The price of electric vehicles remains a barrier in Australia, according to a report, and government rebates may not be enough to entice people to pay the premium to purchase one.
Research from Pureprofile, published on Wednesday, found that more Australians intend to buy low-emission vehicles in the next five years, and those who already drive an electric car intend to buy another in the future.
The research comes a month after the federal government introduced laws aimed at expanding the supply of electric vehicles in Australia, with figures showing that electric cars account for almost 10 per cent of new car purchases.
Pureprofile’s latest electric vehicle study surveyed more than 2,000 Australians and more than 1,000 New Zealanders.
It found that more than half of Australian drivers intend to buy a new car next year, with 30 per cent planning to buy an electric model, 20 per cent will buy a hybrid car and the other half will stick with petrol vehicles .
Research by Pureprofile found that more than half of Australian drivers intend to buy a new car in the next year, with 30 per cent planning to buy an electric model (file image).
The main reasons behind purchasing electric cars, according to the study, are potential fuel savings, environmental benefits and energy efficiency, as well as the ability to use solar energy to power travel.
However, the report also found that the rising cost of living and high purchase prices of electric cars were disadvantages, and that government rebates would not be enough to change people’s minds on the matter.
Only 15 per cent of Australians said government rebates would motivate them to buy an electric car, and 37 per cent of that group said they would still buy an electric vehicle even if the rebate was taken away.
Pureprofile Asia Pacific managing director Anna Meiler said the finding could encourage state governments to consider new ways to inform and motivate motorists.
“People don’t seem to factor government rebates into their EV decisions, but this could be a result of several EV programs ending in some Australian states,” he said.
“This leaves some potential for more creative motivational avenues, such as community or corporate EV sharing schemes that encourage people to experience EV ownership without the full financial commitment.”
The study found that cost of living pressures and high purchase prices for electric vehicle models are deterring motorists from switching to an electric car.
Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia have eliminated financial rebates for the purchase of electric vehicles, although incentives remain in Queensland, Western Australia and Tasmania.
Pureprofile’s research also found that motorists who had purchased an electric vehicle did not regret their decision and 94 per cent would buy an electric vehicle for their next car.
The federal government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard, which comes into force in January, will incentivize manufacturers to make a greater proportion of their stock electric.