A car that sits unused for weeks or months can develop problems that are expensive and frustrating to fix — flat-spotted tires, a dead battery, corroded brake lines, or fuel that’s gone stale in the tank. With the right preparation, you can park your car for months and have it start right up when you’re ready to drive again.

Choose the Right Storage Location

Where you store your car matters as much as how you prepare it. A garage is ideal because it protects the vehicle from sun, rain, and temperature swings, but not everyone has one available. If you’re storing outdoors, look for a spot with good drainage, shade if possible, and enough distance from trees to avoid sap, leaves, and bird droppings.

If you don’t have suitable space at home, a dedicated vehicle storage facility is worth considering, especially for classic cars, motorcycles, or vehicles you won’t be checking on regularly. Climate-controlled units keep humidity and temperature stable, which reduces rust and prevents rubber components from drying out. Some facilities also offer trickle chargers, security monitoring, and insurance options built into the storage fee.

Moving a car to a storage facility that’s some distance away doesn’t mean you have to drive it there and arrange a return trip yourself. Professional auto transport services can pick the vehicle up and deliver it directly to the storage location, which is worth looking into if the facility isn’t nearby or if the car isn’t in a condition you’d want to drive on the highway. You can compare vehicle transport options and get a sense of pricing on the a1autotransport.com website before deciding whether shipping makes sense for your situation.

Prepare the Engine and Fluids

Before parking the car for an extended period, top up or change the engine oil. Used oil contains contaminants that can slowly corrode internal engine parts if left sitting, so fresh oil offers better protection during storage. Check coolant levels and make sure the mixture is appropriate for the climate the car will be sitting in, particularly if temperatures will drop below freezing.

Fuel is one of the most overlooked issues. Modern petrol blends degrade within a few months, leaving gum and varnish deposits in the fuel lines and injectors. Fill the tank most of the way to limit condensation, and add a fuel stabilizer according to the product’s instructions. Run the engine for several minutes afterward so the treated fuel circulates through the entire system, not just the tank.

Protect the Battery

A car battery will slowly drain even when the vehicle isn’t running, and a deeply discharged battery can be permanently damaged. The simplest option is to disconnect the negative terminal before storage, which stops the slow drain from the car’s electronics. A better option, if you’re storing the car for more than a couple of months, is a trickle charger or battery maintainer, which keeps the battery topped up without overcharging it. Just make sure the charger is rated for the battery type and check on it periodically.

Deal with Tyres Properly

Tires that sit in the same position for weeks can develop flat spots, especially in cold weather or on a vehicle carrying a lot of weight. Inflating tires slightly above the recommended pressure before storage helps offset the natural pressure loss over time and reduces the risk of flat spotting. Parking on a clean, dry surface — rather than dirt or gravel, which can trap moisture — also helps. For very long storage periods, some owners use tire cradles or jack stands to take weight off the tires entirely, though this isn’t necessary for most people storing a car for just a few months.

Clean Before You Cover for storage 

It’s tempting to skip cleaning a car you’re about to park for months, but dirt, bird droppings, and tree sap left on the paint can etch into the clear coat over time. A wash and wax beforehand adds a protective layer, and vacuuming the interior removes food crumbs or organic material that can attract pests. Leave a box of baking soda or a moisture absorber inside the cabin to control humidity and odors, and crack a window slightly if the storage space is secure and well-ventilated, to reduce condensation buildup.

A breathable car cover is worth the investment for outdoor or garage storage. Avoid plastic tarps, which trap moisture against the paint and can cause more damage than leaving the car uncovered. If rodents are a concern in the storage area, steel wool stuffed into the exhaust pipe and air intake, along with rodent deterrent packets placed around the vehicle, can prevent unwanted nesting.

Check In Periodically

Even with good preparation, a car benefits from being checked on every few weeks if possible. Starting the engine and letting it run for ten to fifteen minutes helps circulate fluids and keeps seals from drying out, though this is less critical if you’ve properly stabilized the fuel and disconnected the battery. If you can, move the car forward or backward slightly during these checks to shift tire contact points and reduce the chance of flat spotting.

Getting Back on the Road

When it’s time to bring the car out of storage, reconnect the battery, check tire pressures, and inspect fluid levels before starting the engine. Give the car a once-over for signs of pests, leaks, or corrosion, and take it for a short, careful drive to make sure everything feels normal before returning to regular use.

Long-term storage doesn’t have to mean risking your car’s condition. A bit of preparation before parking it — and the discipline to check on it occasionally — goes a long way toward making sure it’s ready to drive again whenever you need it.

The post How to Store a Car Long-Term: A Practical Guide for Off-Season and Unused Vehicles appeared first on Eco Car Guide.

Chrome wheels are particularly popular because of their mirror-like shine and timeless appearance. The 20-inch category offers a wide selection of spoke designs, finishes, widths, offsets, and construction types, making it easier to find a setup that matches both personal style and vehicle requirements. For drivers looking to create a more distinctive style, exploring the available options here can be a useful starting point.

Why Choose 20-Inch Chrome Wheels?

Chrome wheels are best known for their bright, reflective finish. Unlike darker or more understated wheel finishes, chrome naturally catches the light and draws attention to the vehicle. This makes it an attractive choice for owners who want their wheels to become an important part of the vehicle’s overall design.

The 20-inch diameter also creates a substantial appearance. Larger wheels can fill the wheel wells more effectively and give a vehicle a stronger stance. Depending on the vehicle and tire combination, larger wheels may also provide a different steering and handling feel. However, the exact driving characteristics depend on the wheel, tire, suspension, and vehicle configuration.

