With an all-inclusive plan, Origin’s EV subscription lets you experience the thrill of driving an electric car without the long-term commitment of ownership. Whether you’re looking to test the waters before making the switch, an EV subscription gives you peace of mind and financial flexibility. 

Plus, with the rising cost of fuel, it’s a great time to explore the world of driving electric. So why not see for yourself if an EV fits into your life? 

Here are three compelling reasons why an EV subscription could be your perfect match. 

1. You can try before you buy

We’ve all been there, contemplating whether to purchase an item we’ve had our eye on for years. You’re unsure whether it’s a smart financial decision or if it aligns with your lifestyle. If this sounds like you when it comes to an EV, you’re in luck. The beauty of an EV subscription is that you can try an EV before committing to a purchase^#. With its flexibility, convenience, and potential tax savings,*** an EV subscription allows you to trial an EV without the long-term financial commitment.  

As you know EVs are a big upfront purchase. Take the BYD Seal as an example, which starts from $49,888. However, with an Origin subscription, you can get it from just $217 per week (salary packaged). 

2. You can try different EVs without a lock-in contract

If you’re not entirely sure which car is right for you, you can try different EVs with no lock-in contracts! With Origin EV subscriptions you get the freedom to return or subscribe to a different car with just 30 days’ notice**. 

With loads of subscriptions to choose from (depending on your budget of course), including BYD, Kia, Polestar Tesla and Toyota, you’re spoilt for choice. All of these vehicles also come in at different price points, catering to a range of budgets.

To give you an insight into the prices, you can get a Tesla Model Y from $298 per week, a BYD Atto 3 from $251 per week or a Kia EV5 Air from $309 per week. 

3. There may be tax savings

Origin offers a salary package EV subscription that allows you to experience the perks of an electric vehicle and potentially save on taxes. The subscription has all-inclusive pricing, with insurance, registration, tyres, and maintenance included in one simple payment. You can opt for an annual subscription, where you get access to a cost reduction of 15% for up to five years, or you also have the option to purchase the car after three years. 

My experience with an EV

This summer, I tried the BYD Seal. Currently, I have a Tesla Model Y, so I wanted to see how the BYD Seal compares, and it honestly surprised me. 

Here’s what stood out to me: the navigation is a game-changer, especially on busy highways. It’s got Apple CarPlay, and you can rotate the screen—it’s like having a giant iPad in your car. Plus, there’s a panoramic parking view. 

The driving experience is smooth and quiet, and with a 460 km range on a single charge, it’s perfect for summer road trips. 

What really made this experience worth it was the flexibility and convenience of the subscription. I could also try something new without having buyer’s remorse. 

Why an EV subscription might be right for you

If you’ve been eyeing an EV for a while now and are still unsure whether to take the plunge, then an EV subscription might just be for you. With an Origin EV subscription, you can drive an EV without having to pay the full up front costs and commit to a purchase.  

In addition to the low costs and commitment, the EV subscription is great for people who want an all-inclusive and hassle-free option. With a flexible plan, you can try out as many EVs as possible — allowing you to switch or cancel cars without long-term commitments.

Final thoughts

I had a great experience driving the BYD Seal and would recommend the EV to anyone who is thinking of trying out an EV. The flexibility, low costs, all-inclusive pricing, and potential tax savings of Origin’s EV subscriptions are totally worth it! 

Curious about trying out an EV Subscription?

The post 3 reasons why an EV subscription could be perfect for you appeared first on The Origin Blog.

With the increasing speed of tech change and innovation, sometimes it can be hard to keep up with latest facts and information. For example, when it comes to EVs, several past facts have now become falsehoods as technology has advanced. And some were never even facts to begin with.  

We asked out EV experts for some of the most common, and weirdest, EV myths they’ve heard and got to work busting them! 

