Electric cars, also known as electric vehicles (EVs), are vehicles that run on electric motors instead of internal combustion engines using petrol or diesel. Instead of fuel tanks, these cars use large onboard rechargeable battery packs to power the electric motors that drive the wheels. EVs offer numerous benefits over traditional petrol-powered vehicles:

• Environmental - Electric cars have zero tailpipe emissions, dramatically reducing their environmental impact, especially in urban areas. Their lower carbon footprint helps combat climate change and smog. 
• Cost Savings - While electric cars have a higher upfront purchase cost, not paying for petrol or oil changes saves substantially on fuel and maintenance costs over the vehicle's lifetime. The subscription model we discuss below helps the average Australian overcome the prohibitive upfront cost of ownership.
• Performance - Electric motors provide instant torque, allowing quick, smooth acceleration. The lack of complex transmission systems also provides precision power delivery.
• Convenience - Electric cars can be conveniently charged at home, avoiding trips to petrol stations. Public charging stations are also becoming widely available in many parts of Australia. Yet most charging still occurs overnight.
• Quiet Operation - Electric cars, unlike noisy combustion engines, offer a quieter driving experience.

On the downside, electric cars have a more limited driving range on a single charge compared to a full petrol tank. Average ranges today are dependent on battery capacity.

However, the range continues to improve with advances in battery technology and improved electric motor technology. Thus, many drivers will find that electric cars offer a practical, eco-friendly alternative to traditional cars for their daily commute. But the challenge is that to access electric vehicles, you need to pay a premium. 

How Does the Electric Car Subscription Model Work?

Now it is possible to subscribe to quality electric cars. Rather than buying or leasing an electric vehicle, subscribers pay a weekly fee to have full access to the EV from the subscription company's fleet. It offers an alternative way to drive an electric car without a long-term commitment.

Subscription services assess your driving needs and preferences, then deliver the subscribed electric vehicle to your doorstep, fully insured. You also have the option to swap into different EVs depending on your changing needs over time. Monthly plans start at a few hundred dollars, depending on the vehicle tier. The goal is to help Australians transition from internal combustion engine vehicles to fully electric vehicles.

The subscription model provides several advantages over traditional purchase or lease:

• Flexibility - EV subscribers can more easily switch vehicles to get a different model, often with just a few weeks’ notice. Unlike buying or leasing, which can lock you in for years.
• Cost Savings - Weekly EV subscription costs include insurance, registration, servicing and maintenance. Plus, there isn’t a large down payment required, either. Also, there are no fuel costs.
• Minimal Commitment - Subscriptions don't commit you to lengthy contracts. You can cancel a car subscription with just two weeks notice, reducing any significant financial impact.
• Convenience - The subscription company handles hassles like trade-ins, registration, servicing and maintenance appointments, and insurance claims under their comprehensive plans.
• Accessibility - Car subscriptions open Electric Vehicle (EV) driving to those who can't afford to buy or don't want to commit to a lease. The Plans make EVs more accessible.

An electric car subscription offers an intriguing middle ground for drivers wanting to embrace EV technology without significant financial risk or obligation.

How Does The Electric Vehicle Subscription Process Work?

Subscribing to an electric car in Australia is relatively straightforward, with services like carbar offering electric vehicle subscriptions. Whether you're an individual looking for personal transportation, a small business seeking eco-friendly fleet solutions, or a corporate entity exploring novated leasing options, there's a tailored process to fit your specific needs. 

Personal Electric Vehicle Solutions

Electric car subscriptions provide an affordable and flexible alternative to traditional car ownership. They offer a range of quality electric vehicles that can help you save on fuel costs and reduce emissions. With an electric car subscription, you can trade in your petrol vehicle for an electric one, enjoying benefits like lower operating and maintenance costs.

The subscription includes all expenses such as stamp duties, taxes, registration, insurance, servicing, maintenance, and even tires in a simple, weekly fee. You have the freedom to subscribe for as long as you like, with the option to stop or swap with just two weeks' notice. Loyalty credits can reduce your subscription cost over time, and there are potential savings, especially for zero- or low-emission EVs exempt from Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT). This hassle-free way to access electric cars is gaining popularity as EVs become more affordable and environmentally friendly, making it easier for consumers to make the switch.

Car Subscription Plans Tailored for Small Businesses

Car subscription services for small businesses provide a practical solution to the challenges of car ownership in the context of running a small enterprise. These services offer a straightforward way to manage the costs typically associated with car finance, leasing, and maintenance, which can often be burdensome for small businesses. With a weekly subscription fee, carbar, for example, covers key expenses related to car ownership, excluding tolls, fuel, and infringements.

