Answering your electric vehicle questions (after 10,000km in a Kona EV) | Auto Expert John Cadogan

Coming up - the deep-dive into your questions about the Kona Electric and EV ownership generally in Australia. After 10,000km behind the wheel of a Hyundai Kona Electric, let’s have a proper conversation about when electrons and mobility collide - now and in the future. Let's talk about cost, practicality and economic rationalism: Do EVs add up?
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The mighty Kona Electric is about to clock one year and 10,000 kays here in the fat cave - and that means the sweet sorrow of parting is imminent. Next Friday, actually. And I will miss it. But I have been amassing a thick wad of questions from you.
QUESTION
“Are you parking your Kona EV away from the house now, in case it spontaneously combusts?” - withheld
No, I’m not. I got this from a stirrer in the industry the other day. I would retort that we all live in a world full of risk. Low probability, high consequence risk.
Kona electric was introduced in July 2018, in ‘Straya. That’s 31 months ago. There are 75,680 of them being recalled globally. There have been 12 reported fires.
So let’s call it an average of 35,000 Kona Electric vehicles in service for 31 months. Seems fair. That’s about one million vehicle-months, right? And 12 fires. That’s one fire for every 90,000 (ish) vehicle-months in service.
Seriously, the kind of people who get scared by this kind of ambient risk have no idea about risk. It’s more dangerous to check your Twitter while you’re crossing the street.
Incidentally, it was recently announced that the battery manufacturer, LG Chem, will bear the bulk of the estimated $900M (US dollars) recall cost - with reports claiming 62-70 per cent of the financial burden will be borne by LG Chem. Of course, the reputational impact will be almost wholly attach to Hyundai.
QUESTION
“The electricity grid is not ready for millions of Australian's drawing that much power at night.” - RockyRamel
Two points there. A) It doesn’t have to be ready now, because unless we’re all a simulation running in the Matrix and someone changes the code overnight, it will take decades for the fleet to evolve to full (or even majority EV composition). And the grid can evolve as the fleet changes. And, of course, full electrification is a complete fantasy.
And B): On the grid, it kind of is ready, because we do it during the day. If charging happens overnight - no problem. When you run the numbers, we only need 10 per cent more total power generation capacity - hypothetically - to replace every passenger vehicle in ‘Straya and run EVs across the board tomorrow.
Watch the report to hear the other 15 questions answered...

[@STARDRIVE]

Goldilock Yoda. Love it. Great name for your backup channel :)

[@ozimarco]

Always hilarious while informative. Love you, John! I always enjoy your superb command of the Aussie variant of the English language.

[@SAYID697]

John, I also own a Kona Electric and love the way you shed light on the whole EV business. Can’t agree more on every single point that you have beautifully tried to get across. Keep it up mate.

[@trevorcrossley3054]

Watched many of your videos on a smart TV with no like button that I know of, so I finally charged up the laptop to subscribe, Like Button, and Bell as your vides are always informative and I have gained more info in the last few weeks than I have in my life time of motoring, bloody good job and so thanks for that.

[@mikehawk825]

I've got 21,500 miles on my 2019 Kona EV - I have rotated the tires and that is all I have spent in 18 months for maintenance. I love this car and will be buying another this year. It costs me $4.80 to charge about 200 miles at my house at night. I paid $38K - minus the $7500 puts it at $30.5K. The ICE version costs about $25K and I don't doubt i will save thousands in maintenance and repairs in the next years. Can't beat it in my opinion.

[@lozza2272]

Entertainment on a Saturday night. Thank you. Unbiased commentary too.

[@wuss999]

Great video John. Last reply cracked me up!

[@simonalexandercritchley439]

Omit the ommit I say. You were a laugh a minute mate,the sartorial eloquence of your sarcasm rising to new heights,well done that man !

[@B0BHW]

John! You excelled yourself on this episode! Most entertaining fun and this is so hard to admit... I pretty much agree with your every comment. I'm a Tesla owner.

[@111111111Tiger]

John Cadogan is a comedian pretending to be a consulting auto expert. love it I need to drink more whiskey while watching John to add even MORE additional HUMOR. My favorite show.

[@atgv43]

Loved the explanation of what a “yobo” is. Funny as ever!

[@johnMcRock]

Greetings from across the globe. (Denmark) Just bought a Kona electric 64 advanced, we have no tax on Ev's currently, so it was about the same price as a 1,6 Diesel DCT. Great driving experience, lots of torque and refinement in the suspension. Not a big fan of all the nanny gizmos but those turn off easily. Nice nutbag video, keep them comming

[@surfsupkombisafari6519]

The best 26 minutes of my day.