They’re more expensive than traditional cars

As technology evolves, it typically becomes more affordable and efficient, and EVs are no exception. Initially, EVs cost up to twice as much as comparable internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. However, with an increasing number of manufacturers entering the market and technology improvements, the price of EVs is decreasing and becoming more affordable. Today, there are many EVs available at a variety of price points, including several under $40,000.  

When considering the total cost of ownership, EVs can be more economical to operate than petrol or diesel cars. The Electric Vehicle Council EV cost of ownership page can help you understand the costs associated with EVs in more detail.

There isn’t enough charging infrastructure

As more people start adopting EVs, it’s true there will be a need for more public charging infrastructure in high-density inner-city areas (where many residents don’t have access to off-street parking). However, if you’re away from home and travelling long distances, the public charging network in Australia is already well built out and improving by the day. From Adelaide all the way up to North Queensland, there’s good charging infrastructure and via a smartphone app or your car’s digital screen, you can see which chargers are available and where they’re located. 

When it comes to inner-city areas, many apartment complexes are already installing, or looking to install, EV chargers for their residents. As of October 2023, all new developments must make provisions for EV charging. 

You need a special charging set up

Yes and No. It really depends on your personal situation. For efficient home charging, we recommend installing a Level 2 dedicated wall charger, which offers faster charging speeds. 

For those who depend on public charging, you can use resources like PlugShare. Find out more about the basics of EV Charging. 

Charging is too expensive

Charging your EV comes with different price tags depending on how you go about it. Most EV owners prefer to charge at home or work – roughly 80% choose to charge their vehicles at home overnight – allowing them to set charging schedules to take advantage of cheaper electricity. This includes solar power during the day and off-peak rates at night. This savvy charging strategy can slash your costs by up to 90%, compared to filling up an ICE vehicle. 

When on the road, public fast chargers are a great option but generally cost more than private charging. Savvy EV drivers can also use free charging services like Jolt, that offers 7kWh of free charging each day.   

If you’re a Tesla owner, with Origin EV Power Up you can access 8c/kWh EV charging – that could mean less than $5 for a full charge*.

The cost of maintenance is expensive

Once you’ve purchased an EV, running costs can be up to 90% lower than a petrol car. 

Ongoing costs include maintenance and fuel. As an example, a tank per week in a 60-litre petrol car could cost over $350 per month, when the equivalent amount of driving in an EV will cost around $70 per month (if you’re paying top dollar at external chargers). More likely, when charging at home, you’ll experience cheaper charging costs. 

Then there are servicing charges, which are significant in a petrol car. But as there are so few moving parts in an EV, services are quicker and less expensive. Air filters, tyre and brake wear, etc, still need to be checked, but most of the messy and expensive work – oils, spark plugs, bearings, gaskets and so much more – is no longer required.

The driving range of EVs is unacceptable in Australia

As most car journeys are short – according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the average Australian passenger car travels around 33 kilometres per day – charging time and the cost to top up each day at home is negligible. And, if your home (or workplace) has solar and you charge during the day, charging can potentially be free. 

EVs available in Australia can travel 300 to 650 kilometres per charge – and not many people drive that far in a day. 

For long trips, perhaps an annual holiday, there’s a public charging network where cars can fully charge from 0% in 20 to 60 minutes. More likely, you’d be filling up from around 30% and require less charging time. With some careful planning on route, travelling long distances is entirely possible. 

They’re weird to drive

There are a couple of notable difference between EVs and ICE cars that may seem strange at first.  

EVs are much quieter than ICE vehicles because they don’t have an engine or exhaust system. EVs deliver instant torque, meaning they can accelerate very quickly right from a stop. Typically, EVs have simpler transmission systems, often using a single fixed gear ratio – and there’s no gear shifting, either manual or automatic, which simplifies driving.  

The design and user interface in EVs can also be quite different. Many EVs utilise digital interfaces extensively and may have different placements for buttons and controls, focusing more on technology and connectivity features. 

