19 October 2022: New research from the NRMA has found over half of those surveyed (55%) would consider buying an EV if they were in the market for a new car, with environmental factors cited as the top reason for those considering the switch.
The NRMA surveyed more than 1200 people regarding their attitudes around the transition to electric vehicles and what factors encouraged and discouraged them from purchasing an EV. The annual survey revealed the public’s awareness and appetite for information around EVs was growing.
While 55 per cent of all those surveyed would consider purchasing an EV if in the market for a new car, for those aged 30-39, that percentage jumps to 81 per cent.
Of those who would consider the switch to electric, 43 per cent indicated it would be in 3-5 years. Nineteen per cent said they would consider within the next two years.
A quarter of respondents say they had researched options for purchasing an electric vehicle. That percentage jumped to 30 per cent for those in regional areas.
To help its Members and the public find out more about electric vehicles, the NRMA is holding a series of EV Drive Days, giving the community the opportunity to test drive a range of EVs and talk to industry experts about buying and running an EV.
The NRMA has now held EV Drive Day events in Cudal, Wagga Wagga and Ku-ring-gai, with all available test drives booking out in the lead up to the events.
CEO Membership & Motoring at the NRMA, Emma Harrington, said the research showed the public’s appetite for information around EVs was growing every year.
“Over the past five years we have seen growing interest in electric vehicles from our Members, but what we are seeing now is a significant increase in those looking to purchase an EV,” Ms Harrington said.
“We’ve been leading the charge on behalf of our more than 2.7 million Members through advocacy, education and the installation of charging infrastructure because we don't want anyone left behind in the transition to cleaner and more efficient vehicles.
“The NRMA has been working closely with government, industry and community to drive policies aimed at increasing the supply of EVs to the Australian market while putting downward pressure on purchase prices. We’ve come a long way, but there is still more to do, including putting in place fuel efficiency standards and offering more charging options.”
The NRMA’s expanding electric vehicle fast charging network is the largest regional network in Australia with fast chargers now spread across 50 locations. The organisation is committed to expanding its charging infrastructure footprint, including supporting national connectivity.
Click here for more information on our EV Drive Days.