[@aaronalter2000]

This video was so good I had to view it twice!

[@rf7477]

Onya John, excellent again. Healthy scepticism and cool logic will prevail.

[@lenimbery7038]

I always admire your voice of reason John. I drive a PHEV and will be getting another vehicle sometime in the next year or so. It will definitely be a full EV....not for any bullshit reasons, just that I love the instant torque, the quiet and smooth acceleration, and the lack of gas or diesel smells or the exhaust odours of same. I also don't miss going to a gas station nor fretting about the latest gas price increases before every long weekend for some reason

[@ElectricCarAustralia]

Coming up 4,500 klms on our MG ZS EV. Besides a few quirks not a bad fully electric EV for the money at $43,990 driveway.

[@augiemattheiss]

John this was funny, way, way funny.... thanks for loading this video recording up to the Internet... with you around I don't need comedians. This fits right in with my philosophy of trying to laugh at everything, laughing really eases my daily grind.

[@AutoExpertJC]

Thank you very much, Augie (humour is hard work).

[@Lofyne]

Nice responses. If I had the money I’d happily switch to an EV. Just for the convenience. When I switched from an old Victa mower to a rechargeable Ryobi, life became so much easier. No more spark plug issues, pulling the string, getting the right fuel ratios or having to fill up petrol cans at the servo.

[@yggdrasil9039]

Cost is the number 1 barrier.

[@kdkd693]

I sold my 2yo $1000 Honda petrol mower for $300 as we were moving interstate 4000km and no grass where we were going, running holiday accomodation. Then when I found I need to pick up leaves on at least a twice weekly basis, I found a battery Makita mower was way better than my blower. $300 new from Bunnings on special. And far quieter, no smell for guests. I won’t go back to petrol tools where there is a battery equivalent. No way. I feel same way about EVs vs my many previous petrol and diesel cars. Just better performing, quieter, no smell

[@kdkd693]

@@jonathanwishart9104 well I’m not trying to convince you. I’m just stating my preference. For snow blowing and the more heavy industrial tools, yes petrol power may still be the most practical. However, it is interesting that on my house building site, all the tradesmen are using mostly battery powered tools rather than corded electrical. They have the choice but prefer cordless electric

[@kdkd693]

Captain Obvious 😂

[@ritual64]

The thing about these EVs is that they are too darn expensive. If they weren't so expensive I would seriously consider buying one. When they come down the price of a small car, like a Corolla then I'll probably buy one. Not because they are going to "Save the planet" (What a crock of 💩) but because I live in a city and would prefer cleaner air in our cities.

[@ojonasar]

Same here - in the UK, the price for EVs is what I would expect to pay for a sports car - I wouldn’t spend (and can’t afford to) that sort of money on a car to get me from A to B.

[@7drobin]

@@ojonasar I looked at EV. Then decided to buy the cheapest car that filled my needs, a KIA Picanto GT. Saving? 20K Oztralian. (Could have bought another Picanto for that money!) Obviously an EV is an aspirational, not a practical option..... And the GT is a fun car to drive!!!

[@matpat2636]

EV's are expensive up front, but you largely get that back come sale time (at least in the UK). I had my Kona for 2 years and just sold it with only 10% depreciation. It's been the cheapest (and best) new car I've ever owned. Hyundai have said their electric cars (and especially the Kona) are their slowest depreciating cars. I only sold it because my situation has changed and I don't need a long distance EV as I'm not driving for work any more.

[@ritual64]

@@matpat2636 As John pointed out here in Shitsville it takes approximately 350,000 km or 218,000 miles. Most people only do about 10,000km per year so yeah not really going to make it there with a $20,000 plus difference between similarly equipped petrol model. So, yeah, nah, not going to work out price wise here in Oz.

[@ritual64]

@@JT_771 I don't know. All they seem to be producing, at least here in Oz, is luxury type vehicles. Or at least luxury end of the cheaper vehicles like Kona. I can get a new Kona in Oz, today for $29,706 Ozzie micro pesos, drive away no negotiations or Ming moles ,just the outright drive away price. The cheapest Kona EV is $67,093 Omp Okay, it's not the same level inside but the price difference is nearly $30k so that's 2 normal Konas for the price of 1 EV. I don't think it will get there unless a manufacturer manages to get their head out of their arsehole and build an everyday EV, instead of making cheaper ones more luxurious.