These differences can make EVs feel ‘weird’ or unfamiliar at first, especially for those who have been driving ICE vehicles for a long time. However, the growing number of EV sales in Australia paints a promising picture of what people enjoy driving – in 2023 alone, EV sales increased by a whopping 161 per cent! 

You can’t hear an EV approaching

 When an electric vehicle (EV) travels at speeds above 30km/h, it produces noise levels like those of an ICE car. This is due to road noise, rather than engine sound. Below this speed, however, EVs can are quiet and harder to hear. As a result, manufacturers have incorporated artificial sounds into EVs to alert pedestrians of their presence. Some manufacturers are getting creative and using composers to develop a sound for their EVs.   

You can be electrocuted when driving in the rain

Electric cars are just as safe to drive in the rain as ICE cars, thanks to rigorous safety standards. To safeguard drivers from electrocution and other electrical risks, the battery, charging system, and other components undergo extensive testing and certification. This ensures you can safely charge your car and navigate through puddles or rain without the risk of electrocution. However, just like ICE cars it is recommended not to drive through flood water.  

Batteries end up in landfill

 EV batteries are a valuable resource that after use in an EV can be repurposed for second life application for grid storage — think home batteries for solar or being recycled to recover raw materials for new batteries.  
 
In Australia, the Association for the Battery Recycling Industry (ABRI) plays a crucial role in promoting a circular economy for batteries and ensuring EV batteries avoid landfill. To better understand the lifecycle of EV batteries, check out the Electric Vehicle Council infographic and information page. 

EVs can’t tow

Electric motors, like their ICE counterparts, can handle heavy loads – producing their torque almost instantly from when the motor starts spinning. Unlike internal combustion engines which need to build up speed before producing max torque. The challenge with electric motors, is they need a lot of electricity (transported in a battery pack), but it is possible – just look at trains and trams.  

If your lifestyle means you need towing power, it’s important to factor this in when researching which EV is right for you. 

At present, the EV with the largest tow capacity is the BMW iX large SUV, which is rated to tow up to 2.5 tonnes. While EVs at present have significantly lower towing capacities to traditional petrol cars, the demand for towing capabilities is growing. 

EVs damage the road

It stands to reason that the heavier the car, the more friction between tyres and road, resulting in roads deteriorating quicker. The reality is that heavy vehicles and lighter vehicles can be both ICE and EVs.  
 
EVs are generally 300kg to 400kg heavier than their ICE equivalents due to their batteries. If you think about Australia’s new car buying trends, you’ll find Australia’s top selling vehicles Ford Ranger and the Toyota Hilux are both dual cabs and their kerb weight starts from 1950kg to 2,296kg. Compare that to the Telsa model Y kerb weight is around 1911 to 1981kg.  
 
This myth began when the University of Edinburgh calculated that EVs have a 20-40% higher road wear rate than ICE. However, the assumption was incorrect. Instead, it was determined road damage is caused by large vehicles like buses and trucks. 

Anybody who’s driven an EV will tell you that the instant-on power makes the driving experience about as much fun as it can be. Find out how we can get you, or your business, in an EV sooner. 

*Based on a continuous electricity charge rate of 8c/kWh powering a Tesla Model Y with a useable 57.5 kWh battery. The estimated cost is $4.60 to charge a Tesla Model Y (RWD) from zero charge to full capacity with Origin EV Power Up.

The post Common EV myths appeared first on The Origin Blog.

So, how does it work?

Origin EV Power Up leverages smart charging technology to find the most affordable times to charge your electric vehicle (EV) – usually during off-peak hours or when there’s excess solar energy in the grid. This translates into significant savings – like a full EV charge for under $5!* 

But the benefits go beyond your wallet. EV Power Up helps reduce strain on the electricity grid during peak usage times. By charging strategically, we can help you contribute to a more sustainable energy future.  

Do I need solar to take advantage of EV Power Up?

