RACV reports a surge of Australians shifting to electric vehicles as fuel prices climb and wait times stretch across the country’s most popular EV brands. Supply is struggling to keep pace with demand, and the group warns many buyers may lock in cars that do not suit their lifestyle or driving patterns.
Anxiety about petrol costs is pushing faster decisions and fewer test drives. Buyers are chasing availability rather than the best long-term fit.
The recent closure of the Strait of Hormuz has intensified concerns about fuel supply and costs, driving more Australians into the EV market than ever before. Electric vehicles now hold almost double their previous share of new car sales even as policy incentives soften.
The federal government is winding back a generous EV tax concession and weighing up a road‑user charge that could add ongoing costs. Policy shifts are not slowing interest, but they change the financial equation for new owners.
Market signals back the government’s expectation that EV demand stays very strong despite the looming policy changes. Energy authorities point to data showing consistent momentum in EV orders and deliveries.
RACV’s own Car Match platform recorded a 461% jump in EV searches in March compared with February, highlighting a sharp swing in consumer curiosity. Search data does not always translate directly into purchases, but it often precedes a wave of orders.
RACV is trying to steer Australians away from panic buying and toward more deliberate EV choices. The organisation suggests buyers look beyond short-term fuel fears and consider factors like charging access, driving range and total ownership costs.
Policy debates on tax breaks and road‑user charges create extra complexity for households trying to do the maths. Demand is booming, but so is the risk of mismatched cars and buyer regret.