Finding the Right Wheel Design

Choosing a wheel should involve more than simply selecting the most attractive design. The appearance needs to complement the vehicle’s body lines, paint color, and overall personality.

For example, a multi-spoke chrome design can create an elegant appearance on a luxury sedan, while a deep-lip or rugged design may work particularly well on a pickup truck or SUV. Some wheels also combine chrome with black or other contrasting accents, offering a more contemporary appearance.

It is also worth considering how much visual attention you want the wheels to attract. A simple chrome design can provide a clean appearance, while intricate spokes or aggressive patterns can create a much more customized look.

Fitment Should Come First

Before purchasing any 20-inch wheel, compatibility should be carefully checked. Wheel diameter is only one part of fitment. Bolt pattern, wheel width, offset, center bore, load capacity, and brake clearance can all affect whether a particular wheel is suitable for a vehicle.

A 20-inch wheel may look perfect but still be unsuitable if its specifications do not match the vehicle. Checking the exact year, make, and model is therefore an important part of the selection process.

Offset deserves particular attention because it influences how far the wheel sits inward or outward relative to the vehicle. The correct specification can help maintain appropriate clearance between the wheel, suspension components, and fenders.

Choosing Between Different Construction Methods

Not every 20-inch chrome wheel is manufactured in the same way. Common construction methods include cast, flow formed, and forged aluminum. These manufacturing processes can produce different combinations of weight, strength, rigidity, and cost.

Cast wheels are commonly selected because they can offer a practical balance between cost and everyday performance. Flow-formed wheels can provide a different weight-to-strength balance, while forged wheels are often associated with premium applications and specialized performance requirements.

The right option depends on how the vehicle is used. A daily driver may prioritize durability and value, while a performance-focused or custom vehicle owner may place greater emphasis on weight and rigidity.

Chrome Finish and Maintenance

The appearance of chrome is one of its biggest advantages, but maintaining that appearance requires some care. Dirt, brake dust, moisture, and road contaminants can accumulate on the wheel surface and reduce its shine if they are left untreated.

Regular cleaning with products appropriate for the wheel’s finish can help preserve its appearance. Harsh chemicals and abrasive materials should generally be avoided because they can damage the surface.

Drivers in areas where roads are treated with salt should be particularly attentive to wheel maintenance. Road salt and other environmental contaminants can contribute to deterioration of a chrome finish over time. Proper care can help keep the wheels looking cleaner and brighter for longer. CARiD also notes that protective PVD chrome finishes are available as an alternative to traditional electroplated finishes.

Matching Wheels With the Right Tyres

The wheel and tire combination is just as important as the wheel itself. Moving to a 20-inch diameter generally means selecting a tyre with a lower sidewall than a smaller wheel-and-tyre package if the overall tyre diameter is to remain close to the original specification.

Maintaining an appropriate overall tire diameter is important for preserving proper vehicle operation. Tire selection can also influence ride comfort, steering response, road noise, traction, and protection against potholes.

For this reason, drivers should consider the complete package rather than treating the wheel as an isolated upgrade.

A Stylish Upgrade for Many Vehicles

One of the appealing qualities of 20-inch chrome wheels is their versatility. They can be used to customize many types of vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, pickups, and other passenger vehicles, provided the selected wheel has the correct specifications.

The right set can make a vehicle appear newer, more distinctive, and better proportioned. For owners who enjoy automotive customization, wheels are also one of the easiest ways to establish a particular visual theme without making extensive changes to the body.

Final Thoughts

Choosing new wheels is both a style decision and a practical one. 20-inch chrome wheels offer a combination of substantial size, reflective finish, and extensive design variety, making them an attractive option for drivers who want to upgrade their vehicle’s appearance.

The most important step is to look beyond appearance and verify fitment, construction, wheel specifications, and tyre compatibility. With the right combination and regular maintenance, a quality set of chrome wheels can provide a striking transformation while remaining suitable for everyday driving.

The post How 20-Inch Chrome Wheels Can Transform Your Vehicle appeared first on Eco Car Guide.

As a publication focused on electric and hybrid cars, we hear it constantly from EV owners moving on their first electric car or upgrading to a newer one: the process is simple, right up until one missed step turns a clean sale into weeks of chasing fines and infringements. Get it right and the liability passes properly and everyone walks away happy. Get it wrong and it can follow you for months. This guide walks through exactly what you need to sell a car in WA, from the change of ownership to the finance, plates and PPSR, so you can hand over the keys with confidence. It is general information rather than legal advice, and the WA Department of Transport is always the final word, but it will get you organised.

The Big One: Notify The Department Of Transport

The single most important step when you sell a vehicle in WA is telling the Department of Transport that you are no longer the owner. You are required to notify the department within seven days of disposing of the vehicle, and you must provide the name and address of the new owner. Miss that window and a penalty can apply, and worse, you can remain on the hook for anything the new owner does with the car, including speeding fines and toll notices, until the record is updated.

This applies whether you sell, gift or otherwise dispose of any licensed WA vehicle, including cars, motorcycles, caravans and trailers. It is not optional and it is not something to leave until you get around to it. The seven day clock starts the moment the car leaves your hands, so treat the notification as part of the handover, not an afterthought.

Two Ways To Transfer: Online Or The MR9 Form

WA gives you two ways to complete the change of ownership. The first is online through DoTDirect, the department’s self-service portal. If you have a DoTDirect account, or create one, you can lodge the transfer digitally, which is the quickest and tidiest option for most private sellers. It timestamps your notification and removes the risk of a paper form going astray in the post.