No! It doesn’t matter whether you’ve got solar panels, a solar and battery set up, or neither, you can still use Origin EV Power Up. We’re already working on making EV Power Up smarter (think automatic charging straight from your solar panels) but while we’re tinkering and optimising, you can still enjoy the low 8c/kWh rate EV Power Up offers, helping to significantly reduce your charging costs. Plus, by charging during the day, when there’s more solar in the grid, you’re helping reduce strain on the grid too. It’s a win-win.

What if I have a solar battery?

For battery owners, there can a bit more to think about. EV Power Up may not work quite as expected, due to the fact that your EV may be charged directly from your battery – which often might not be in your best interest anyway.

To help minimise the impact this may have, here are a few helpful tips:  

• If you know when you want to use the electricity stored in your battery within your household (for example, when you’re home from work or even waking up in the morning), avoid plugging your EV in at that time. 
• If your battery has this feature, you can disable battery discharging when you might normally charge the car, such as overnight or even during the day.

EV Power Up is evolving and we’ll continue to build out the features and capabilities, but in the meantime, even without solar, it offers a great solution for Tesla owners looking to save money and make smarter charging choices.  

Ready to Power Up your savings?

Disclaimers 

*Based on a continuous electricity charge rate of 8c/kWh powering a Tesla Model Y with a useable 57.5 kWh battery. The estimated cost is $4.60 to charge a Tesla Model Y (RWD) from zero charge to full capacity with Origin EV Power Up. 

The post Level up your EV charging game appeared first on The Origin Blog.

Get the most out of your Tesla EV charge

If you have a Tesla EV and you’re charging it at home, you probably think all you need to do is plug it in and your job is done, right? Wrong! Well, not entirely wrong, but not completely right either. Here’s how to get the most out of your charge and how Origin EV Power up can help you maximise it.

All you need is an 80% charge

Imagine charging up your EV battery with lithium ions like cars filling up a car park. The first cars have an extremely easy time finding spaces, but as the car park fills up, it can take longer and longer for cars to find a spot. Aimlessly driving around the car park to the point they’ve forgotten why they left the house in the first place and if this is all worth it. 

The same logic applies to the lithium ions finding a space to park inside the battery, an empty battery is akin to an empty parking lot. With Origin EV Power Up, that’s one less thing to worry about as we’ll use the charge limit from your car that’s set to the manufacturer’s recommended default level. So, all you need to do is set a time you need your Tesla charged by and Origin EV Power Up will take charge of the rest. 

The best EV charging time

Now that you know the how, let’s break down the when. Origin EV Power Up uses real-time electricity price tracking to ensure you receive the cheapest possible charge every time. Just like petrol, electricity prices fluctuate due to supply and demand, being more expensive in what is known as ‘peak times’ – in energy, these generally span from 5pm – 9pm. 

We’ll use hours outside of peak hours to charge your Tesla – this might mean charging your car during the day when there’s more solar in the grid or later at night, when there’s less demand. If you really need to charge your EV during peak hours, you can use our schedule override feature, Instant Charge. However, keep in mind that you’ll forgo the 8c/kWh Origin EV Power Up rate and you will be charged at your standard energy tariff rate. 
 
To maximise the effectiveness of Origin EV Power Up it’s essential to keep your Tesla EV plugged in as often as feasible. This enables us to source cost-effective energy, including energy from renewable sources, and guarantees sufficient time for your car to charge.  

Start charging forward

Now that you’ve learnt the basics of EV charging, put that knowledge to use and take your EV from zero to full for under $5*. Link your car, set your charge-ready time, and power up your savings with Origin EV Power Up. Ready to level up?

*Based on a continuous electricity charge rate of 8c/kWh powering a Tesla Model Y with a useable 57.5 kWh battery. The estimated cost is $4.60 to charge a Tesla Model Y (RWD) from zero charge to full capacity with Origin EV Power Up.

