Australian EV owners survey dispels range anxiety

Australia’s largest survey of electric vehicle owners has found Tesla drivers are travelling the same average kilometres a year as everyone else.

A survey of 741 Tesla drivers by the Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) and the Tesla Owners Club of Australia (TOCA), shows 89% drove more than 10,000km annually, while 38% exceeded 20,000km a year.

The national average for all passenger vehicles is 11,100km annually.

Most EV drivers charge their vehicles during off-peak times, suggesting current market offers like time-of-use tariffs are working, says the EVC.

The 27-page report also found 51% of Tesla drivers are aged 50-69, with just 12% under 40; Volkswagen and Toyota were the most commonly previously owned car before a Tesla despite the leading EV brand being often considered luxury, and that almost half of respondents saved more than $2000 on petrol annually, while 77% saved more than $1000.

Technology (83%) and environment (78%) were the most common reasons for buying a Tesla, the report adds, the survey also revealing 65% did not have a regular servicing schedule and 41% saved more than $1000 on maintenance costs.

The survey result will be valuable for policy makers trying to boost Australia’s EV uptake, says EVC chief executive Behyad Jafari.

“This study puts another nail in the coffin of the myth that driving range is an issue for EV owners with the vast majority driving the same average kilometres a year as Australia’s average passenger vehicle,” he explains.

“We know range anxiety is a major impediment to people buying EVs. This finding is yet another reason showing there is nothing to fear.”

 Jafari says EV owners are saving thousands of dollars on fuel and maintenance costs.

“At a time when petrol and diesel prices are going through the roof, the Australian government must introduce long-overdue fuel efficiency standards to cut costs in the future and drive down emissions.

“The survey also found that only 10% of respondents charged their vehicles at work, indicating there is ample scope for employers to install charging infrastructure.

“If Australia introduced a fringe benefits tax exemption for workplace charging it would help align EV charging with daytime excess solar energy generation.”

 TOCA president Pete Thorne says the survey is an excellent starting point for understanding Australia’s Tesla drivers.

“With just 12% of respondents aged under 40, there is the need to do more research to understand the preferences of younger drivers who may want to own an EV in the future.”

Thorne says Tesla owners are saving thousands of dollars annually on fuel and maintenance costs.

“We’re calling on federal and state governments to take this research into account when deciding EV policy, which is a crucial part of Australia’s future.”

Click here to download the report.