The second is the paper form, formally the Notification of Change of Ownership and Vehicle Licence Transfer, widely known as the MR9. The MR9 must be completed in full and signed by both the seller and the purchaser. Each party is responsible for lodging their own copy with Driver and Vehicle Services, either at a service centre, through a regional agent, or by post to Driver and Vehicle Services, GPO Box R1290, Perth WA 6844. There is important information on the reverse of the form that both parties should read before signing, so do not treat it as a formality.

Whichever method you choose, keep a copy or a screenshot of the completed transfer for your own records. If a dispute or an infringement notice ever surfaces, that proof is your protection.

Roadworthy Certificates: Good News For WA Sellers

Here is where WA sellers get an easier run than most. Unlike some eastern states, Western Australia does not require you to provide a roadworthy or safety certificate to sell a licensed vehicle privately. There is no mandatory inspection for the seller to arrange before the car changes hands. The responsibility to satisfy themselves about the car’s condition sits with the buyer, who is free to arrange their own pre-purchase inspection if they wish.

That said, there is one important exception to be aware of. If the vehicle’s licence (registration) has been expired for more than fifteen days, the car is treated as unlicensed, and the new owner will need to have it inspected and apply for a fresh licence before it can legally go back on the road. So while you do not need a roadworthy to sell, a car with lapsed licence creates extra work for the buyer, which can slow the sale or soften the price. Keeping the licence current makes for a cleaner transaction.

Run A PPSR Check And Be Ready For The Buyer’s

The Personal Property Securities Register, or PPSR, is the national database that reveals whether a vehicle has money owing on it, has been written off, or has been reported stolen. A check costs only a couple of dollars, and most switched-on buyers will run one before they hand over any cash. As a seller, it pays to know what a buyer will see before they see it.

If your car is clear, a PPSR certificate is a genuine selling point that builds trust and speeds the deal along. If there is finance still recorded against the car, you will need to address it, which we cover next. And if the car has a written-off history you were not aware of, it is far better to discover that yourself than to have a buyer raise it mid-negotiation. Transparency here protects your credibility and keeps the sale on track.

Selling A Car That Still Has Finance

If you still owe money on the vehicle, that debt is almost certainly registered on the PPSR, and you cannot pass clean title until it is cleared. This does not stop you selling, but it does add a step. Contact your lender for a payout figure, which is the amount required to settle the loan, and plan how the sale proceeds will clear it.

In a private sale, this can make buyers nervous, because they do not want to inherit your loan. You will need to coordinate the payout so the finance is settled and the encumbrance is lifted, ideally with the lender confirming the release in writing. It is manageable, but it requires organisation and a buyer with a little patience. If the finance side feels daunting, professional buyers handle encumbered cars routinely and can settle the loan directly as part of the purchase, which removes the obstacle entirely.

Number Plates And Personalised Plates

Standard plates stay with the vehicle when you sell, so there is nothing extra to do. Personalised or custom plates are different. They are an asset you own separately from the car, and if you want to keep them, you must arrange to transfer them off the vehicle before the sale, or onto another car, through the Department of Transport. Sort this out before the buyer takes the car, because untangling it afterwards is a headache.

If you are keeping personalised plates, the vehicle will usually need standard plates fitted so it can be licensed to the new owner, and any transfer fees for optional plates are worth clarifying up front so there are no surprises at handover. Agree with the buyer who is doing what, and put it in writing alongside the sale details.

Proof Of Identity And A Written Receipt

To complete a vehicle licence transfer in WA, proof of identity is required, so have your identification in order and expect the buyer to need theirs too. It is a simple step, but a missing document can stall a transfer at the counter.

Beyond the official transfer, write a basic receipt for your own protection and the buyer’s. Record the date and time of sale, the price, the make, model, year.  VIN and current odometer reading, the registration number, and the names, addresses and signatures of both parties. Note that the car is sold as is where relevant. This receipt is not a government form. But it is powerful evidence of exactly what was agreed and when. And it can save you a great deal of grief if anything is disputed later.

Before You Hand Over The Keys: A Quick Checklist

Run through this list at handover and you will not miss anything important:

• Complete the change of ownership online via DoTDirect or on the MR9 form, signed by both parties.
• Notify the Department of Transport within seven days and keep proof.
• Confirm the vehicle licence status, and remember a licence expired beyond fifteen days makes the car unlicensed for the buyer.
• Clear or arrange settlement of any finance so clean title can pass.
• Deal with personalised plates before the car leaves.
• Check your ID is ready and confirm the buyer has theirs.
• Write and sign a receipt recording the price, odometer, VIN and both parties’ details.
• Remove your personal items, garage remotes, toll tags and any linked accounts.
• Take a final odometer photo and cancel or transfer your own insurance.

Making The Admin Disappear

For sellers who would rather not touch any of this, there is a shortcut. Instant car buying services take the paperwork off your plate entirely. Completing the transfer, settling any finance and handling the notification as part of the purchase. Companies such as Sell My Car Pro manage the change of ownership and payment for you. Which turns a fiddly afternoon of forms into a single, simple transaction. It is one of the underrated benefits of selling to a professional buyer rather than privately. Prticularly if your car is under finance or your time is tight.

