EV: To be or not to be.
Hi, my name is Aamir Mirza,( ????? ????? ????? ?????? ????? ) an AI researcher based in Melbourne, Australia. This blog is a departure from my usual articles, which mostly focuses on artificial intelligence. The reason, of course, is that a few months ago, I bought an electric vehicle (EV). The experience has been eye-opening, and I wanted to share my thoughts, challenges, and insights as a new EV owner. From the initial excitement to the practical realities, this journey has been as fascinating as my explorations in AI, and I hope to provide a fresh perspective for those considering making the switch to electric mobility.
Since I live in Australia, most of my EV experiences are grounded in my local context. This includes navigating the unique aspects of EV infrastructure here, such as charging station availability, energy pricing, and regional attitudes towards electric vehicles. I've encountered both the advantages and challenges specific to Australia, from dealing with the vast distances between cities to understanding how our climate impacts EV performance. Through this blog, I aim to explore these topics and more, offering a nuanced view of what it's like to own an EV in this part of the world.
Since I own a BYD Atto-3, much of my context will be based on my personal experience with this vehicle. I'll also be drawing some comparisons to the Tesla Model 3, which is owned by a friend, to provide a broader perspective. This comparison will help highlight the differences in features, performance, and overall driving experience between these two popular EV models. Through this lens, I aim to provide insights into the strengths and weaknesses of each vehicle, and offer a more comprehensive view of the current state of electric vehicles in Australia.
Advertisements and distractions.
Before jumping on the EV bandwagon, I watched a lot of YouTube videos on electric vehicles. These videos, filled with advertisements and enthusiastic reviews, painted a very promising picture of EV ownership. The sleek designs, futuristic technology, and promises of eco-friendliness were all very appealing. However, amidst the excitement, I found it challenging to separate the genuine benefits from the marketing hype. It's easy to get caught up in the glossy presentations and influencer endorsements, but I knew that real-world experience might tell a different story. This blog is my attempt to cut through the noise and share my authentic experiences and insights.
In hindsight, every influencer-endorsed presentation seemed designed to distract me from addressing the big elephant in the room. Retrospectively, when I think about it, the issues were right in front of me all along; I just failed to see them. The focus on the flashy aspects of EVs often overshadowed practical considerations like range anxiety, charging infrastructure, and the true cost of ownership. It's easy to get swept up in the excitement and overlook these critical factors, but now, with the benefit of experience, I can see how important it is to consider the full picture before making such a significant decision.
For the sake of consistency and simplicity I have divided this blog into five key sections.
How much do you drive?
One of the key considerations when deciding to switch to an electric vehicle is understanding your driving habits. Before purchasing my BYD Atto-3, I had to take a close look at how much I drive on a daily and weekly basis. This analysis was crucial for evaluating the practicality of an EV for my lifestyle. Many promotional materials and influencers emphasize the benefits of EVs, but the reality is that these advantages can vary greatly depending on how often and how far you drive. In this section, I'll explore the importance of understanding your driving patterns and how they impact the overall EV experience.
My typical week involves driving over 400 kilometers, and I was simply tired of paying the ever-increasing costs for petrol. The expense of fueling a traditional gasoline car was becoming a significant burden, and it was one of the main reasons I started considering an electric vehicle. The idea of cutting down on fuel costs and possibly saving money in the long run was a major driving force behind my decision. With the rising price of petrol, the potential savings and environmental benefits of switching to an EV seemed like a compelling alternative.
For those unfamiliar with Melbourne, it's a sprawling city where one can easily cover considerable distances in a single day. It's not uncommon to travel from one end of the city to the other and rack up around 120 kilometers. This kind of driving, combined with my typical weekly mileage, made the idea of an electric vehicle even more appealing. The convenience of not having to constantly fill up at petrol stations and the efficiency of EVs in urban environments were key factors that influenced my decision to make the switch.
For those driving less than this distance, considering a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or even a fuel-efficient internal combustion engine (ICE) car might be more practical. The decision ultimately comes down to the cost-benefit ratio. While electric vehicles offer great advantages in terms of fuel savings and environmental benefits, the initial investment can be significant. If your driving needs are lower, hybrids or plug-in hybrids can provide a good balance between fuel efficiency and cost, offering some of the benefits of electric driving without the range concerns. It's important to carefully evaluate your driving habits and financial considerations to choose the most suitable option.
Battery is the king.
Just as the size of a petrol or diesel tank is relevant to the type of car one might be driving, the capacity and quality of the battery in an electric vehicle are crucial factors. The battery determines not only how far you can travel on a single charge but also how the vehicle performs in different conditions. When choosing an EV, understanding the battery's range, charging speed, and longevity is essential. It's similar to considering fuel efficiency and tank size in a conventional car; the larger and more efficient the battery, the more convenient and versatile the vehicle becomes. The range anxiety that often comes with EV ownership can be mitigated by selecting a vehicle with a battery that suits your driving habits and needs.