[@yggdrasil9039]

Love your work John.

[@jasenanderson8534]

Gold. A completed knock down of both sides of the coin. Great review of comments.

[@SpeedSmith]

Good Review John. Thanks

[@htmonaro1969]

Another great video! An old friend of mine, from Brisbane but now living in Virginia, raise the argument about the power grid not being close to being ready. Of course he was referencing EJ, who raised it. I pointed out the EJ was running that myth because genuine competition will kill Tesla. The ROI between an ICE and an EV is far to great right now, even before the Victorian Government's EV and PHEV tax kicks in soon. If they ever resolve the cost factor, EVs may be competitive, but not yet.

[@mychevysparkevdidntcatchfi1489]

KonaEV is similar to VW GTI in performance, and they both cost about the same while KonaEV costs 1/4 as much to "fuel" as gasser.

[@dags6292]

Well said John, so true

[@elbowomar2430]

Truly informative and insightful . Your rampant use of facts and logic will surely cause you to be despised and reviled what fun your a tall poppy their your tall fell free to be extra smug

[@davidphillips1133]

You've not included the cost of upkeep in the costs of cars in your analysis of EV

[@mael-strom9707]

Also not included insurance costs... Insurers love EV's.

[@Thegrahamsonline]

I was going to say the same, great video though, and can’t imagine it’ll greatly reduce the >300km break even time.

[@PeterEVcharade]

@@Thegrahamsonline The Kona electric has a fixed annual service cost of $165, a fair bit less than most cars - no oil change, no oil and air filters, much less wear on the brake pads etc.

[@koitorob]

Well we know he forked out for a new set of 'normal' tyres. I don't think there's much that needs servicing other than air freshener and screen fluid.

[@kellyh4202]

Love the flogging spanner, D9 special tool

[@markjennings2315]

Some hilarious reparte in this, im cracking up!!

[@mcdon2401]

From experience in the UK (and it's only been a few months for me) the issue is less if the grid is ready for it (because it's plenty capable) and more if public charging is ready for it. I can get enough of a charge in 20-30 mins on a rapid to get me to work and back. But if you turn up, and the one charge point is either occupied or knackered, that's a problem. We don't have many single pump petrol stations any more, it seems a bit strange that public EV charging is thought to be suitably covered by chucking in a single plug.

[@Dogga10001]

Love the facts John

[@erikmoore7402]

Shit, I'm a little slow this time around. Just sat down for a drink at the pub.

[@AutoExpertJC]

Enjoy mate...

[@MattBlack6]

Sitting here watching this, roadside in my truck having lunch. And a first gen Toyota Mirai drives past. Now that's a rare sight.

[@yggdrasil9039]

Certainly is. Wow. There's only about 20 of them in Australia isn't there?

[@MattBlack6]

@@yggdrasil9039 I'm not actually sure how many there are. This was just south of the Gold Coast also. Not too many Hydrogen stations up there.

[@dtengineering1]

Hey John, how has the official consumption actually compared to your real world usage? Keep up the great work.

[@Brendan.Wheatley]

Well said!

[@KenanTurkiye]

I'm a petrosapien, I like the rumble and tumble of a combustion engine, the smell of petrol been sucked in through some carbs and the sounds of it after been burned and existing the rear end.

[@ScottMurrayBestFamilyCars]

And a big thank you to Turkey for its role in making internal combustion possible.

[@KenanTurkiye]

@@ScottMurrayBestFamilyCars Well I would like to take your thank and thank you in return, but we are a natural resource poor country :) We have to import oil and gas from other countries. Unless you found a way to burn the animal turkeys or their by products in engines. lol Nevertheless, thank you for your curtoisty (spelling). Best wishes. :)

[@tarksmed]

Not sure for how long haven’t I watch your videos, but I did watch this one and You have not changed at all Looks like I missed a lot and I have missed you at the same time. Let me catch up and check how much of fishnet stockings it has been there. Oh, yes. Great video and sarcasm. Like it.

[@iliasmoussaoui5076]

brilliant!

[@Decebal825]

John you are so right operating cost can simply be measured by compairing the cost of energy because maintenance costs of EVs are justthe same. Engine and transmission oil changes spark plugs timing belts exhausts etc on EV cost just the same as petrol cars

[@paulwilliam55]

What are the service intervals like on the Kona EV vs the ICE version? (That might be one area that makes the break-even point slightly closer in terms of kilometres driven - although, probably not by all that much.)