What Happens If You Skip The Notification

It is worth spelling out why the seven day rule matters so much. Because the consequences reach a lot further than a token fine. Until the Department of Transport records the change of ownership. The vehicle is still yours in the eyes of the system. That means any speeding fines, red light infringements. Parking tickets or toll notices the new owner racks up can land in your name. Untangling that after the fact means proving you sold the car. On what date, and to whom, which is exactly why the receipt and the timestamped transfer matter.

A missed notification can also attract its own penalty. We saw exactly how this bites not long ago. A Scarborough seller moved on a tidy Nissan Leaf privately, shook hands, and assumed the buyer would sort the transfer. Three weeks later a toll notice and a parking fine landed in their name. Because the change of ownership had never been lodged.

It took a copy of the receipt and a frustrating fortnight of phone calls to unwind. All of it avoidable with a two-minute notification on the day. The fix is simple: lodge your side of the transfer on the day of sale and confirm it has gone through. Rather than assuming the buyer will handle everything.

Gifted Cars, Deceased Estates And Interstate Buyers

Not every sale is a straightforward cash handover, and a few situations need extra care. Gifting a car to a family member still requires a change of ownership. Even though no money changes hands, and the same seven day notification applies. Selling a vehicle from a deceased estate involves additional documentation. And the executor should contact the Department of Transport to confirm exactly what is required before transferring the licence. And if your buyer is taking the car interstate. They will eventually register it in their own state. But the WA change of ownership and your notification still need to be completed first so your liability ends cleanly. When in doubt, a quick call to the department clears up the process before you commit.

Keep These Records After The Sale

The paperwork does not quite end when the car drives away. Hold on to a small file of evidence for at least a year, because it is your protection if anything is queried later. Keep your copy of the completed transfer or the DoTDirect confirmation. The signed receipt with the price, date, odometer and both parties’ details. And a photo of the odometer at handover. A quick photo of the car with its plates as it leaves is also useful, since it fixes the condition and the date beyond dispute.

If the buyer is slow to lodge their side of the transfer, your records let you demonstrate exactly when you sold the car and to whom. Which is how you get an errant infringement notice reversed. It is also worth following up a week or two after the sale. To confirm the change of ownership has actually gone through on the system, rather than assuming it has. A few minutes of record-keeping now can save hours of frustration and a real bill later. So treat it as the final, non-negotiable step of the sale.

The post The Paperwork You Need to Sell a Car in WA appeared first on Eco Car Guide.

Those dependent on vehicles to support their livelihoods are bearing the brunt of tougher economic conditions. New energy vehicles are demonstrating why transitioning to efficient and innovative electric mobility makes sense, now more than ever. Data shows that:

• An Australian driver will spend $22.20 to drive 100km. When petrol is $2 per litre Endgame and Electric Vehicle Council (2026)
• Someone who has used AC public chargers for their BYD ATTO 1 Premium at $0.40 – $0.50 per kWh. Can travel 100km on $6.40 Australian Electric Vehicle Association (2025)
• 93% of EV owners can charge their vehicles at home. This can reduce the cost to $1.32–$2.48 per 100km EV Ownership Survey (2025) & National Cover (2026)
• Nearly 40% of Australian households have solar panels. Which can reduce their day-to-day EV travel cost to $0 Solar Calculator (2026)

BYD vehicles help cost of living pressures

BYD’s impressive range of electric vehicles and intelligent super hybrids offer affordable mobility solutions for all Australians.

Whether it’s someone looking to buy an affordable first vehicle like the stylish ATTO 2 small electric SUV. Or the multi-purpose plug-in hybrid SHARK 6 ute Australians have fallen in love with. Or the seven-seat super hybrid SEALION 8 designed for families.

Melbourne car enthusiast Peter Kokinos, a joinery manager with a major construction company. Recently added BYD’s popular ATTO 1 compact EV hatch to his garage. He says it is the perfect work vehicle to take him to and from building sites across the city. Thanks to its zippy electric performance and unmatched efficiency.

“It makes complete sense. I drive it Monday to Friday. I plug it in at home once or twice a week and it gets me to and from work at zero cost,” says Peter.

“It’s comfortable and drives like a big car that’s three or four times the price… I’ve given it to a couple of friends and said: ‘take it for a little test drive and you’ll buy one.’”

BYD  ‘hi-tech’ vehicles

For many younger Australians, a BYD may be the first new ‘hi-tech’ car they own due to BYD vehicles’ relative affordability. Innovative BYD technology includes:

• BYD Blade Battery: One of the world’s safest batteries for electric and super hybrid vehicles, the result of three decades’ experience in innovative battery manufacturing technology.
• Vehicle-to-Load (V2L): Where the car’s battery can be used as an external power source for electrical appliances like power tools, laptops, camping lights, and even coffee machines and electric barbecues.
• Smart Connectivity: Over-The-Air updates where tech-led features such as infotainment systems are kept up to date remotely at the press of a button.

2025’s EV Ownership Survey conducted by the EV Council surveyed 1,839 Australian EV owners and revealed that concerns about range anxiety, charging access and upfront costs are largely dismissed once buyers understand new energy technology and its benefits and convenience. Most drivers report EVs are cheaper to run, easy to charge at home and suitable for everyday driving.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) says the average distance driven in Australia is 33km per day, with most EVs offering in excess of 200 km of real-world driving on a single charge – dispelling the myth about the suitability of EVs as everyday vehicles for urban use.

Government’s Fringe Benefits Exemption for EVs

Over 105,000 Australians have taken advantage of the Government’s Fringe Benefits Exemption for EVs to lower the cost of a novated lease. They then enjoy the ongoing lower charging costs through the lease’s term.