The post $5 can take you a long way appeared first on The Origin Blog.

There’s charging your EV and then there’s Powering Up your EV

If you’re reading this, you probably have an electric vehicle (EV). Maybe you bought it because you thought it was cool (they are) or because you wanted to reduce your carbon footprint (they can help too). Or maybe you were just tired of being held upside down by your ankles at the service station and watching all the money drain out of your pockets and into the tank.  

If it’s the latter, this article will be particularly relevant, but no matter what reason you have for owning, or wanting to own, an EV, you’ll most certainly want to make the most out of it financially. And that’s where Origin EV Power Up comes in. 

Getting more bang for your EV buck

Just like petrol prices move up and down due to supply and demand, electricity prices also fluctuate, and the price of charging your vehicle can vary. We all know charging your EV is cheaper than filling up a tank with petrol, but the advantages of an EV charge can go even further. Imagine a world where you could fill your car with petrol, at the same great rate, each time you visit the bowser. Well, with a Tesla EV and Origin EV Power Up, that kind of thinking is a reality.  

How Origin EV Power Up works

By using smart tech in the Origin app, Origin EV Power Up ensures your Tesla has access to a lean 8c/kWh electricity rate^. All you’ll need is the Origin app, a residential Origin electricity plan and your Tesla. Simply pair your Tesla via the app, set the time you need your car’s charge to be completed by, then plug in and save.  

Conveniently, EV Power Up uses the same charging cable you’re already using at home, and you don’t need to change your Origin energy plan. The only change you’ll need to make is ensuring your compatible EV is plugged in whenever possible when you’re at home, and that you’ve set your charge-ready time.  

You’re probably thinking, where’s the catch? What will happen if I charge during peak times while using EV Power Up? Great question, we’re glad you asked! Origin EV Power Up works by finding low-cost energy to charge your Tesla EV, like when there’s excess solar during the day or when demand is lower overnight, and avoids charging during peak demand times, when energy is usually at its most expensive (and sourced from gas and coal). If you do need to charge during peak times, we offer an ‘Instant Charge’ feature, but more on that shortly. 

So, when should I charge?

If you’re at home, for EV Power Up to work at its fullest potential, you should have your EV plugged in as much as possible. This allows us to find cheaper energy, which can include renewable sources, and ensure your EV has enough time to charge. 

Peak times typically fall from 5pm to 9pm – although other events, like weather patterns, can influence when a peak period takes place. In most cases though, there’s no need to dust off the crystal ball to foresee electricity prices, all you have to do is ensure your EV’s plugged in at home, and make sure you’ve set a charge-ready time with enough time left in non-peak hours to complete your charge. 

What if I need urgent access to my EV?

No problem, you can still use the Instant Charge feature whenever you want with a schedule override feature. Instant Charge means we’ll start to charge your EV straight away. The only trade-off? You won’t receive the Origin EV Power Up 8c/kWh charge rate for that session, you’ll be charged at the standard rate on your energy plan. With EV Power Up, you still have complete control of your charge using the Origin app — our app also offers usage data to help you tweak your habits for optimal efficiency. Helping you charge smarter and cheaper. 

How will my billing work?

By now you’re probably wondering exactly how you pay less per month than before. Initially, you’ll be charged the same amount as you’d normally pay on your energy plan. We’ll then apply a monthly credit to your bill based on the amount of electricity used to charge your EV using Origin EV Power Up. This amount is calculated using charging data from your EV.  The credit applied means you’ll only be charged 8c/kWh for any scheduled EV charging through Origin EV Power Up.  

So, ‘watt’ next?

Ready to take control of your EV charging? Link your car, set your charge-ready time, and power up your savings with Origin EV Power Up. Be one of the first to experience the future of EV charging. 

The post Here’s how to slash your Tesla EV charging costs by over 70%*! appeared first on The Origin Blog.

