EXCLUSIVE: Australia’s fuel price chaos has already prompted a surge in interest in electric car ownership, with one in four Australians now considering buying an EV as global tensions heighten petrol anxiety.
New research released this week shows that the Middle East conflict and fears over fuel supply are quickly changing how Australians approach their next car purchase.
A survey conducted by Primara Research found 25 per cent of drivers were now thinking about switching to an electric vehicle, a big jump from just 7 per cent before the crisis began.
If that interest turns into actual purchases, analysts say the number of EVs on Australian roads could soar.
Currently, electric cars make up about 4 per cent of the national fleet, but researchers estimate ownership could rise to about 13 per cent, which represents a potential 225 per cent increase.
With more than 400,000 EVs already on Australian roads, this surge in interest could push the country’s electric fleet past one million vehicles.
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The survey found 71 per cent of Australians consider petrol prices and fuel supply a major concern, rating the issue eight out of 10 or higher, which is the highest level of concern recorded in the research.
Automakers say the fuel shock is already driving curiosity about electric vehicles.
Polestar Australia managing director Scott Maynard said the brand had noticed a spike in attention in recent weeks.
“Over the last few weeks, we have certainly seen building interest in the Polestar brand, and people wanting to know more about our vehicles. However it really is too early to say whether this will translate to an uplift in vehicle sales,” he said.
Green.com.au founder Dave Green said the global crisis had fundamentally changed the EV debate.
“The Middle East crisis has shifted the EV conversation from an environmental choice to an economic necessity,” he said.
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Younger Australians are leading the potential switch.
Among those aged 25 to 34, a huge 42 per cent are now considering buying an EV, up from just 6 per cent before the crisis, even though only 3 per cent currently own one.
The 35 to 44 age group also shows strong interest, with 40 per cent considering electric, while 25 per cent of those aged 45 to 54 say they are thinking about making the switch.
Even older Australians are beginning to rethink petrol.
Among drivers over 55, interest in EVs has jumped from 11 per cent to 17 per cent, despite just 2 per cent currently owning an electric vehicle.
Primara Research director Peter Drennan said economic shocks often accelerated significant changes in consumer behaviour.
“This isn’t gradual adoption anymore; it’s a tipping point driven by crisis,” he said.
“Lower EV prices combined with higher fuel costs and geopolitical instability create the economic trigger that changes purchasing behaviour almost overnight.”