BYD Australia Chief Operating Officer, Stephen Collins, says.  “More and more Australians are recognising the financial benefits of switching to new energy vehicles such as EVs and super hybrids. Cost of living pressures are forcing many new car buyers considering an electrified vehicle to take the step sooner. In doing so, they are not only saving money at the petrol bowser. But reducing their carbon footprint through reduced vehicle CO₂ tailpipe emissions.”

BYD Australia is committed to making electric mobility more accessible to Australians doing it tough, with plans to deliver approximately 30,000 BYD vehicles in Q2 alone.

The post BYD says New energy vehicles make sense appeared first on Eco Car Guide.

Families in Australia’s outer suburbs are turning to electric vehicles as petrol prices surge, but face new taxes on driving electric under plans by the Federal and NSW Governments, that would cut across their promise not to discourage EV uptake.

In September 2025, the Federal and State Treasurers pledged that reforms to road user charging “should be designed to not deter the continued take‑up of electric vehicles.”

EV Taxes

The Minns Government is set to begin taxing EVs 3c/km, potentially from next year, and the Albanese Government is actively planning its own tax.

Twenty eight percent of Australian drivers who are likely to buy an electric vehicle would be dissuaded by these proposed road user charges, according to new behavioural research by Professor Simon Jackman, Honorary Professor at Sydney University.

“It’s clear that drivers aged 30-55, and those in outer suburbs and regions would be most discouraged from EV purchase intentions after being informed of the Road User Charge they would pay, ” said researcher, Professor Simon Jackman.

“Older drivers and those in wealthier, more professional postcodes are the least affected.“

The behavioural research of 3,613 Australian drivers identifies that working families aged 30 to 55 living in the outer suburbs are the most interested in buying EVs, but also those most deterred by a road user charge. These families drive further than average, have longer commutes, are under-serviced by public transport. They are motivated primarily by fuel savings, and are driving the growth of EVs in Australia.

Just as Australians are struggling with higher fossil fuel prices as a result of the Iran War, the average driver would be hit with $353 a year in new taxes for driving an EV.

Politicians electorates

Energy Minister Chris Bowen’s electorate is home to suburbs most turned off EV purchases by a road user charge. In suburbs like Kemps Creek, 33% of likely EV buyers are discouraged. In Brisbane it’s Treasurer Jim Chalmers electorate that is most sensitive to the charge, Parkinson in the Treasurers electorate or Rankin similarly turned off.

Electric Vehicle Council CEO Julie Delvecchio said:

“Australians are turning to electric vehicles to escape rising petrol — but a new road user charge could hit drivers with around $353 a year in extra costs, wiping out the very savings driving this shift.”

“The nation’s Treasurers have pledged not to implement a road user charge that discourages EV uptake but this research finds that a charge like the one being proposed would do exactly that – turn off interest from people who stand to gain the most by driving electric.”

“We know cost is everything. One in three Australians say the upfront price is the biggest barrier to buying an EV — and right now the FBT exemption is what’s helping households get over that hurdle.”

“At the same time, 47 per cent of EV drivers say lower fuel costs are the main reason they switched— so introducing a per-kilometre tax directly undermines the biggest benefit.”

“This isn’t evenly felt. In outer suburban areas like Kemps Creek, around 33 per cent of potential EV buyers are deterred by a road user charge — compared to about 20 per cent in wealthier inner-city areas.”

Travel distances

“EV drivers travel about 60 per cent further each week than petrol drivers. So adding a per kilometre charge hits the very people using EVs as a cost-of-living solution.”

“If the government removes the Electric Car Discount and adds a new tax on every kilometre, it’s a double hit. Higher upfront costs and higher running costs — and that’s exactly what stops people switching.”

“We’ve seen what happens when policy gets this wrong. In New Zealand, EV sales dropped from 20.6 per cent of the market to just 3.8 per cent. In months after incentives were cut and charges introduced.”⁴

“The Climate Change Authority is clear — Australia needs more than five million EVs on the road by 2035. Which means around half of all new cars sold need to be electric.”⁵

“You don’t get there by making EVs more expensive to buy and run. Especially for the working families in the suburbs who are driving uptake.”

Key findings

The research was conducted by Professor Simon Jackman. Using a nationally representative sample of 3,613 adult car owners, in December 2025. Each respondent was shown a personalised road user charge. Based on their actual driving at 3 cents per kilometre. The approximate trajectory of the NSW scheme. Purchase intention was measured before and after at an individual level.

The deterrent effect:

• 28% of all likely EV buyers are dissuaded after seeing their personalised road user charge
• 48% of “extremely likely” buyers downgrade their purchase intention
• 34% of “somewhat likely” buyers are deterred

Who is most affected:

• Working families aged 30–55 — the most deterred age group. Over-60s are barely affected.
• Outer-suburban postcodes — ~30% of likely buyers deterred, vs ~20% in wealthy inner-urban areas.
• Blue-collar communities — significantly more deterred than high-professional postcodes.
• Most affected electorates: McMahon, Blaxland, Watson, Greenway, Werriwa,Fowler, Lindsay, Chifley (Sydney); Hotham, Gorton, Calwell, Holt (Melbourne); Rankin, Dickson, Forde (Brisbane).

