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Motorists hurt by soaring fuel prices and anxious about climate change are looking to buy electric vehicles, according to our latest survey.
An RAA survey shows most motorists (62%) of the 1500 surveyed are considering switching to an EV when making their next car purchase.
This is a massive increase on the 42% of members who expressed the same sentiment in our previous survey conducted in May 2020.
Not surprisingly, the survey also found 74% of drivers were concerned about rising fuel prices and many were seeking alternative transport to cut their fuel bills.
Adelaide petrol prices hit a record peak of 229.9c per litre last week and RAA fuel expert Mark Borlace said it was no surprise motorists were looking at EVs to reduce their car running costs.
“Fuel costs are the biggest energy bills facing households with two cars and this could only get worse once the 24.3 cents per litre cut to the fuel excise is reinstalled at the end of September,’’ Mr Borlace said.
“Our survey shows almost half of respondents (48%) are looking to drive less often, 34 per cent are avoiding long trips and 32 per cent are looking at alternative means of getting around, such as walking and catching public transport.’’
Climate change was another factor driving interest in EVs, Mr Borlace said.
“There was an ardent desire among those surveyed – 71 per cent – to reduce their own transport emissions and purchasing an EV is one way of achieving that,’’ he said.
“EVs produce around 50 per cent less pollution than petrol vehicles in South Australia.
“This technology is especially effective in SA, as we produce the greenest electricity on mainland Australia through the extensive generation of solar and wind power.’’
The survey also revealed shows the top factors discouraging respondents from buying an EV were the purchase cost (65%) and a lack of accessibility to charging equipment (57%).
RAA is well advanced in site scoping works for South Australia’s public electric vehicle charging network, which will connect EV owners to all regions of SA and the rest of the nation.
The rollout of South Australia’s 536 public charging points at 140 sites across the State is expected to commence later this year and finish by January 2024.
To learn more about South Australia’s EV Charging Network, visit our website.