Life Cycle Cost Analysis of Electrical Vehicles in Australia

Abstract

Electric vehicles (EV) have tremendous potential due to their 'zero tail-pipe emission' and low maintenance costs. However, a higher upfront cost comparing to internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs) threatens the popularity of EVs in Australia. Moreover, the uncertainties of the new technology are often responsible for unanticipated costs over the vehicle life cycle. Hence, this paper aims to investigate the economic feasibility of EVs in Australia. A Life Cycle Cost (LCC) analysis was conducted on the 2011 Nissan Leaf in order to estimate the total economic impact over its life cycle under Australian conditions.