EV battery is not about what you start with rather what you end with.
Another important consideration when looking at battery pack size is not just about what you start with, but what you will end up with over time. Yes, EV batteries do degrade over time, which means the range and performance can diminish as the vehicle ages. For example, a brand new EV might offer a certain range when fully charged, but after several years and thousands of kilometers, that range could decrease noticeably. This degradation varies depending on factors like the battery's quality, how often and to what extent it's charged, and the driving conditions. It's crucial to consider the long-term performance and the potential need for battery replacement or maintenance, as these factors can impact the overall cost and practicality of owning an electric vehicle.
As an example, the BYD Atto-3 comes with a 60 kWh battery, which, given my driving mileage, is likely to degrade faster over time compared to an 80 kWh battery found in vehicles like the Tesla Model 3, BYD Seal or the MG-4 long range. The larger battery capacity not only provides a greater initial range but also tends to handle the daily charging cycles better, potentially leading to slower degradation. This means that a vehicle with a larger battery may maintain a more substantial portion of its range over the same period, offering better long-term value. It's an important factor to consider, especially for those planning to keep their EV for many years or who frequently drive long distances.
It all comes down to the charge and discharge cycles. With smaller batteries, like the 60 kWh battery in the BYD Atto-3, one would need to charge more frequently compared to larger batteries. Frequent charging cycles can accelerate battery degradation, reducing its overall lifespan and the vehicle's range over time. In contrast, larger batteries can go longer between charges, reducing the number of cycles and potentially preserving battery health better. This is a crucial consideration for EV owners, as it impacts not only convenience but also the long-term cost and performance of the vehicle.
Charging, Range, and Cost Savings.
In this section I decided to address the range first. Just as ICE car manufactures lie about fuel economies, EV manufactures lie about the energy consumption of their car. What is an energy consumption, it is expressed as KWH used per 100 KM. Atto-3 according to RACV in this article stands at 16 KWH per 100 kM, while their WLTP claimed range stands at 420 KM.
Now this 16 KWH consumption can vary and it does by a lot , in reality mine is close to 19 KWH, and range of 300 kM if you are wondering do I drive rashly, the answer is no, the car is Eco mode, with very gentle acceleration and stops.
An Atto-3 user put this so eloquently that I decided to copy him verbatim .
“Have my Atto-3 for 6 weeks now here in Ireland. It's a great car. I drive on average 120 km to 150 km per day. Mix of Motorway and A 90 KM per hour average my real range is 350 km - 360 km. At 100 - 110 klm my real range is approx 320km - 330 km. At 120km the real range is approx 280km. From solely city + suburbs runs I have done the indicative range would be well into the mid 400s, no probs. I expect these will all drop by an average of about 20 - 40 km ( low speeds to high speeds) in mid-winter.
The WLTP range for this car is 420 km. This is important to note. Not 480 km. I did a lot of research on EV range for over a year before buying. My advice for anyone thinking of buying an EV is to look at the WLTP range and then ask yourself if you can live with half that.“
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My advice with regard to WLTP range would be to take 100 KM off whatever they are claiming. What the gentleman above is sayings is terrain, weather, driving style and factoring battery degradation over time.
Knowing what I know now, that the car only achieves around 270 km of range with a 10% charge remaining, I likely would not have purchased it. This range falls short of my expectations and needs, especially considering the advertised figures and my driving habits. It's a crucial reminder that real-world conditions often differ from manufacturer claims, and understanding the true range capabilities of an EV is essential before making a purchase decision.
Full video can be found here, have a look and draw your own conclusions in terms of actual vs claimed range.
Charging.
If you're in a rush, the fastest way to charge an electric vehicle (EV) is through DC fast charging. This method provides a much quicker charge compared to standard AC charging. An important term to understand when discussing DC charging is the "rate of charge," which is measured in kilowatts (kW). This indicates how much energy is being delivered to the battery per hour. Higher kW ratings mean faster charging times, allowing you to get back on the road more quickly. It's essential to consider the charging rate when planning your EV charging needs, as it can significantly impact your travel time and convenience.
Here Atto-3 sits at 90 KWH which is at the very low end of DC charging, MG at 150 KW , and Tesla at 250 KW.
A 75 KW DC charger will charge a 60 KWH battery pack from 10% to 100 % in one hour. While tesla supercharger will do the same to model-3 in 25 minutes average.
Prices for DC charging range from 40 c to 65 c per KWH delivered.
Cost savings.