Record EV sales at risk

These findings come as Australians are adopting EVs at record rates:

• Battery EV sales up 95.9% year-on-year in February 2026 (11,134 vs 5,684)
• Total EV sales up 60.9% in February (16,988 vs 10,555)
• Year-to-date EV market share at an all-time high of 16.8%, with BEVs at 10.5%
• February 2026 EV market share reached 18.6% — nearly one in five new cars sold was electric

The fuel security context

Australia imports 90 per cent of its liquid fuel. And has lost 70 per cent of its refining capacity in the past 15 years. Last week, the government took the unprecedented step of releasing 760 million litres from the national fuel stockpile. Petrol prices have surged past $2.20 a litre, with analysts forecasting $3 while the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. Every EV on the road is a vehicle that does not depend on imported petroleum.

Research Methodology

The behavioural research was conducted by Professor Simon Jackman. Using a nationally representative online panel of 3,613 Australian adult car owners (December 2025). Each respondent was shown a personalised RUC based on their self-reported driving at 3c/km. Purchase intention was measured before and after on a five-point scale. Individual-level transition matrices were used to calculate downgrade rates. Accumulated Local Effects (ALE) analysis from a boosted regression model identified demographic and geographic predictors of deterrence.

The post Planned EV Taxes will slash uptake in suburbs appeared first on Eco Car Guide.

To promote battery health, CTEK and Repco have combined for a “Charge your Car Day” on Sunday 5th October.

CTEK is the leading global brand in vehicle charging solutions. Repco have car accessory stores around Asutralia. Its the perfrct combination.

REPCO have a 20% of all CTEK products online sale on 5 October 2025 (for 24 hours only). Treat your car – and yourself – this Charge Your Car Day by choosing to ‘Never Stop Charging’ your car battery.

Charge Your Car Day

It’s Charge Your Car Day this Sunday (5 October) and CTEK, the world leader in smart battery charging, says don’t make charging your vehicle’s battery just a once-a-year event.

CTEK says drivers should ‘Never Stop Charging’ to prevent breakdowns, optimise car performance, extend battery life and save money.

To clear up confusion around car batteries, CTEK is busting five outdated myths many drivers might believe; myths that put their vehicles, mobility and wallets at risk:

Battery Health Myth Busted

 Myth 1: If my car starts, the battery must be fine.

Myth BUSTED: Your battery could be slowly deteriorating. Modern vehicles draw power constantly even when parked – causing battery drain that often goes unnoticed until it’s too late.

Myth 2: Battery failure is rare.

Myth BUSTED: Battery failure is actually the number one reason for vehicle breakdowns, with roadside assistance organisations in Australia citing nearly half a million call outs annually to help fix cars with battery issues. Most drivers only find out their battery is failing when stranded.

Myth 3: The alternator keeps my battery fully charged.

Myth BUSTED: Not always. Short or infrequent drives don’t give the alternator enough time to recharge the battery. Advanced car technology (such as stop-start mechanisms) can drain more power than replaced.

Myth 4: Car batteries last for years without maintenance.

Myth BUSTED: Without regular charging, your battery’s lifespan shortens dramatically. In fact, using a smart charger like CTEK’s can triple your battery’s life – saving time, money and stress.

Myth 5: Charging is complicated and only for experts.

Myth BUSTED: Not with CTEK. Its smart chargers are trusted by more than 50 top car manufacturers (including Lamborghini, Porsche and McLaren) and are designed to be safe, simple and automatic for any driver to use.

Regular Battery Health Check

The good news this Charge Your Car Day is that there is an easy, cost effective solution to battery woes. If drivers get in the habit of connecting a battery charger in a fuss-free, simple way, their battery will always be primed for peak performance.

Regular charging is not only the easiest way to avoid the risk of battery failure; it can triple battery life and improve performance. A charged battery makes everything in the car work better, as the car does not need to prioritise essentials over power-hungry luxuries such as air-conditioning.

Paul Oddy, APAC Regional Manager at CTEK, said: “Charge Your Car Day on 5 October is the moment for our national community of drivers to celebrate smarter motoring together. We all dread a flat battery. At best it’s an inconvenience, at worst it’s a long unpleasant delay and even an expensive new battery.

“Research shows one in three vehicles entering workshops has a battery in need of attention. But you don’t have to live in fear of battery failure. Regularly connecting a charger provides peace of mind, optimises performance, extends battery life and saves money in the long run.”

“CTEK makes it easy. In our range, there is a charger to suit every driver. They are all simple to connect and can automatically get the job done.”

When you’re looking for the best car battery charger on the market, CTEK chargers are widely known across the globe for their excellent performance and reliability.

The post Charge Your Car Day 2025 – Yes EV’s, hybrids and PHEVs need a battery health check. appeared first on Eco Car Guide.

The EV-friendly routes take drivers through some of NSW’s top tourist destinations, including the Central Coast to the Hunter Valley, the Southern Highlands to the South Coast, and Sydney to the Blue Mountains.

EVC Chief Executive Julie Delvecchio said charging stations are strategically placed every 100km or less.

“This is exactly the kind of forward-thinking approach we need to accelerate EV adoption across Australia,” Ms Delvecchio said.

“Range anxiety has been a barrier to EV uptake, and by making it easier for drivers to see where they can travel and charge, this initiative directly addresses that concern. While many new EVs can travel 400km on a single charge, initiatives like these tackle concerns about range anxiety head on.”

Ms Delvecchio said EV-friendly routes bring economic opportunities to regional economies.

“Unlike traditional highways that can divert traffic, this initiative brings people into regional communities — encouraging stops at cafes, shops, and attractions, making regional travel even more appealing. This is a win-win for drivers, businesses, and sustainability.”

