Cost of living forces Aussies to reconsider buying an EV but many remain sceptical

Australians are re-evaluating their vehicle choices and maintenance habits as cost of living pushes Australians to look towards EVs, but a number of concerns outweigh the transition.

As Australians feel the pinch of rising living costs, electric vehicles (EVs) are emerging as a more appealing option for many drivers.

However, despite growing interest a significant number of Australians remain sceptical about making the switch from traditional petrol or diesel vehicles.

New research from mycar Tyre & Auto reveals 32 per cent of Australian drivers are considering an EV for their next vehicle due to potential savings on fuel and maintenance.

With fuel prices continuing to climb, 40 per cent identified this as a key factor influencing their next vehicle purchase.

Despite this growing interest, the majority of Australian drivers are still hesitant to transition to EVs.

A staggering 88 per cent of those surveyed continue to rely on internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.

Sydney mother Phoebe said the biggest deterrent for her is the lack of widespread and reliable charging infrastructure.

“As a mother of a young child, I fear any kind of scenario in which an EV leaves me stranded without a charging station in sight,” she said.

Living in an apartment without access to a home charger, she said the idea of owning an EV is not practical but she acknowledges the potential savings on maintenance and fuel.

“Topping up an EV should be as easy as topping up a petrol or diesel car, at this stage, it isn’t, which is a major barrier for me,” she said.

Sydney mother Phoebe opted not to purchase an EV. Picture: Supplied

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) CEO Stuart Charity said it’s evident more needs to be done.

“It’s clear Australians need more support to ensure their first EV purchase is not their last.

“Supporting the transition from traditional, trusted vehicles, requires a holistic approach that starts with education on the benefits and practicalities of EV ownership and continues by ensuring the automotive industry is equipped to facilitate the shift in terms of infrastructure,” he said.

Charity argues that the government and industry “must work in close tandem”.

“Not only to make the switch seamless, but also to maintain and build consumer trust in this technology,” he said.

EV charging infrastructure is growing. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Brenton Edwards

More than a quarter of respondents believe that more government policies and initiatives are needed to support sustainable transportation and 45 per cent expressed interest in mobile EV servicing.

Mycar Tyre & Auto Managing Director Adam Pay said he sees this as an opportunity for growth within the automotive industry.

“We’re expanding our network of EV-ready stores and mobile servicing options to meet this demand and to support our customers through this transition,” he said.

The mycar Mobility Index reveals that three in five vehicle owners (60 per cent) have adjusted their maintenance habits in response to financial pressures. Picture: Supplied

Many Australians are not just reconsidering their vehicle choice but also how they maintain their cars.

The mycar Mobility Index reveals that three in five vehicle owners (60 per cent) have adjusted their maintenance habits in response to financial pressures.

Almost a quarter (24 per cent) of respondents have extended intervals between regular services, while 21 per cent have opted for lower-cost maintenance service or repairs.

More concerning is the growing trend of DIY maintenance.

With nearly half of survey responants adjusting their insurance coverage - some even dropping it entirely - many drivers are now taking car maintenance into their own hands.

Mycar Tyre & Auto Managing Director Adam Pay expressed concerns over this growing trend.

“It’s tempting to think you can save money by doing vehicle maintenance yourself, but the reality is that certain tasks require the expertise of trained technicians,

“For example, brake maintenance is critical to vehicle safety, and if done incorrectly, it can lead to catastrophic failures,” he said.

Originally published as Cost of living forces Aussies to reconsider buying an EV but many remain sceptical