The cheapest way to charge any electric vehicle (EV) is at home, where you can take advantage of off-peak electricity rates. For instance, I pay 23 cents per kWh during off-peak hours. Additionally, I have a 6.6 kW solar installation at home, which allows me to charge the car using free electricity generated from my rooftop solar panels. The Atto-3 supports single-phase AC charging at a rate of 7 kW. Charging the battery from 10% to 100% typically takes about 8.5 hours, making overnight charging an ideal and cost-effective option. This setup not only reduces costs but also maximizes the use of renewable energy, further enhancing the environmental benefits of driving an EV.
This is where electric vehicles (EVs) take the lead over internal combustion engine (ICE) cars: the cost of filling the car with energy. With EVs, you have a range of options that can vary significantly in price, from as low as 4 cents per kWh if you're using solar power or certain off-peak rates, to around 70 cents per kWh at some public charging stations. This flexibility allows EV owners to choose more cost-effective charging options, especially if they have access to home charging or renewable energy sources like solar panels. In contrast, fueling an ICE car doesn't offer the same variability and potential for savings.
Will I be looked after?
On average, a typical electric vehicle (EV) is about 30% more expensive than its internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts. This higher initial cost raises important questions about the support and after-sales service for EVs over the long term, especially for the next 8 years. Potential buyers need to consider the availability and quality of service centers, the cost and availability of replacement parts, including batteries, and the manufacturer's warranty coverage. Additionally, understanding the reliability of the car's technology and the company's commitment to software updates and service can significantly impact the overall ownership experience. These factors are crucial in determining whether the higher upfront cost of an EV is justified by lower long-term operating expenses and maintenance.
Here again, I'm not too pleased with BYD's approach. Tesla's Version 3 and 4 Superchargers are not compatible with either the Atto-3 or the Seal models athe moment. While this issue could be resolved with some software and hardware upgrades, BYD has not made these upgrades available for cars manufactured in 2023. As far as I can tell, BYD has no plans to implement a mass fix for this compatibility issue. This limitation restricts access to one of the most extensive and reliable fast-charging networks available, which could be a significant drawback for BYD owners, especially those who rely on public charging infrastructure. It's a critical aspect that potential buyers should consider, as it affects the convenience and practicality of long-distance travel. While in the same period MG and other brands have made that transition to v3 and v4 chargers.
The other issues I wish to highlight is servicing and limited trained man power. Here too BYD falls short I wanted to booking my Atto-3 for a battery check to see why am I getting such a low mileage vs the claimed range, the date I got was in October, 3 months from now.
Route planning is a crucial aspect of owning an electric vehicle (EV) that I didn't fully understand until a month after purchasing the car. Unlike traditional petrol or diesel cars, EVs require careful consideration of charging points along your journey, especially for long trips. This involves planning your routes to include accessible and compatible charging stations, estimating the time needed for charging stops, and considering the availability of chargers during peak travel times. Route planning helps ensure that you don't run out of battery unexpectedly and can complete your trips efficiently. It's a new layer of logistics that EV owners must navigate, which can be a learning curve but is essential for maximizing the benefits and convenience of electric driving.
For Tesla owners, route planning is a no-brainer because the car comes with integrated route planning software. You simply enter your destination in the built-in maps, and the car calculates the battery state required to reach your destination, advising if and where a charging stop is needed. This feature provides a seamless experience, reducing range anxiety and making long trips more convenient.
In contrast, BYD vehicles, like the Atto-3, do not come with such integrated route planning capabilities. Owners have to learn how to manage this aspect on their own, often using third-party applications to plan routes and find charging stations. While these apps can be helpful, they require more manual input and effort compared to Tesla's streamlined system. This difference highlights the varying levels of convenience and support provided by different EV manufacturers, which can significantly impact the overall user experience.
What is the government doing.
Well, at the moment, practically nothing substantial. The EV market in Australia resembles the Wild West of electric vehicles, with every vendor offering a wide range of configurations and standards. This lack of regulation and standardized infrastructure means that consumers face a confusing array of options, from different charging port types to varying battery specifications. The absence of a cohesive national strategy or significant government incentives for EV adoption has left the market fragmented and challenging to navigate. As a result, potential buyers are left to make sense of the diverse offerings on their own, often without the necessary support or guidance. This situation underscores the need for more proactive government policies to streamline the EV market, promote standardization, and support the growth of a reliable charging infrastructure.
Key takeaways.
In conclusion, the BYD Atto-3 is a well-built car that offers luxury features at an attractive price point. However, for the Australian market, it would benefit from an 80 kWh battery to better meet the needs of local drivers, particularly in terms of range. Additionally, improved after-sales support and more robust infrastructure would greatly enhance the overall ownership experience. While the Atto-3 has much to offer, these improvements could make it an even more compelling choice for potential buyers in Australia.