Electric vehicle (EV) sales hit new highs in 2024, and despite the rate of growth slowing compared to previous years, it showed new-car buyers are still interested in battery-powered cars, SUVs and vans.
This sales increase is being reflected in a shift in how Australians view EVs, with a recent study showing just how attitudes are changing.
The Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) this week released its EV and Hybrid Vehicle Wave 3 Insights Report, compiled by Zing Insights which has previously released three such studies.
As with previous iterations in December 2022 and January 2024, the most recent November 2024 study was the result of Zing Insights surveying 2000 Australian drivers about their current and future car buying habits.
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Compared to the study before it, more motorists said they’re willing to buy a new EV as their daily driver, though only 28 per cent of those surveyed came back with this response – an increase of just one per cent.
By comparison, 14 per cent of respondents said they’d be willing to buy a used EV as their daily driver (down one per cent). These figures changed to 26 and 15 per cent respectively when respondents were asked whether they’d want an EV as their secondary vehicle.
As in previous cases, buyers are most hesitant about buying EVs due to the perception that they cost too much, with 55 per cent of respondents putting this down as a factor.
The last study saw 57 per cent of respondents say this while the one prior saw a result of 62 per cent, indicating cost is becoming less of a concern for buyers.
The current cost of living crisis is having an impact, however, with 64 per cent of respondents agreeing that they’re less willing to pay more for an EV over other fuel types due to the economic environment, up two per cent.
Respondents said that on average, they’re willing to spend an additional six per cent to buy an EV over a petrol or diesel internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle.
The AADA also released a list of three key drivers and barriers towards EV ownership, with the data showing major recent shifts in perceptions.
According to the AADA, 58 per cent of respondents believe EVs are better for the environment (down from 67 per cent), 50 per cent think they represent the future of vehicles (down from 63 per cent), while 48 per cent said they’re cheaper to run.
However, factors holding prospective buyers back include 55 per cent of respondents saying EVs are too expensive (down from 62 per cent), 49 per cent believing there’s a lack of charging infrastructure, and 44 per cent claiming their home setup is insufficient.
“These findings underscore the importance of ensuring that policies aimed at boosting EV uptake consider affordability and infrastructure accessibility,” said AADA CEO James Voortman.
“With the recently introduced New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) now in effect, it is crucial that the framework supports consumer choice without compromising vehicle affordability.
“If EV adoption is to accelerate, industry and government must work together to address cost concerns and improve the value proposition for consumers.”
Last year was a record for new EV sales in Australia with 91,292 deliveries, which was up 4.7 per cent on the year prior. However, this was down significantly on the triple-digit growth in 2023, with a slump in Tesla sales having a major impact on overall EV sales growth.