[@Grudlin74]

Just saw an interesting story on China's Nio I have always been keen on Rivians ute as an EV. But they seem keen on staying LHD for the foreseeable future. Where as Nio have built a new vehicle every 18 months since their first hyper car EP9. Worth a look thanks John.

[@sasuturunen6366]

On some previous video you talked about these new safety features (automatic breaking, autonomous driving etc.) and you nailed the point that when it comes to safety features it should be expected to be bullet proof. For me a car not randomly catching fire is in some ways of imagination a safety feature. I'm not going to be shit scared about this and it wouldn't stop me from buying a Kona EV but it is in my opinion a matter of some sort of serious consideration (mostly about the battery manufacturer) and I enjoy trying to be a smartass.

[@RickinICT]

It isn’t as though EVs have cornered the market on vehicular conflagrations. “The Ford cruise control recall now includes 14 million vehicles, making it the company's largest recall ever. The cruise switch in affected vehicles can fail, potentially causing a fire and other problems.” jalopnik.com/cruise-control-fire-recall-expanded-to-fords-largest-ev-5381540 Not that Hyundai’s problems are unimportant, but perspective is key. Of course, news like this was bound to be seized upon by those looking for any opportunity to take a little wind out of the EV market’s sails.

[@jl_aus]

Hey John, love your work. Would love to hear your thoughts on e-motorcycles in Oz. For me, this would be the most logical foray into EVs as it would be for commuting so range anxiety, payload (i.e. Bunnings trips, towing etc) a non-issue.

[@compagejohn]

Brilliant.

[@awjfx5044]

I'm not biased either way but if we are talking 300k-ish to break even then servicing cost differences should be calculated in addition to fuel consumption. Do we know which EV parts will need replacement before breakeven?

[@DDB168]

You mentioned carrying a 12V compressor and tyre plug kit. Would you consider doing a top 10 auto tools to carry type video ? Something of that nature (if not done already). Thanks.

[@BlackhawkPilot]

Added an A/C and an EV to my electric load with no increase cost. Did this with a wholesale change to LEDs, using an iPad instead of a desktop and CRT, high efficiency furnace, etc.

[@BlackhawkPilot]

John have you added maintenance into that cost per kilometer? I went from about $500 US every 10,000 miles to $130 every 20,000 miles on my maintenance. My old three prong suppository was a diesel and cost me about $.50 every mile to operate, my three prong suppository EV cost less than $.10 a mile for operating costs.

[@tabaks]

Gold!

[@hyballs]

CSJ Rogerson mentioned Olympic sport...well I don't know about that but as a comedic piss take it rates as gold. Well done Johnno.

[@deuscartel]

I was holding out for the mention of effluent during your affluent rant... felt like the Mrs pulling up stumps before the finale 😳

[@vladimirputin4822]

Thing is I don't have a refinery or oil well, and the prices are subject to huge changes, especially as it runs out. But solar and wind powered electricity generation combined with storage are quite easy to acquire and setup.

[@brentonl1746]

"All about serving you" can I have a toasted ham and cheese sanga! Thanks Johnny. 🤣

[@stevencarter7031]

Fascinating video about ev's...as you say, great for an urban shopping trolley or if you just want experience something new. What do you think of the VW ID.4

[@mychevysparkevdidntcatchfi1489]

ID4 isn't ready. See review by engineering explained. Tesla Y is better at similar price, and BoltEUV is cheaper and better than ID4.

[@napalmholocaust9093]

I was hoping for a safer cord voltage. That's abbatoir status. I saw it untill it was rote. Some of those failsafes are set to trip after 20 seconds. See the follow up to electroboom recently installing a heater and breaker. His did not trip in enough time to not kill and start a fire. Seems there are several types of fault interuptors and leakage detectors.

[@danielstapler4315]

If you have an EV which you charge at home, switching your electricity plan to time of day charging means that in Australia you could charge for less then 26 cents per KWH between 11 pm and 7 am and over the weekend. Maybe 20 cents per KWH.

[@Roddy451]

Never a dull moment... 🍿🍿🍿😁👍

[@vernonhampton6973]

John, First off - GREAT video! Secondly, a slightly EV-related observation: I know that Victoria is trying to implement an excise for EVs to the tune of 2.5c per kilometer driven (since EV's obviously don't use petrol or diesel) to cover road maintenance, but in the same breath, they want to charge an excise of 2c per kilometer for plug-in hybrids. I think this is idiotic, since PHEVs still use petrol, and this would make the PHEV driver essentially pay twice for the same thing. I just wanted your thoughts on it. Keep up the good work!

