Electric vehicles have been spoken about for years, but now they're suddenly… everywhere?

With once prohibitive prices dropping and options for charging expanding, owning electric is now an attainable switch, rather than futuristic fantasy.

We sat down with Shana, an electric vehicle expert from Chasing Cars, powered by Budget Direct — Australia's most independent car review site.

There are too many car brands available on Australian roads to get a full view of the market on our own.

So, it's people like Shana's job to spend their days test-driving, comparing and stress-testing the newest vehicles on the market — including the rapidly growing list of electric vehicles hitting our streets.

Here's exactly what she tells people who are considering buying their first electric car.

What actually is an electric vehicle?

An EV is powered entirely by a battery and electric motor — no petrol, no diesel. The simplest way to understand the difference between your options? As Shana puts it: "Hybrid: no charge. Plug-in hybrid: sometimes charge. EV: only charge."

Watch: Everything you wanted to know about electric cars. Post continues below.

Most EVs have a large battery that powers an electric motor driving the wheels. Some have a single motor; others have two, offering all-wheel drive.

If you've never lifted a bonnet in your life, don't stress. Shana says that once you understand the basics, EVs are far less complicated than many people think.

Why people fall in love with electric vehicles.

The financial case for switching is hard to argue with.

"The best way to explain it is that you're essentially going to save double when it comes to charging an EV versus refuelling a petrol car," Shana said.

Servicing costs are also generally lower, thanks to EVs' simpler mechanical design. And beyond the hip pocket, there's the environmental upside: EVs produce zero exhaust emissions, and if you're charging from renewable energy, you can reduce your footprint even further.

Wondering what they're like to drive? Most people describe EVs as smooth, quiet and surprisingly zippy — thanks to instant power the moment you hit the accelerator.

What Shana wants people to stop worrying about EVs.

EV misinformation is everywhere, so Shana hears the same concerns on repeat.

One of the biggest is battery life — how long do they actually last?

The short answer: longer than most people expect. EV batteries typically carry longer warranties than the vehicles themselves, and real-world results back that up. "What we've seen is batteries on the road that have done hundreds of thousands of kilometres and are still operating absolutely fine," Shana said. "I don't think it's the huge panic situation that people think it is."

And yes, EVs used to be expensive — but the market has changed significantly. Chinese brands in particular have driven prices down, with the BYD Atto 1 now available from $23,990 (before on-road costs). "You can't even get a Toyota Yaris or a Mazda 2 for that money anymore," Shana noted.

Practical electrical vehicle questions that matter.

Home charging is more straightforward than most people assume. "You can actually just plug it into a regular powerpoint at home — the same one you'd use for a hair dryer," Shana said. "It charges slowly overnight, but for most people that recoups what they use during the day. It's a net-neutral situation."

For faster charging, wall boxes are an option — though if you're in an apartment, you'll need to check with your strata first. Public fast chargers are also widely available, and most charging networks have apps that show which bays are free and how fast they charge.

When it comes to range, plenty of EVs now cover around 400km on a full charge. That sounds modest until you factor in that the average Australian drives just 33km per day — meaning many EV owners only need a full charge once a fortnight. For longer trips, map your chargers in advance and, as Shana suggests, time your stop with lunch.

What to ask yourself before you buy an electric vehicle.

Shana recommended starting with the basics:

• Where will I be able to charge it? Having one consistent place to charge — ideally at home — makes EV ownership significantly easier.

• Will it be my only vehicle? "An EV as a second household car is a far simpler choice — and can mean a smaller, less expensive vehicle with a smaller battery range is absolutely fine."

• Do I want a full EV, or a hybrid? If charging feels restrictive for your situation, hybrids are worth exploring.

• What are the warranties and servicing costs? "Just like regular petrol and diesel cars, these can vary significantly between models."

How to pick the right EV for your lifestyle.

"Look for the same things as you would with a regular petrol or diesel vehicle," Shana said. That means thinking about passenger space, boot size, tech, infotainment and how comfortable the car feels to drive.

"EVs are different only in the way they are powered (and recharged), and they're available in much the same array of different body styles and sizes. That even includes the arrival of fully electric utes!" she added.

When narrowing options, Chasing Cars becomes genuinely useful. "Chasing Cars exists to help Australians choose the right vehicle for their needs," Shana explained.

Get EV advice from the experts.

Unlike many other platforms, Chasing Cars doesn't accept advertising money from manufacturers. "It's Australia's most independent car review platform," Shana said.

Buyers can read written reviews, watch YouTube videos or check out short reviews on social media. "We also conduct comprehensive comparison tests to help buyers researching a specific vehicle segment," she added. And with more than 50 car brands and hundreds of models in Australia, having an unbiased shortlist genuinely saves time.

Three electric vehicle recommendations.

Looking for somewhere to start? Here are three worth considering, all spotted during our day with Shana:

• Tesla Model Y, from $58,900. Australia's best-selling EV — and the world's. Loaded with space (including a "frunk" — a front boot where the engine would normally sit), clever tech, and optional full self-driving (supervised).

• BYD Atto 3, from $39,990. "That one really knocked my socks off when I saw the price," Shana said. "You can get one in your driveway for like 42 grand — you can't even get a Toyota Yaris or a Mazda 2 for that money anymore."

• Kia EV3, from $47,600. Shana's pick for city dwellers: compact enough for tight streets, but with surprising interior space. "That was our favourite compact electric SUV," she said. "We're big fans of that one."

From there, let independent reviews help you compare, filter and narrow down what actually fits your life.

Explore electric car reviews and more on Chasing Cars — your guide to finding your next car.

Featured image: Supplied.

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