It’s almost two centuries ago that Scottish inventor Robert Anderson created the very first prototype of an electric powered vehicle.

It was somewhat crude, but the idea has certainly stood the test of time. Within twenty years, an EV using a rechargeable battery hit the roads. Since then, the advances have continued at a steady pace.

Sales of electric cars tripled in 2019 and automotive peak bodies are calling for greater public support. Whether it’s a fully electric vehicle or a plug-in hybrid, Australians are making the switch from petrol engines in growing numbers. Globally, and in this country, BMW is leading the charge. There are several reasons for the change.

EVs are environmentally friendly. Alternative drive technologies will play a major role in protecting the environment and climate. BMW’s motto is that its EVs must have a smaller footprint than a similar combustion engine car. This holistic approach takes in the lifecycle of the entire vehicle and includes its supply chain, production, service life and eventual recycling.

EVs are cost effective, especially in the longer term. BMW’s latest calculations show that an electric car is financially superior to a combustion engine from around 100,000 to 160,000 kilometres. Due to advances in technology, BMW’s range of EVs offer lower operating and maintenance costs when compared with a fuel powered vehicle.

Durability and battery life are also where BMW have created everyday reliability. Ongoing innovations have built on a history that goes back to 1972, when the first electric BMW was unveiled. Today, the flexibility of what you can do in an electric car has expanded greatly.

It might seem as though EVs are something of an overnight success but the reality is that they’ve been on a constant improvement curve over many, many years.

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