[@traversrudd4976]

Hey John, what about the relative depreciation in your like for like running costs scenario ? I managed to own a BMW i3 for a year put 10K mikes on it and sold it for more or less the same price, I may have been just lucky, but used EV demand appears to be on the up.

[@xlphos]

Here in the UK I was looking at LEAF's and ZOE's used of course. Zoe's where 4k at the time (4yrs ago) now there aren't any I can see and Zoe's are older with more mileage, so they've gone up in cost. Got a LEAF though does me fine and money not spent on fuel should pay for the LEAF after 5 years if I sold it.

[@waldemarii]

I got e-golf with 2tkm on odo for 27k€, the basic golf with 1,4l petrol engine cost 24k€. So around to offset the price difference.

[@ronaldn6609]

Considering most people purchase used cars each year I wonder how EV's will compare in this market in years to come.

[@hennieodendaal5087]

Bought a few and nothing more disappointing than having a expensive break down. Be prepared to hold on to your ankles.

[@throughdude23]

Considering that most batteries are only warranted for 100k miles and are more expensive than a whole car in most cases I think we have a decade or 2 before they can hold a candle to gas Toyotas and Hondas.

[@mael-strom9707]

$12,000 for a battery... It will be interesting how that pans out.

[@mael-strom9707]

@@hennieodendaal5087 Tinkering with high voltages can be electrifrying.

[@Brian-om2hh]

Certainly here in the UK, the used EV market is active and doing well. Values of used electric cars seem to be holding up very well compared with their petrol equivalents.

[@kUdtiHaEX]

Is a difference on price/km only way to reclaim a base difference in price? What about cost of servicing having in mind that Kona does not require oil changes, spark plugs and everything else that ICE cars have? I am interested in that calculation.

[@anitabang3730]

Excise on fuel. How is road in the middle of the pot hole going to fix? Will we be paying for Kms driven as well as electricity?

[@Wdeane1957]

Victoria already has plans to introduce a tax on electric vehicles based on kilometres travelled. As cars already have computers and some sort of wifi/Bluetooth ability, getting the information to tax you will be easy.

[@davidwright5739]

To change the subject only a bit with regard to clean air I would like to enquire whether there is any reason big commercial vehicles don’t use diesel particulate filters? They emit lots of soot while travelling distances long enough to burn off that that the filter would collect.

[@ursodermatt8809]

because it costs money and australia is always like 30 years behind in those matters.

[@jyesatti9261]

Hi John, what are your thoughts on buying a 2015 BMW X5 sDrive 25D with 130,000kms and a full service history from a private seller?

[@scottfyfe1369]

“I am friging Yoda”. brilliant.

[@gordonlawrence1448]

Some of this maths is going to change radically in the next few years. In the UK road tax for EVs is minimal to zero (minimal for commercial vehicles) already and some countries are already the same or debating it. When the solid state lithium cells are sorted and work in production (they already work in the lab) they will be 50% more cost per cell. However each cell will have at least 3 times the capacity. So for a given capacity the cost will be half as much. That's probably going to knock £2000 off the price of the battery pack. ($3500AUS) Maybe more. So that 320k km will come down by at least 15%. Still not ideal but a step in the right direction.

[@cohort075]

Considering the distance between Adelaide and Perth is nearly 2,700kms, and the Kona has a range of about 550kms. How many charging stations across the Nullarbor? I can not see EV’s ever replacing internal combustion engines, until there are charging stations in the middle of nowhere servo stations across the country.

[@Peter-vn8ue]

No vehicle can do that distance on a single tank of whatever fuel it takes. EVs are for the daily work commute. If you drive vast distances, over 450km round trip, you would own an ice vehicle also to do large km trips. Most people fly from Perth to Adelaide or other vast distances. Eventually within 10 years EV charging stations will be found just about everywhere with faster public chargers being developed that can charge the next cycle of electric vehicles in 20 minutes for a 80 percent charge.