Let’s start with the similarities

Both subscription and novated lease require your employer to accept salary packaging. Both options are also salary sacrifice arrangements that reduce your taxable income, meaning you may pay less tax on your income. With either of these programs, you could save thousands compared to taking a loan or buying an EV outright. 

What is an EV subscription?

Subscriptions are a relatively new way to salary sacrifice. In fact, Origin was first to market with salary packaged subscription in Australia in early 2023. Following trials with our own people, we found that flexibility is highly valued and ideal for those who are curious about EVs and want to test them without making a long-term commitment.  

The Origin 360 EV Subscription model is designed with flexibility in mind. With no lock-in contracts and only 30 days’ notice to cancel or swap EV models, you’ll have scope to test other EVs to decide what’s best for you. For example, you may start out with a Mini Electric subscription and decide that a Tesla Model 3 subscription suits your needs better. 

What is a novated lease?

A novated lease is a three-way agreement between an employer, an employee, and a novated lease provider. Employees can finance a car as part of their pre-tax salary, also known as salary packaging or salary reduction. 

Which is better, a novated lease or subscription?

Novated lease and subscription are both cost-effective ways to get behind the wheel of an EV. Perks include possible tax savings and offsetting the car’s running costs, as well as having the option to return, replace or buy the vehicle after a set time. 

Deciding between a novated lease and a subscription depends on your individual circumstances and requirements. Let’s explore the pros and cons of both. 

Benefits of a novated lease

The advantage of a novated lease is you can choose to novate your current vehicle, used car, petrol, diesel, or EV car, or select the latest model fresh from the dealer showroom. Most novated lease companies^* allow you to add accessories (such as a bull bar). This is ideal if you have a particular vehicle in mind such as a traditional fuel or 4WD vehicle.  

Considerations

Like a traditional loan, obtaining a novated lease requires a credit assessment and, in certain cases, a deposit. These leases typically have fixed-term contracts spanning several years.  

This may be manageable if you plan to stay in the same job but if your employment circumstances change, and you’re unable to transfer the lease to a new employer, you might have to cancel it. Cancelling may incur exit fees, and you’ll be required to settle the residual value of the vehicle calculated as a percentage of the car’s total value. It’s important to check the details in the contract before signing. 

Benefits of subscription

On the other hand, Origin 360 EV Subscription bears all financial risk, without lock-in commitments or exit fees. Allowing you the freedom to trial an electric car on a month-to-month basis, eliminating upfront financial commitments – an excellent way to try out an EV without getting locked in. 

Our subscription package also allows subscribers to swap or upgrade to the latest EV model with 30 days’ notice^**. On the flip side, if you’re enjoying your EV, keep it and every 12 months, you’ll receive a 15% discount^# with the option to buy the vehicle after the third year_^{^}.  

As we’re also energy experts, we can help you get the most out of your EV through our connected home offerings like solar panels and battery storage systems. 

Considerations

If you have a petrol or diesel car in mind or want to add accessories such as a tow or bull bar to your car, then an EV subscription isn’t right for you. For most though, the reality is many EVs come with everything you’ll need for your daily commute and weekend adventures. 

How do EV subscriptions and novated leases differ?

Of course, it’s important to seek independent legal, financial and tax advice when making any financial decisions in respect of the appropriateness of salary packaging for your circumstances.

At Origin we’re dedicated to helping Australians make the switch to electric vehicles, from home charging solutions to business leasing, subscriptions, car sharing and much more. Find out how to get an Origin 360 EV subscription in your businesses.  

The post What’s the difference between a novated lease and a subscription?  appeared first on The Origin Blog.

Why now is the time to electrify your fleet

Governments at both state and federal level are currently incentivising the uptake of EVs with targeted rebates and subsidies – meaning it’s a great time to look at making the switch to electric. Incentives like the recent Fringe Benefits Tax exemption for electric vehicles (Electric Car Discount) alongside other relevant incentives are helping fuel demand, as the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for electric vehicles can be equal, if not lower, than a comparable internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. 

