Electric Vehicles

Will this Aussie hatchback EV trigger a Kodak moment for cars?

Published by

Remember how the old cell phone was largely replaced by the smart phone in one replacement cycle? Remember how film cameras gave way to digital cameras over a couple of years?

The recent announcement of a $20,000 Australian-made small hatchback EV by 2020 suggests that the motor and motor-finance industry may be on the cusp of the great disruption that sustainable transport experts have been predicting, similar to the famous “Kodak-Moment”.

If such a vehicle were to be available in Australia, whether it is from Uniti or another manufacturer such as Sanjeev Gupta (and it will happen), what could the consequences be?

Firstly, it would economically irrational to buy an equivalently-sized petrol vehicle as the EV would have a lower cost of ownership per km.

Modelling, using my company’s EV-Business-Case Tool (shameless plug – pun intended), reveals that a $20,000 EV would be much cheaper to operate than a petrol or diesel vehicle. This is based on a Total Cost of Ownership view of the vehicle which factors in resale value, fuel and other operating costs.

Continue reading the full article on RenewEconomy’s new electric vehicle-dedicated site, The Driven…

Bede Doherty is an independent consultant in climate change mitigation, specialising in transport including fuels/powertrains, fuelling infrastructure and emissions.

Bede Doherty

Bede Doherty is an independent consultant in climate change mitigation, specialising in transport including fuels/powertrains, fuelling infrastructure and emissions.

Share
Published by

Recent Posts

Australia’s Atmos snaps up wind and solar projects as European developer retreats to core markets

Australian developer snaps up portfolio of operating and developing wind and solar projects as a…

17 October 2026

A massive 244-tonne transformer completes 2,165 km road trip to Australia’s largest solar project

A massive 244-tonne transformer has completed a 2,165 km road trip to the site of…

17 October 2026

Energy Insiders: Grid scale sodium batteries are on their way

The battery industry is about to witness another change in chemistry and technology. Valo Energy…

16 October 2026

“Just a fantasy:” Energy minister slams Opposition gas and nuclear ideas, vows to hold the line on renewables

Energy minister says imminent closure of coal is "indisputable," and "ideology-driven" policies to scrap transmission…

16 October 2026

Supplier to Australia’s biggest battery expects to announce first sodium-ion battery project soon

The supplier to the biggest battery currently being built in Australia expects to announce its…

16 October 2026

Wind projects will need help “for a while”, says new green bank boss in shift of funding priorities

The federal government green bank has dusted off an old mandate, but has not ruled…

16 October 2026