[@cohort075]

@@Peter-vn8ue Your correct in the fact that no vehicle can do long distances like that. But you sort of miss the point, and that is, there are enough fuel stops across the Nullarbor for ice vehicles to get across it, and until there are enough EV charging stations, not just across the Nullarbor, but across the tyranny of distance around the country, EV’s will never really leave the urban areas. Yes, many thousands of people use flights to travel the great distances of our land, but! Many more travel the highways and byways also. The grey nomads, travelling around Australia, the citizens of this country travelling to remote places, seeing the sights and sounds of this vast country, will be at a disadvantage, if EV’s become the norm. Your 10 year plan, will have to hurry up, because in that 10 years, more and more car companies will be turning to EV manufacturing. Jaguar has already announced an all EV change, by 2025, Volvo by 2030. How many will follow on, not to be left behind. But the elephant in the room, is what you said in your last line, charging, that is the killer. You are going to need banks of charging stations, as many as you would find petrol pumps at a local servo. Motels will need charging points for every room they have, or big Hotels, one for every car that is in their parking spaces. Businesses, for their fleets of vehicles, etc etc etc. And charging times will need to be under at least 15 minutes. So you see, the complexity of the problem is vast. And we haven’t even touched on other countries problems, just ours.

[@alexandergunda8916]

John, since you have now accumulated a vast experience with your Kona EV I would like to ask your opinion on the upcoming Ioniq 5. Thank you!

[@gregandkaruna6674]

I am sure he will as it is due for release 2nd half this year and at least here in NZ we will get all 4 types 58kwh, 72kwh and in both rear wheel drive and AWD of course will also be approaching the $100k mark :-(

[@Tore_Lund]

Came here for a comment on the Tesla stock plummit. Will I be dissapointed? Tyre pressure, dragging brakes! Watching my consumption meter like a hawk so if I, for whatever reason, notice an amp or two higher draw for my speed, I know what to check without any tyrepressure sensors!

[@formulafish1536]

Whilst the ICE market had far better economic benefits for the consumer presently, mostly down to the fact that they’re everywhere and parts are easy to source locally (depending on the manufacturer of course), the EV does have many things going for it. Most notably it has far fewer moving parts, which leads to less wear and tear across the vehicle. You don’t need to worry about warming the engine, you don’t need to worry about putting the wrong fuel in, or adblue if you’re particularly daft. No concerns of the drivetrain giving in under load. No failing clutches or transmissions. Only 4 motors and suspension, whilst the rest is electric. No expensive DPF or EGR system. No Catalytic Converter, no injectors, no engine to blow up, no filters to replace at certain service intervals. So really, whilst operating costs may take 325000km to catch up (minus battery replacement), the true number would be significantly less with service periods due to the much reduced requirement to replace oils and filters, as well as injectors at certain points for Diesels. No timing kits, no gaskets. Just electrics. Though, if something goes wrong with the electrical system, you’re looking at needing some incredible money to diagnose and fix the problem given the vehicle can’t self diagnose

[@ozloop69]

I would ask this comparison if you first experience was that of a tesla model three instead of the Hyundai/Kia

[@stevemaltby4496]

Hey John. Did Hyundai disclose guaranteed battery life and the cost of replacement?. Apologies if already covered.

[@cros13]

8 years / 160,000km is the standard warranty on most EV packs. Lifespan in normal use is 20-25 years.

[@on-site4094]

What a crunch in cohonassss. 900 mil. That’s what happens when you let the customers do the testing John Your rashness bashful wisdom is greatly appreciated in North America 😝. I remember the days of Jamaica puntag escapades

[@NSW2040]

When the time comes to buy an electric car, what do you do about charging when you don't have off-street parking (apart from getting a long extension cord)?

[@russcattell955i]

Mike, you don't buy one, I suggest.

[@yggdrasil9039]

In the UK they've installed chargers in lamp posts. I've seen whole streets in London with extension cords coming out of the letter boxes at night to power their Leafs and i3s. It's quite a sight. For apartments that's an issue and if we had a more forward thinking administration in this country then we might make charging facilities available for apartment owners. But you can still own an EV if you have an apartment. You just have to use fast charging.

[@nevillegreg1]

Assuming many are likely to finance a portion of their car purchase, if then that means increaing the amount of financing for the more expensive EV, then the actual cost of the EV (after interest) will end up being significant more than just comparing the base costs of the EV and petrol versions.

[@ursodermatt8809]

yes, the same if you buy the next more expensive version.

[@B0r0]

UPDATE: Fuel now around $1.86/l which is now around 16.7c per km, for 15,000km (Aug 2022) Electricity around 32c.kWh or about $48 per 1000km. or 4.8c lets add the VICSHITTAX at 2.6c, thats a total of 7.4c/km the difference is now 9.3c per km, so the mileage is now approx 268,000km to break even. This doesnt account for rego discounts or Government handouts of $3,000.(which would know off another 32,000km giving a return at 236,000km or under 16 years return) BUT if you can afford an EV you can very possibly afford Solar to run it, so the cost is now 5.2c (your lost FIT costs) or $8.32 per 1000km bringing down the mileage to 10 years at 15,000 a year or 150,000km to break even. Im pretty sure someone will pick up a mistake I have made.