The NSW government’s nine EV-friendly road trips launch as WA completes Australia’s longest connected EV-charging highway.

The WA EV Network – spanning Mundrabilla near the SA border all the way to Kununurra near the NT border – has 110 charging points across 49 locations.

For more information on NSW electric vehicle road trips and to start planning your journey: Visit NSW EV Road Trips.

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Nearly one in ten new car sales are electric vehicles (BEVs and PHEVs), with more than 100,000 added to our roads this year.

To keep up with growing demand, the number of locations offering fast and ultra-fast chargers has nearly doubled in a year, reaching 1,059 locations nationwide with over 1,849 high-power public chargers.

Holidays 

Electric Vehicle Council, Head of Legal, Policy and Advocacy, Aman Gaur said: “Australians love a summer road trip, and more of them than ever before will now be clocking up the kilometres in electric cars.

“Australia has hit an annual record for new EV sales, surpassing 100,000 this year. That means we should expect to see more EVs on our roads and accessing public chargers during these holidays.

“Luckily, the public charging network is growing to keep up with demand. Over the past year, the number of public chargers and their locations has nearly doubled across the country, with more public and private investment in the pipeline to expand this further in the new year.

“Charging this summer is set to be smoother than ever, thanks to more public chargers in more places and a maturing EV charging sector that has overcome initial challenges. A couple of summers ago, EV drivers in need of charging faced a bumpy road, largely due to COVID-related supply chain disruptions that impacted the availability of spare parts.

“More EVs on our roads is a good thing, making summer holidays as cheap as possible and reducing pollution in our communities. For many, this will be their first holiday road trip behind the wheel of an EV, navigating the best ways to charge along the way. Some of our top tips for EV charging etiquette are: don’t overstay your charge, leave home with a full battery, and be courteous to your fellow EV drivers.”

Top tips for EV charging etiquette:

1. Leave home with a full charge and charge up at the place you’re staying before you head home if you can. This will reduce the amount you need to use public fast chargers, and create more availability for others.
2. Check with your accommodation provider about charging there and if they don’t have a policy around EV charging, offer to pay a bit more. The ability to charge where you’re staying is a huge convenience; it’s only fair that the driver offers to cover the small uptick in the accommodation provider’s electricity bill.
3. Don’t overstay your charge. When you’re using public chargers, take what you need, then make space for the next driver, especially if there’s a queue. Topping up to 80% will take a lot less time than filling all the way to 100%, because the charging rate slows down as the vehicle battery gets close to full.
4. Be kind. There’s more than 100,000 new EVs on our roads this year, with some drivers set to use public fast chargers for the first time this summer holiday. If someone needs help understanding how it works, offer to lend a hand.
5. Look after the charging equipment. Put the charging equipment back as you found it to avoid damage and for the next person’s ease. If the unit is damaged or impaired, report it immediately to the charge point operator.

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This World EV Day (Saturday, 9th September) is taking place as the Federal Government works out what fuel efficiency standards will look like for Australia, as part of the National Electric Vehicle Strategy, announced early this year.

Fuel efficiency standards are the key policy mechanism that will boost EV supply in Australia – and over time, ensure that all new cars sold are low and zero emissions.

Real Life Case studies

Oliver Wilcox, EV owner and NDIS service worker,  drives a BYD Atto 3, and cites cost of living and environmental benefits as main reasons for the switch. He saw immediate savings from no longer needing to get petrol, and has saved on servicing fees. He uses his car to transport people around as part of his NDIS service provider work.

Jeremy Watson, owner of carbon neutral Brimbank Vets, has reduced emissions by driving an EV, switching off his gas supply and using rooftop solar. He says the last three people hired said they were attracted to the practice’s carbon policies, at a time when there’s a national shortage of vets. For much of the year using surplus rooftop solar power, Jeremy can charge his car to travel up to 400km for as little as $5.

Ben Lever, clean transport campaigner at Solar Citizens, has just completed an electric ute tour from Ballarat to Brisbane in Australia in the hope of showing that demand is there for EVs, the huge fuel cost savings that can be made, whilst highlighting the capabilities of electric utes. Ben can share anecdotes from the trip, and talk about how strong fuel efficiency standards can improve choice of low and zero emissions vehicles available in Australia.

Anneliese Alexander and her family own a Tesla which they have used on a long distance road trip, and plan on taking another trip in the later half of 2023, where she’ll be going to Lightning Ridge via Coonabarabran. They are looking to upgrade their EV from the Tesla Model 3 to Model Y, and will continue using their EV to go on frequent family camping trips.

Small Business – World EV Day

Anthony Broese van Groenou, co-founder, director and CSO of Good Car is a sustainability expert and PhD researcher and can speak to anything EV related, EV grid integration, the future of transportation and the current state of play in Australia, from policy to people.

Joseph Evans, runs Ballycroft Vineyard and Cellars, Joseph owns a 2019 Nissan Leaf ZE1, which he uses to power his house and winery at night, and lets his customers charge their own EVs on his winery’s solar grid. Joseph details his story in this video including his experience with vehicle to grid technology. He has his eyes on getting an electric ute and/or an electric tractor and can talk to barriers/opportunities in doing so.

David Stuart, – Owner of Colormaker Industries, which has three EVs, all powered off their 100 kW solar array. One EV is used for business deliveries, with the other two rotated amongst staff to help with their cost of living pressures and to help reduce their personal transport emissions during their daily commutes. Since installing solar and a battery on-site and incorporating these EVs, Colormaker’s annual electricity bill has dropped from over $24,000 to being in credit. Factoring in pre-EV petrol costs, the annual savings are over $30,000.