David Helmy, Head of Sales eMobility at Origin,  says, “Given the rate of growth, taking the first steps now is important to understand key considerations such as driver engagement and charging requirements. Those insights mean you will be equipped to transition your wider fleet as new models continue to launch across segments.” 

Origin 360 EV’s expertise across EV fleet management, charging, driver engagement and transition management can help to make switching to EVs simple and seamless for businesses. Helping businesses access these incentives and optimise cost efficiencies throughout their transition. 

There are a range of EV models available

There’s a growing range of EVs on the market that are featuring in business fleets. With manufacturers like Hyundai, KIA, Nissan, Renault, MG, Polestar, Tesla and BYD just a few of the options available — EVs are no longer limited to luxury class vehicles.  So now, you’re sure to find the right EV to suit your business needs.

“We’ve seen monumental improvements in EVs in recent years: from model availability to battery range and charging systems. This development means EVs are an area of focus for many fleets with a variety of options available to meet business needs.”  

– David Helmy, Head of Sales eMobility, Origin.

EVs can help you save on running costs

A key consideration for businesses, especially when changing vehicles, is how the switch to electric vehicles helps their bottom line.  

“High-utilisation fleets are already seeing competitive economics when switching to electric vehicles due to the lower running costs of EVs” says David. “With an average cost of $0.04/km in electricity, compared to $0.14/km in fuel costs, businesses can save up to 70% on fleet running costs.”  

EVs are also disrupting the legacy automotive model more broadly through their lower service requirements. EVs have far fewer moving parts than ICE vehicles, and less consumables requiring regular replacement. Transport for NSW estimate maintenance savings of up to 40% for EVs compared to legacy combustion engines.

Optimise savings with smart charging

‘Smart chargers’ are EV chargers with internet connectivity, enabling a range of connected features via software that are valuable for businesses.  

“We can drive the running costs of EVs even lower with smart chargers by scheduling charging to occur when energy costs are lower.”  says David.   

“We recognise the ideal charging strategy will differ from business to business, and that’s why we offer tailored solutions. We look at each site – whether at business premises or employee homes – to identify the most effective installation for that business and its fleet.   

Origin 360 EV is dedicated to helping Australians make the switch to electric vehicles. We offer a range of products and services, from home charging solutions to business leasing, subscriptions and car sharing. 

This article is part of the Origin Business EVs blog series. Origin Business EVs is a resource and content series providing expertise and practical advice to Australian businesses considering electric vehicles.  

The post Why you should electrify your business fleet appeared first on The Origin Blog.

So, what exactly is an electric car?

Electric cars – also known as electric vehicles (EVs) – are powered by a battery and an electric motor, rather than petrol or diesel in an internal combustion engine (ICE). Currently there are three main types of electric cars available to choose from within Australia; the Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), Plug in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), and Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV). 

The HEV, which is available in models such as the Toyota Corolla and Kia Niro, uses a combination of petrol/diesel and battery power which is activated while the engine is running at low revolutions and is charged through regenerative braking while the engine runs on fuel.  

The PHEV, such as the Ford Escape or Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, is similar but differs as the driver can opt to run their car solely on the battery and charge it using an EV charger. It should be noted that these vehicles still have very limited range running on battery alone. 

Finally, the BEV is the cleaner of the three options to drive. Running entirely off batteries that can be charged from regular wall sockets or home chargers, or at public charging stations. With no fuel components like the HEV or PHEV, battery powered electric cars are a great option with lower ongoing running and maintenance costs due to fewer moving parts.

While hybrid cars sound like a nice middle ground, they still require fuel and more frequent maintenance compared to electric cars, and they have only a small amount of range for the electric powered drive. 

Why should you consider an electric car?

With lower carbon emissions, less maintenance requirements and cheaper running costs – there are many benefits to going electric.  

