With petrol prices continuing to put pressure on household budgets, more Eastern Suburbs families are considering making the switch to an electric vehicle (EV). While the upfront purchase price is still something to consider, many families are discovering that lower running costs and the growing network of public chargers are making EV ownership more practical than ever.
If you’ve been wondering whether an electric vehicle would work for your family, here’s what you need to know.
Thousands of Drivers Have Already Made the Switch
Electric vehicle ownership is growing rapidly across Randwick.
There are now around 3,000 electric vehicles registered in the Randwick local government area, representing approximately 5% of all road vehicles—around double the New South Wales average.
One local resident who made the switch is Coogee doctor Dr Jack Purcell, who drives around 50 kilometres each way to Liverpool Hospital several days a week.
After more than a year of EV ownership, he says the savings have been substantial.
Instead of spending around $200 to $300 a week on petrol, he now spends approximately $40 a week charging his vehicle.
For families with long daily commutes, school drop-offs and weekend sport, those savings can add up to thousands of dollars each year.
Public Charging is Making EVs More Practical
One of the biggest concerns for many families is where they’ll charge their vehicle.
That’s particularly important in the Eastern Suburbs, where many residents live in apartments or rental properties.
Recognising this, Randwick, Waverley and Woollahra Councils partnered in 2019 to establish New South Wales’ first council-owned public EV charging network, powered entirely by renewable energy.
Today that network includes:
- More than 300 public charging stations across the Eastern Suburbs
- 124 charging stations in Randwick
- 22 additional chargers planned during 2026
- Most residents are already within an eight-minute walk of a public charger
Charging stations can easily be found by searching “charging station” in Google Maps or Apple Maps.
Can You Charge at Home?
If you have off-street parking, charging at home is often the easiest option.
Many owners simply plug their vehicle into a standard household power point overnight using a Level 1 charging cable.
Families wanting faster charging can install a Level 2 charger, which typically recharges a vehicle in around two to five hours.
Apartment living doesn’t necessarily rule out owning an EV either.
Apartment buildings across Randwick, Waverley and Woollahra can apply for the EV Charging for Apartments Program (Smart Plugs), offering a 50% rebate (up to $10,000 per building) to help install smart charging infrastructure.
Is an Electric Vehicle Right for Your Family?
Before making the switch, ask yourself these questions:
✅ EV Family Checklist
Home charging
- □ Do you have off-street parking?
- □ Could you install a home charger?
- □ If you live in an apartment, would your strata consider installing EV charging?
Public charging
- □ Is there a public charger close to your home?
- □ Is there charging available near your workplace?
- □ Are there chargers near places you regularly visit?
Your driving habits
- □ Do most of your trips fit comfortably within an EV’s driving range?
- □ Are you comfortable planning charging stops on longer road trips?
- □ Would lower weekly running costs offset the purchase price?
Lifestyle
- □ Do you regularly drive long distances?
- □ Could overnight charging fit into your routine?
- □ Would quieter, lower-maintenance driving suit your family?
Road Trips Are Easier Than Many Think
A common concern is whether electric vehicles are practical beyond city driving.
Dr Purcell says his EV has comfortably handled trips to Byron Bay, Canberra, Goulburn and the Blue Mountains, using charging stations along the way.
Like many EV owners, he simply plans charging stops before leaving—something that has become increasingly straightforward as Australia’s charging network continues to expand.
More Than Just Saving Money
While lower fuel costs are often the biggest attraction, many families also enjoy:
- Lower vehicle emissions
- Quiet, smooth driving
- Reduced servicing requirements
- Modern technology and safety features
- Never having to visit a petrol station
As public charging infrastructure continues to grow throughout the Eastern Suburbs, switching to an electric vehicle is becoming a realistic option for more local families than ever before.
If you’re considering making the move, it’s worth checking where your nearest public charging station is—you may discover it’s much closer than you think.