The process is streamlined and user-friendly: small business owners can create a free account, browse and select their desired vehicle, input business details, pay the upfront fee, and then either pick up the car or have it delivered if it is within a specified radius. Importantly, car subscription services like carbar offer flexibility, allowing subscribers to stop or swap their vehicles with just two weeks' notice, eliminating the hassles and uncertainties of traditional car ownership. Additionally, these services can keep car expenses off the business's balance sheet, providing an affordable and lower-touch way to manage a working fleet for business and personal use, all while maintaining financial transparency and flexibility. It's a solution that simplifies car management, allowing small businesses to focus on their core operations and growth.

EVs with Novated Lease Options

A novated EV subscription offers a streamlined process for employees to enjoy the benefits of electric vehicles while making them financially advantageous. Here's how it works:

First, businesses with over 10 staff members can register for the novated subscription program. Once registered, employees can individually sign up for the program, with the assistance of a novated specialist. HR then approves the orders, and payments are made via payroll, utilising a combination of pre- and post-tax salary.

What sets this program apart is its flexibility. Unlike traditional novated leases, employees can end their subscription with just two weeks' notice, providing peace of mind in case of job changes. The subscription covers all operating and running costs in one simple weekly payment, excluding tolls and infringements. Moreover, using a mix of pre- and post-tax salary for payments can lead to potential tax savings. Additionally, for eligible zero- or low-emission vehicles acquired after July 1, 2022, there may be further savings through Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) exemption. This makes novated EV subscriptions an attractive and financially savvy option for both businesses and their employees, simplifying the transition to electric mobility while offering tax benefits and flexibility.

Convenient EV Ownership with Flexible Terms

Your electric vehicle will arrive cleaned, serviced, and fully charged. Local roadside assistance is provided for peace of mind.

After the minimum term, continue month to month or swap vehicles easily with a few weeks' notice. Cancel anytime, as this is a flexible subscription with no long-term commitment.

Ongoing Maintenance and Support

A significant perk of subscribing to an electric vehicle with carbar is that comprehensive roadside assistance is made possible through our partnership with NRMA and reciprocal Motoring Clubs nationwide.

Your Roadside Assistance covers you and any approved drivers 24/7, 365 days a year, with unlimited callouts. Flat batteries, lockouts, tire changes, towing, breakdowns, and mechanical issues are all handled at no extra cost. As a carbar subscriber, you'll know that expert support is available for any roadside mishap or emergency. Maintenance is also fully covered, with carbar handling everything from scheduled servicing to cleaning so you can focus solely on the driving experience.

Insurance and Liability

Carbar’s electric car subscriptions come with comprehensive insurance bundled into the weekly fee, providing subscribers with invaluable protection and peace of mind.

The all-inclusive policy covers theft of or damage to the subscribed vehicle itself. So, those expenses are covered if the EV is stolen or incurs repair costs from an accident, collision, vandalism, etc. This safeguards subscribers from significant financial impacts.

The insurance also includes third-party liability protection. If you, as the subscriber, cause damage to another vehicle, property, or person, the resulting claims will be covered up to policy limits. Approved secondary drivers would have this same liability coverage when operating the subscribed EV.

However, intent or negligence could impact claims. Reckless driving or criminal acts would not be covered. Any accidents or damage should be reported to the subscription provider immediately. Standard deductibles apply.

Overall, the comprehensive insurance included with subscriptions provides robust protection for subscribers as primary drivers and any authorised secondary drivers. Having reliable coverage and predictability of expenses makes subscribing ideal for risk-averse drivers.

Charging Infrastructure

One consideration with electric vehicles is charging time, which varies based on the charger type and battery specifics. According to WhichCar¹, charging is slowest through a typical wall socket at 24+ hours. Installing a home wall box charger provides faster charging of 7–12 hours. Public AC charging stations further reduce times to 4–7 hours.

The fastest options are DC fast chargers and ultra-rapid chargers found at some public locations. DC fast chargers can provide a full charge in 1–2 hours. Cutting-edge ultra-rapid chargers leverage up to 350kW to charge an EV battery from 10% to 80% in just 20-30 minutes².

So while regular overnight charging at home is easiest, public fast charging sites greatly extend driving range when needed. Many new EVs have ranges over 480 kilometres per charge, minimising top-off needs. But fast chargers assure flexibility for longer trips. As more rapid charging stations open up in Australia, charging ceases to hinder mainstream EV adoption³.

