing the Customer with legal, tax and financial advice regarding the purchase and financing of an electric car.
