Our 6 of the Best feature in this edition covers some of the category winners in the RACQ Vehicle Operating Costs Survey for 2024.
Importantly, for both motorists’ wallets and the environment, electric vehicles (EVs) continue to present a competitive and compelling alternative offering.
This year, 19 of the 87 vehicles surveyed (22%) were fully electric, and a further 10 (11.5%) were hybrids – meaning that in many new vehicle segments, Queenslanders now have a wider range of low- and zero-tailpipe-emission vehicles to choose from.
They’re pretty good value too – with the mild-hybrid Suzuki Swift Hybrid Hatch proving the cheapest vehicle overall to buy and run, and the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid N Line claiming a category victory in the Medium SUV segment.
The end of the Queensland Government’s $6,000 rebate for new electric vehicle purchases means the on-road price of many EVs previously eligible for the rebate is higher than last year.
Despite this, in the popular Small Passenger segment the most cost-effective fully electric vehicle the MG4 costs just $72 per month more to own and operate versus the cheapest internal-combustion-powered model.
Drivers opting for a vehicle in this category, that boasts zero tailpipe emissions, can do so at a cost of less than $17 extra per week.
The Tesla Model 3 also offers competitive ownership costs, ranking third in the Medium Passenger category.
In addition to doing their bit for the environment, buyers who choose an EV never have to worry about the price of filling up at a petrol or diesel bowser.
That’s an important consideration, given that average June quarter fuel costs in 2024, compared with the same period in 2023, are 14-15 cents per litre higher for unleaded and premium unleaded petrol, and 8.5 cents higher for diesel.
The value of EVs looks even better for buyers looking at a novated lease, where many EVs offer lower total after-tax costs to the consumer than their nearest hybrid, petrol or diesel equivalents.
Joel Tucker is RACQ Road Safety and Technical Manager.