[@stevencarter7031]

So what vehicle will replace your Kona?

[@Puddingtops]

Sunday morning joy!

[@AutoExpertJC]

Where, exactly, is it Sunday morning?

[@Puddingtops]

@@AutoExpertJC It’s 7.38am in Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 and I’ve just woken up to you 🎉👍

[@AutoExpertJC]

Dude - it's Saturday. Big Friday night?

[@Puddingtops]

@@AutoExpertJC oh it’s Saturday lol 😂 to much drinking last night ! 😂

[@AutoExpertJC]

We'll just keep it between us. Did you wake up in the right bed?

[@colinframpton6118]

John. In QLD I pay $0.19 kwh for electricity, I know NSW and Victory can pay up to $0.26 I think

[@koitorob]

Get some solar panels...

[@chrisnewman7281]

As a recent retiree I can heartily recommend EV as a very low cost alternative transport mode. We installed extrasolar back in November and haven’t paid a cent in fuel since we park the car at home and recharge the car to cover the cost of a reasonably long journey in well under six hours using the power generated from our house rooftop solar.

[@ozloop69]

I now have one question for you the value of the Vehicle that you have driven has depreciated in that time how much will it now self or on the used market is a question I’d like to know because that is the future of EV is the resell after the wealthy have bought them and have grown board with them sell them at a loss to us who can’t really afford it but really do want one

[@N1WP]

That's why you need to bring back the Ming Molls!

[@Sobriquet71]

I keep watching the Steevo video round and round again to see your face John. Maybe Steevo can be proud to share, his share of covid-19 around because it's too hard to wash hands!

[@MiamiSunrise]

Many full electric cars have not been around long in the states and I'm pretty concerned about the long term reliability and long term quality charging. Not sure when I'm going to feel more comfortable getting an electric car.

[@AutoExpertJC]

I'm fine with it.

[@markh.6687]

@@JT_771 Nissan: Because we used junk transmissions, so why not cheap battery systems as well?

[@Brian-om2hh]

Indications from some Tesla drivers in the US, some of whom have covered 300'000 miles, are good. Battery life looks to be way better than originally anticipated, and could be as much as 15 years with care. An EV has way fewer moving parts than an i.c. car, so I think many of your reservations may be unfounded........

[@mychevysparkevdidntcatchfi1489]

@@JT_771 Nissan had 24 kWh, 24 kWh "lizard", 30 kWh, 40 kWh, 64 kWh, so they are on 6th generation battery still without proper battery management.

[@markh.6687]

Seen anecdotally that Toyota EV's (Prius) have gone over 200,000 miles (approx 321 Km) without replacement, and being several years old.

[@WTFaq]

Just get what you want. Dont worry, be happy.

[@gregidour7315]

John, you used to run at approx 10% likes to dislikes. You are now around 2%. Mate you need to up your game and piss more people off!

[@godtable]

"I love the smell of barbecue in the morning..." 😂😂😂😂

[@pauls876]

I'm a Canadian...and you release my inner aussie,, or is it ausie? In any case...any chance the aussies would be interested in taking over Canada? Things could only get better! Love you!...am I allowed to say that? Too late

[@pablostark1665]

Coming from West Oz, current alleged antipodean solar research station, word is that energy producers are going to flip the pricing strategy. That is, charge the peak rate of an evening and reduce rates for the sunlight hours. Will be interesting to see what impact that this has on peoples financials when looking to get an EV.

[@ursodermatt8809]

they will get batteries

[@davidbrayshaw3529]

A petro-sapian derives energy from sources other than food. I feel quite energised when I listen to Queen, Village People, Peter Allen, Barry Mannilow and Elton John. What does that make me?

[@dougstubbs9637]

A Boomer.

[@davidbrayshaw3529]

@@dougstubbs9637 Ha ha!, not quite, Doug, but I'm related to one.

