Half of Australian Drivers expect to be in an EV by 2030
A survey by the Electric Vehicle Council revealed that almost half of car buyers in Australia expect to be driving an electric vehicle (EV) by 2030.
The Consumer Attitudes Survey 2021 aims to provide an annual snapshot of the Australian public’s sentiments. It was conducted over a one-week period from the 5th to the 12th of July 2021 and received responses from over 3000 car buyers across the country.
This year’s report found Australian consumers are ready to take action to see the benefits of a zero-emission transport future.
54 per cent of respondents would consider purchasing an electric vehicle as their next car, while 49 per cent see themselves driving an electric vehicle in 2030.
Four in 10 people said they would be encouraged to buy an EV if government subsidies were available to assist with the initial cost.
Half would pay more for an equivalent electric car compared to petrol or diesel, while 92 per cent agreed that public charging infrastructure was important in encouraging them to go electric.
“Australians are now well and truly ready to go electric,” said Behyad Jafari, Electric Vehicle Council Chief Executive.
“This survey shows we understand the personal benefits and we’re also ready to start contributing to the societal advantages of the electric transition.”
Data released by the Electric Vehicle Council in August showed 8,688 battery and plug-in EVs were sold in the first half of 2021, more than in any calendar year. It accounted for 1.57 per cent of all light vehicle sales, an increase from the 0.78 per cent recorded across the entirety of 2020.
“Half the population now see themselves behind the wheel of an electric car by 2030. But they are frustrated by Australian policies that mean that many of the best affordable EV models don’t make it to our shores.
“The policies on EVs has shifted massively in a short period of time, and politicians should ensure they don’t get stuck in the past. Australians now recognise the abundant advantages of driving an electric car,” continued Mr Jafari.
“If the Australian Government starts introducing policies to encourage EV take-up, similar to those in the UK, those policies will be met with overwhelming support from drivers and the broader electorate.”
Several states and territories have begun offering incentives, with South Australia and NSW having $3,000 available for EV buyers. Victoria has copped criticism for introducing a levy of up to 2.5 cents per kilometre for EV users in July.
Source: Electric Vehicle Council | Australians ready to embrace electric cars and want their pollies to back the switch: poll
18 October 2021
