Record high number of Australians considering electric cars as high fuel prices and affordable options like the 2026 Geely EX5 and BYD Sealion 7 storm charts

The number of Australians willing to buy an electric car has increased dramatically, with now only 17 percent of people stating they wouldn’t consider an EV according to a report by the NRMA.

Australian tastes are rapidly changing when it comes to how we want our vehicles powered. And while combustion vehicles still rule our roads with the majority of new cars bought still have petrol and diesel engines, the uptake of battery electric vehicles (BEVs), hybrids and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) is increasing.

Shop BYD Sealion 7 Cars

Search all cars

Search all cars

Additionally, consideration of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) has increased from 41 percent in 2024 to 58 percent in 2026.

The report also found that the number of Australians who would not consider an EV was now just 17 percent.

What factors have changed Australians’ attitudes towards EVs?

“There’s no doubt 2026 has been the tipping point for EV adoption. More affordable vehicles, expanded charging infrastructure and government incentives have all helped move EVs into the mainstream,” NRMA CEO Julie Batch said.

“At the same time, rising petrol prices and concerns about long-term fuel security have given consumers even more reason to consider an EV.” 

Of the 17 percent of people who would not consider an EV, the biggest concern was battery life with 60 percent saying this was a major barrier; 56 percent also felt that driving range was also a substantial reason not to buy an EV; 54 percent saw charging time as a factor that put them off; and finally 52 percent also felt fire risk stood in the way of them purchasing an electric car.

“Some of the concerns we see around battery health and safety don't reflect the reality of modern EVs, but that doesn't mean they should be ignored. The challenge is helping Australians separate fact from fiction and to make decisions based on reliable information," Ms Batch said.

“For example, independent battery testing is already widely available and can provide buyers with a clear picture of a battery's condition. When it comes to fires, EV battery fires are extremely rare and when charged correctly, there’s virtually zero fire risk.”

This number is expected to rise to approximately 10 percent by 2030, with CSIRO modelling  predicting that 97 percent of light passenger cars will be electric by 2050.

Right now affordable Chinese EVs are proving hugely popular with Australians. Electric SUVs such as the BYD Sealion 7, Geely EX5 and Zeekr 7X are now more popular than past Aussie combustion favourites such as the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5 and Subaru Forester.