When I buy an EV, do I need to keep an ICE car, just in case?

Every family’s driving needs are different and people must make their transport decisions accordingly. For decades, my family has had a country car that is powerful and comfortable for those long trips and a city car that is small, sporty, economical for commuting and doing the shopping.

Two years ago (well into retirement) we decided to buy electric and sell the ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicles. We sold three cars (two Hyundai’s and a Wolseley) and bought one (a Tesla). It has made life simpler, though there are times when it would have been more convenient to have a spare car (fossil fueled or electric).

Some Ev owners have kept their petrol or diesel cars and are having a range of experiences. So, how often is the ICE car used now that the electric has arrived? Some are finding that their ICE car has simply become a new habitat for spiders (see photo).

Others say that they are are becoming a nuisance – “I have 3 in the driveway not being driven that I really need to get rid of 🙁 Sick of mowing around them,” said one. That’s a lot of rego and insurance.  Perhaps there are some young ones in the family that need a first car?

Selling the ICE sooner rather than later might be the best option. At the moment, second hand ICE cars seem to be fetching good prices and the time will come when the market starts to move down. Stanford’s Tony Seba predicts a time when abandoned ICE cars will line the highways.

Leaving the ICE car sitting around can lead to maintenance problems – perhapsm ironically –a flat battery. It’s a bit hard to jump start from the Tesla.

People are noticing that their ICE cars smell of petrol fumes (I am noting those fumes more and more – anyone else having that experience? Editor’s note: Yes!).

I think we didn’t notice that so much when we sat in our gas burners every day. Now, it’s like being an ex smoker and coming back in contact with the blue clouds of death.

ICE really only has one use. To keep my beer cold. Spoken like a true Aussie.

David Waterworth is a researcher and writer, a retired teacher who divides his time between looking after his grandchildren and trying to make sure they have a planet to live on. He owns 50 shares of Tesla.