Range and Charging Costs

An electric car's range depends on battery capacity measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) with a higher kWh extending range. Driving style, speed, climate, topology, accessory use, and battery age also impact range.

While early EVs had a range as low as 100 kilometres, today's models typically achieve 250-480 kilometres per charge. For charging, Level 1 and Level 2 stations require hours, while DC fast charging can replenish 300+ kilometres of range in under an hour. Improved batteries continue to push range limits further. Careful driving and charging planning helps maximise an EV's capabilities.

Environmental Benefits of Subscribing and Driving EVs

One of the biggest motivations for driving an electric vehicle is to benefit the environment. EVs have significant advantages over their petrol-powered brethren when it comes to emissions and air pollution. 

1. Zero tailpipe emissions - Electric motors don't produce any direct carbon dioxide or greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. Resulting in improved air quality.
2. Lower lifetime emissions - Though carbon is emitted at electric power plants charging EVs, overall lifetime emissions are still far below petrol vehicles even when accounting for manufacturing.
3. No local pollution - Without exhaust fumes, EVs don't contribute to air pollution in densely populated areas, leading to cleaner air in cities.
4. Energy diversity - EVs can utilise renewably generated electricity for zero-emission kilometres. As grids shift to more solar, wind, and hydro, EV environmental advantages grow.
5. Efficiency - Electric drivetrains are far more energy efficient than internal combustion engines, which waste most energy as excess heat. An EV can drive much further on the same energy input.

For consumers concerned about their carbon footprint and desire to help the planet, driving an electric vehicle significantly improves their lifetime environmental impact over conventional cars.

Comparison with Other Transportation Options

Unlike traditional petrol cars, electric vehicles provide environmental benefits and low operating costs but have higher purchase prices and range limitations.

Versus public transit, EVs offer personalised, flexible travel but need more infrastructure in some parts of the country. Compared to car-sharing services, subscriptions provide exclusive, consistent access but at a higher recurring cost.

The EV subscription model provides more flexibility than leasing or buying, thanks to the lack of long-term commitments. Regarding standard rental, subscriptions offer more convenience with direct delivery and vehicle variety.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is there a kilometre limit with a subscription?

The Subscription Fees cover travel of up to 26,000km in a 12-month period, starting from the beginning of the Subscription Period or its anniversary. If you exceed this limit and travel more than 26,000km within that period (or a proportionate amount of kilometres if your period of use is less than 12 months), you will be required to pay an Additional Kilometre Charge as specified on the fees and charges page for each excess kilometre travelled by the vehicle(s).

Can I charge an EV subscription vehicle at home?

Yes, every electric car subscription includes a standard slow (trickle) charger designed to connect to a typical household power outlet. While these chargers may not be the fastest option available, they provide a safe and reliable way to charge your car over an extended period, whether it's during the day or overnight, without causing any harm to the battery. Many of these chargers are equipped with automatic cycling features that deactivate the charger once the battery reaches its optimal capacity.

How does maintenance on a subscription EV work?

A. Maintenance costs are bundled into the subscription fee so subscribers can drop off the vehicle at designated times without extra charges.

Who is eligible to subscribe to a carbar electric vehicle?

Subscribers need to hold a valid Australian driver's licence or have an international driver's licence. In addition, you need to have an Australian Passport, International Passport or Medicare Card. We will also require the last three months' bank statements showing proof of income and expenses. Finally, you will be required to sign a driver's declaration.

What happens if my electric car's battery runs out while I'm on the road?

With your electric car subscription, you have the added peace of mind of Australia-wide roadside assistance. This comprehensive service is available to you and any approved drivers every day of the year, around the clock. Furthermore, as a carbar subscriber within the Aurora Energy partnership, you enjoy the benefit of unlimited callouts for various situations, including flat batteries (charges), key lock-outs, flat tire changes, breakdowns, towing, and more.

Are you looking for extra EV charging services?

Carbar has teamed up with JET Charge, our preferred partner, renowned for its comprehensive electric car charging solutions.

JET Charge boasts the widest array of charging hardware in Australia, catering to various needs, whether they're for home use, business, or public facilities.

¹ https://www.whichcar.com.au/car-advice/ev-charging-guide-home
² https://www.drive.com.au/caradvice/public-electric-car-charging-australia-questions/
³ https://www.energycouncil.com.au/analysis/evs-are-they-really-more-efficient/