Aussies want EVs but government the handbrake

More Australians than ever are keen to drive an EV.

About 56% of Australians are considering buying an EV for their next vehicle – up from 53% last year and 48% in 2018, according to the newly released annual State of Electric Vehicles 2020 report from the Electric Vehicle Council (EVC).

The popularity of EVs keeps climbing despite most Australians underestimating how far they can now go on a single charge.

Almost 80% of 2902 Australians consumers surveyed for the report mistakenly believe the average EV is incapable of more than 400km range.

“Australian enthusiasm for electric vehicles is rising markedly despite the stubborn persistence of myths about range,” EVC chief executive Behyad Jafari says.

“The fact is that in 2020, for most Australians, an electric vehicle is a far more convenient option to run than a combustion engine alternative – even if you hit the highway regularly.

“The average electric car for sale on our market today can now take you more than 400 kilometres on a single charge. And because you can charge it at home overnight, it’s much easier to keep topped up than a conventional vehicle.”

The 99-page report also features, for the first time, a grading of Australian governments based on the policy work they have done to support the transition to EVs – including investing in EV charging networks, home charging installation subsidies, and creating EV sales targets.

The research reveals plenty of room for government improvement in encouraging EV uptake.

Only the ACT scored a decent B, with EV tax incentives and a government fleet EV target introduced.

Both New South Wales and Queensland scored a C rating while Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania received Ds.

Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and the federal government each got an F.

“Despite the healthy enthusiasm for electric vehicles from the public, Australian governments are still badly lagging the world when it comes to supportive policy,” Jafari says.

“The US and Europe have shown us what works, all Australian leaders have to do now is join the party.

“The ACT is commendably leading the way, but we really need the larger jurisdictions to follow if we want the benefits EVs can deliver like cleaner and quieter cities, lower carbon emissions, and national fuel security.”

Jafari says the report shows the interest in EVs, but that people are still waiting for “a clear green light from government”.