New figures reveal that Australians are increasingly opting for hybrid vehicles over pure electric ones, even as both categories see rising sales. In the past three quarters, hybrids outsold electric vehicles, with 95,129 units sold compared to 69,593 for EVs, according to the Australian Automobile Association’s quarterly EV Index. Meanwhile, sales of petrol and diesel vehicles declined by 8%, reflecting a broader trend away from conventional cars.
Market share for conventional vehicles dropped below 80% for the first time, while EVs and hybrids saw increases to 8.70% and 11.95% respectively. James Voortman, CEO of the Australian Automotive Dealer Association, noted that consumers may be drawn to the lower cost and emissions of hybrids while still hesitating to fully embrace electric vehicles.
Concerns about premium prices during a cost-of-living crisis, coupled with inadequate recharging infrastructure, are major barriers preventing consumers from adopting electric vehicles, according to Voortman. Citing survey results from the Australian Automotive Dealer Association released in February, Voortman noted that three in five consumers are hesitant to pay extra for an electric vehicle given the current economic pressures.
“During this time where everything is costing more” it could be more difficult for consumers to look beyond an EV’s upfront price premium and towards fuel savings, he said.
Another concern was the availability of sufficient Charging infrastructure .
“There is a growing acceptance that you can do a lot of your charging at home, but not everyone has access to home charging,” Voortman said. “I think as the infrastructure rolls out, we will see more and more people willing to take up an electric vehicle.”
The limited availability of larger vehicles such as utes, vans, or SUVs at affordable price points can also deter consumers from transitioning to electric vehicles.
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