Russell Klose, electric vehicle importer of second hand cars, lives in Yackandandah and has seen many locals driving around in EVs as the whole town is on board with electrification. He says the best way for people to understand the benefits of an EV is to try driving one, so he loans out his own EVs for community members to try.

Health

Dr Kate Charlesworth, Climate Councillor and public health physician, can talk about the health impacts of transport pollution, and how implementing fuel efficiency standards is a practical and immediate way to make our transport system cleaner. As a mother with a young family, she is particularly concerned about children, young people, and expecting mothers’ exposure to high levels of transport pollution.

World EV Day Experts

Bryce Gaton, EV Educator and founder of EV Choice, has worked in the field and been the owner of an EV for over a decade, he can talk about the general transport transition to EVs, what to expect when purchasing an EV, and the need for strong fuel efficiency standards to support the supply and uptake of more affordable EV models in Australia.

Michael Day, National Treasurer of the Australian Electric Vehicle Association, drives a Tesla Model 3, an electric motor scooter for shorter commutes, and a converted electric sports car for recreation. He uses a home battery and solar system to help charge his EV. He can talk about what to expect when purchasing an EV, and the need for strong fuel efficiency standards to make EVs more accessible to Australian drivers.

The post World EV Day 9 September: Experts And Case Studies appeared first on Eco Car Guide.

• Used, healthy EVs being needlessly scrapped if involved in minor collisions
• Until now there has been no way to inform consumers or insurers on the condition of a used EV, causing a major barrier to a thriving second-hand market
• Metis Engineering’s Cell Guard is a unique sensor with an accelerometer capable of measuring Shock load and duration up to +/-24G
• Vital information provides much needed transparency data on battery health
• Benefits include more sustainable ecosystem for EVS, as well as improved re-sale value of EVs and can help reduce high insurance premiums
• Cell Guard can also monitor VOCs, Pressure change, Humidity, Water ingress and Dew point, of lithium-ion battery packs, detecting cell venting and early warning of thermal runaway within seconds
• Tested and certified to ISO Automotive Standards

At the mobility event, Metis Engineering highlighted how the lack of transparent data on electric vehicle battery health, which is unable to help inform consumers, dealers or insurers of the state of the battery condition, is leading to EVs being needlessly scrapped if they are involved in the most minor collisions.

Until now, the used EV market has not had an effective method to provide consumers with clear data on the health of a car’s battery. Consequently, insurance companies face uncertainty when assessing potential battery damage, often resulting in conservative write-offs even if they have travelled only a few miles. This practice not only raises insurance premiums for consumers but also contributes to unnecessary waste, hindering the circular economy principles that underpin the EV industry.

Cell Guard from Metis Engineering has been developed to solve this problem. Its first-to-market innovative solution is a CAN based sensor that can be easily integrated into almost any battery system and features an accelerometer to measure Shock load and duration up to +/-24G.

The matchbox-sized unit is a unique sensor that provides unrivalled accurate and detailed information on the health of a lithium-ion battery pack by relaying any Shock data over a configurable CAN interface to a control unit, such as the vehicle’s ECU, which can be accessed to provide far greater insight into the battery’s condition for repurposing and recycling, as well as any subsequent insurance claims.

This information can radicalise the re-sale market of used EVs, with buyers given much needed clarity to be able to make informed decisions regarding battery pack condition, as well as its maintenance.

Joe Holdsworth, CEO, Metis Engineering said: “The unknown risk of poor EV battery health is one of the biggest and most significant barriers hindering the growth of the used electric vehicle market. By providing consumers and insurers unprecedented insights into battery health, it empowers informed decision-making while minimising uncertainty surrounding minor collision damage. Cell Guard is game-changing solution that bridges the gap between insurers, consumers, and the EV industry.

Developed using ISO26262 processes and certified to ISO Automotive Standards, Cell Guard is manufactured in the UK under strict quality-controlled conditions to satisfy orders from a rapidly growing number of OEMs and Tier 1s where they are being used in ASIL B applications

Cell Guard is also capable of detecting cell venting, which is an early sign of catastrophic battery failure vastly reducing the risk of thermal runaway. Unlike current battery cell monitoring systems (BMS), which typically only offer temperature and voltage sensors, Cell Guard monitors a range of environmental parameters required to ensure that the battery continues to operate in optimum conditions, including VOCs, Pressure change, Humidity, and Dew point.

With Cell Guard, Metis Engineering is setting a new standard for advanced battery health monitoring in EVs and Energy Storage Systems

Metis Engineering

Metis Engineering Ltd is based in Bristol, United Kingdom. The company has produced a range of innovative sensors for the automotive industry. These include:

Cell Guard, for the EV battery pack health monitoring and the early detection of thermal runaway of lithium-ion battery packs.

Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) – a CAN-based sensor which monitors 3 axis of acceleration, rotation, quaternion angles and pitch, roll and yaw.

Untethered Dead Reckoning (UDR) – a standalone CAN-based sensor that outputs latitude, longitude, altitude and Corse Over Ground. Ideal for when GPS / GNSS signal is lost.

Air Quality  – a CAN-based sensor that measures gaseous parameters to determine cabin HVAC system operation.

Metis Engineering’s sensors are in use in a wide range of applications including: Bloodhound LSR, Brompton Bicycles, high-performance electric aircraft, motorsport: Formula E and World Rally Championship, Energy Storage Systems and autonomous vehicles

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