Electric cars cost about 70% less to run per km when compared to petrol powered vehicles and an EV only costs 2c per km in maintenance, compared with 7c per km for an ICE, according to the Electric Vehicle Council. And if you’re one of the 3.2 million Australian households with rooftop solar, you could be running an EV powered by the sun. 

In addition to saving on running costs, a number of vehicle manufacturers have committed that 100% of their new vehicles will be fully electric by 2030, leading to greater consumer choice, with a range of affordable options on the market to suit varying budgets and transport needs.  

The technology powering these vehicles has also improved rapidly. The average electric car driving range for a Tesla Model 3 Long Range is 602 km, BYD ATTO 3 is 480 km or MG ZS EV is 440 km. The average Australian motorist drives 43 km per day — well under this range.  

What costs are associated with electric cars?

Before purchasing any car, it’s important to do your research when it comes to cost. While Tesla may be the most recognisable electric car manufacturer, there are a range of affordable options such as the MG4 Excite and BYD Dolphin, which retail at around $39,000+ AUD. 

Beyond outright purchase, there are a number of ways into the EV market such as employee subscriptions with salary packaging and EV car share programs.

Research from the CSIRO also anticipates that small EVs will reach cost parity with ICEs by 2025 with current growth rates in technology, and cost parity can be achieved even sooner with most state governments offering incentives to purchase electric cars.

Pending which state they live in, new electric car owners can also apply for incentives such as flat rate or reduced stamp duty and vehicle registration, as well as up to $3,000 in subsidies or discounts. Governments are also increasing funding efforts to charging infrastructure in response to electric being the main mode of transport by 2030.   

The world of electric cars is an exciting one and thanks to technology, increased mass demand, policy and support from leading car manufacturers — Australia is quickly moving towards a more integrated electric car network.  

Origin 360 EV is dedicated to helping Australians make the switch to electric vehicles. We offer a range of products and services, from home charging solutions to business leasing, subscriptions and car sharing. 

The post A beginner’s guide to electric cars appeared first on The Origin Blog.

There are several options available to help provide greater control over your energy consumption, including Power Saver and Origin Smart Schedule – a function that optimises your energy usage, which is available if you have solar panels. 

How smart scheduling works

Smart scheduling, available now, allows you to get more out of your EV the next time you get in. Powered by the Origin app, the smart scheduling feature allows you to choose when you charge your EV, allowing you the option to reduce demand on the electricity grid and maximise the value from your existing solar panels.  

There are two default scheduling options for EV charging, both giving you the freedom to choose the method that best suits your needs. In addition, the Smart Schedule* preset option utilises historical data to forecast and schedule your EV charging. There’s also an option for full schedule customisation that meets any of your individual requirements. 

• Smart scheduling: an adaptive charging schedule to optimise energy delivery – this option is available if you have solar panels installed in your home and sufficient usage data* is available.
• Overnight: charges your EV overnight utilising off-peak energy supply.
• Overnight and solar: another off-peak charging option which utilises solar power during the day when solar energy capture is at its highest. 

How Power Saver works

There’s even a way to save a little on the bottom line with 50 cents daily credit up for grabs. Simply turn on the Power Saver option in the Origin app and we’ll automatically pause your charging during the peak 3pm-9pm window to alleviate demand on the grid. 
 
Smart scheduling which is available now and Power Saver, coming in June, will form part of an initial beta for customers who have an Origin supplied smart charger. 

Existing Origin Energy customers that have a Schneider Electric vehicle charger installed by Origin can simply open the Origin app (or download it if you haven’t already) and you’ll see the ‘Smart Charging & scheduling’ section above the existing ‘Electricity’ section. 

Who can take part in the trial?

Right now, this trial program is only available to Origin customers (and employees) who have purchased a Schneider fast charger from us with a smart meter at their property. 

*Available if you have solar panels in your home and there is sufficient data (at least one month of utilisation) pertaining to your energy usage. 

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