Key Points
- EV policy inquiries jumped 66% year-on-year.
- 47% of non-EV owners aren't ready to switch.
- 68% of EV owners felt prepared before buying.
- Charging and range remain common frustrations.
- One-pedal driving and EV technology need more education.
Australians are showing growing interest in electric vehicles, but a new survey suggests many motorists still don't feel confident enough to leave petrol and diesel behind.
Allianz Australia data shows EV insurance policy inquiries increased by 66% year-on-year, based on comparisons between the first half of 2025 and 2026. However, that rising interest isn't translating into universal confidence among prospective buyers.
Almost half — 47% of Australians who don't currently own an EV — said they did not feel prepared to make an immediate switch from an internal-combustion vehicle.
The research, conducted by Pureprofile for Allianz, surveyed 1,096 Australian motorists, including 178 EV drivers and 918 non-EV drivers, between July 13 and 17, 2026.
The findings suggest Australia's EV transition isn't simply a question of vehicle prices or charging infrastructure. For many drivers, knowing what to expect from an EV remains a major part of the decision.
EV interest is surging, but readiness lags behind
The sharp increase in EV insurance inquiries indicates more Australians are at least considering making the switch.
Yet 47% of non-EV owners said they weren't prepared to move to an EV immediately, with a lack of information and education among the major reasons.
For some motorists, the concerns are practical. Battery longevity was a concern for 34%, while 29% were uncertain about public charging infrastructure.
A further 26% lacked confidence in making the transition itself.
Financial and environmental benefits could nevertheless persuade some hesitant drivers. Among non-EV owners, 26% said potential financial savings could encourage them to buy an EV, while 22% pointed to sustainability as a motivating factor.
Safety is another part of the equation. 42% of respondents were nervous about driving around pedestrians and cyclists because EVs are quiet, while 35% were concerned about adapting to the instant acceleration offered by electric powertrains.
The research therefore paints a mixed picture: Australians are increasingly interested in EVs, but many still need more information before they feel comfortable making the leap.
Confidence Drop After Purchasing an EV
People who have already made the switch generally felt more prepared than those still considering it.
68% of surveyed Australian EV drivers said they felt very or somewhat prepared when they first started driving an EV.
But that overall confidence dropped when drivers were asked about specific EV-related tasks.
Only 61% said they felt confident charging their EV and managing its battery, while 52% felt prepared to manage battery range when planning longer journeys.
One-pedal driving was an even bigger knowledge gap, with only 45% saying they felt confident using it safely and effectively.
The technology inside modern EVs also takes some getting used to. 51% of EV drivers said an all-touchscreen interface took time to adapt to and affected their driving ability, while 21% said they found touchscreens more distracting than a mobile phone during the first months of ownership.
That suggests simply knowing that an EV is different isn't necessarily enough. Drivers also need to understand how those differences affect everyday driving.
Allianz emerging risks manager Chris Wood said there could be a learning curve associated with some of the technology and features unique to EVs.
“Building knowledge and experience behind the wheel is what helps Australians get the most out of their EV safely.”
Charging and range remain practical pain points
Some of the biggest concerns don't disappear once an EV is sitting in the driveway.
19% of surveyed EV drivers said they experienced charging-related problems during their first months of ownership, while another 18% said they had run out of battery earlier than expected.
The results highlight why charging habits and range planning can be just as important as the vehicle's advertised driving range.
For a new EV owner, understanding the difference between AC and DC charging, knowing where reliable chargers are located and allowing enough time for a fast charge can make the transition considerably easier.
Allianz recommends new owners establish a charging routine that fits their lifestyle and become familiar with both home and public charging options.
It also advises first-time EV drivers to complete their first DC charging session when they have plenty of time, rather than discovering how the system works when they're already in a hurry.
Other recommendations include learning how regenerative braking works, becoming familiar with the vehicle's driver-assistance technology and initially practising on familiar roads during quieter periods.
▶️MORE: Electric car mythbusters: Buying (Part 1)
▶️MORE:Electric car mythbusters: Range, charging and battery (Part 2)
▶️MORE:Electric car mythbusters:Ownership and impact (Part 3)
What the findings mean for Australia's EV transition
The survey suggests Australia's shift to electric vehicles is moving beyond the question of whether people want an EV and increasingly towards whether they understand how to live with one.
The growing number of EV inquiries is a positive sign for the market, but the 47% of non-EV owners who don't yet feel ready shows there remains a significant information gap.
For existing and prospective EV owners, Allianz's recommendations include:
- Learn the car before driving it: Understand its charging system, controls and driver-assistance features.
- Practise regenerative braking: One-pedal driving can feel very different from a conventional car.
- Build a charging routine: Know when and where you will normally charge.
- Plan longer trips: Understand the vehicle's usable range and charging stops before setting off.
- Use reliable information: Dealerships, experienced EV owners and organisations such as the Australian Electric Vehicle Association can help new owners become familiar with EV ownership.
The research doesn't suggest Australians are rejecting EVs. In fact, the sharp rise in EV policy inquiries points in the opposite direction.
Instead, it shows that interest is moving faster than confidence.
As more Australians move into EVs, improving access to practical information about charging, range, regenerative braking, safety and in-car technology could become just as important as adding more vehicles and chargers to the market.
About the research
The study was conducted by Pureprofile on behalf of Allianz Australia from July 13–17, 2026, surveying 1,096 Australian motorists aged 18 and over. The sample included 178 EV drivers and 918 non-EV drivers and was nationally representative by age, gender and location.