[@markboscawen8330]

Something else to consider with an EV - Insurance! The relatively higher price on an BEV probably means proportionally higher premiums to insure that value. But the other factor affecting premiums is repair costs per claim & frequency of claim. Channels like Wham, Bam, Tesla Cam fairly frequently report the Tesla vehicle in the crash video is written-off, or the repair cost is in the tens of thousands of $. Just spitballing but my guess why is the heavier kerb weight of a BEV (compared to an ICE vehicle) means extra kinetic energy has to be dissipated in the crumple zone in a crash. So more damage compared to an ICE vehicle everything else being equal. The exceptionally quick acceleration off the mark also seems to get a lot of Teslas into an intersection in perfect time to be T-boned by a red-light-runner. And a Teslas being keyed by jealous/angry vandal happens about every second week. So, any thoughts on the above & their affect on insurance premiums for BEV owners?

[@BrogeKilrain]

I don’t car what they say about you I think your great 👍🏼 😆😆

[@Rb-fp7mw]

Spot on about Tesla's and their drivers.

[@AdamMansbridge]

Dude, fix your apostrophe before senpai notices! (remove it, it's a plural, apostrophes are for ownership and abbreviations)

[@jaffamanchang]

Yoda, I salute you

[@dereknicol5284]

Here in the UK i do my recharging at night when my energy company charges me five pence per KWH.. so an empty to full battery (Tesla M3SR+) costs around two pounds and fifty pence. My maintenance costs in the first fifteen months of ownership have been a big fat zero and ive only been on two journeys long enough to require a visit to a Tesla Supercharger or two. I wish my classic Corvette was so inexpensive to run.

[@alanjm1234]

Yeah, it's a bit easier in the UK. Here in Aus, to visit my parent's house is 800km away. My brother 1000km. Other family from 1300 to 4000km away.

[@franciscoshi1968]

@@alanjm1234 I don't know anyone who would rather drive 4000km than fly.

[@andrewd7586]

Oh...my...John!🙏🏻 Mate I have absolutely nothing to add either negatively or positively to this EV “argument”! Suffice to say I’m so fucking glad I wore a bloody bib whilst enjoying my evening beverage! I’m just preparing for the old people’s home!🤤👍🏼🤣

[@rfmonkey4942]

And Phuk yes I am doing my part for the environment,,,. Just purchased a 5 litter twin turbo diesel from VW

[@mychevysparkevdidntcatchfi1489]

You must love paying oil companies. KonaEV costs about the same as VW GTI that performs like KonaEV while diesel costs 3 to 4 times as much to fuel.

[@waldemarii]

Pickle look ftw!

[@plazmafire]

I'm by no means a Tesla fanboy, but I do know a few of them. The newest Model 3s to arrive in Aus are now made in China, instead of Retardistan. I have it on very good authority that the Chinese built ones are built A LOT better than the 'Murican ones. Like visiby better just standing there looking at it (panel gaps, and like actual quality control inspections before being shipped). I know it's not much, but it's certainly a step in the right direction. Now, if only things like the Hyundai were more affordable, I may be able to afford one. Doesn't mean I have somewhere to charge one though. I live in a big block of units that actually has individual garages for each unit. Sadly though, no power available at all in said garage. That's one big issue that's going to need to be solved before a massive shift to EVs can occur. Keep up the good work John. Paul.

[@franciscoshi1968]

MG ZS EV. 43k drive away. I got one about a month ago. It only has 260km of range. I bought it as a run about for the Mrs. It was only meant to be needed for 50km/day. Unfortunately it is so nice to drive and cheap to recharge that we end up driving just for the fun of it. We have averaged 150km/day in the first 3 weeks. I can't say I am saving the environment. But on the subject of range I have not been restricted by the range at all. I just came back from a dirt bike race and if it wasn't because I specifically did not want to put a tow bar on the EV (to avoid the temptation of using it to do dirty things and ruin the interior) the EV with 260km of range would have got us there and back. Just to prove the point I drove the petrol SUV on the same rout as I would have driven the EV and stopped at the charger for the time I was expected to charge and I have to say that having a meal takes longer than charging.

[@SydneySewerat]

John, there is the middle ground: PHEV. Jan '21 EU sales had PHEVs outsell pure EVs for first time in 3yrs. My 3mth old Outlander PHEV cost $8k more than petrol AWD version and at the 12 cents /kWhr nite charge, 9cents on sunny solar day, I'll save > $1.5k/yr. (Not the whole distance to the moon till break even, only 30% the way). And no 30min wait behind the tesla at NRMA coonabarabran charger cause the $18/hr chap at the Coles express tops my petrol tank in 1 min, albeit with hand wash . But I've tasted EV driving. I....can't....give ....it.....up! Bliss.