Key Points
- Nearly half of Australians (46%) plan to buy a hybrid or electric vehicle next
- Record EV sales and rising fuel prices are accelerating interest in EVs
- Upfront cost, range confidence and concerns about reliability remain the biggest barriers
- 86% of current EV and hybrid owners say they are satisfied.
- Many Australians are still cautious about long-term reliability.
A new nationwide study suggests Australia's transition to electrified vehicles is accelerating, with nearly one in two motorists planning to choose a hybrid or electric vehicle for their next purchase. While affordability and charging concerns remain, rising fuel prices and a wave of new models are pushing more Australians toward electrification than ever before.
Interest in hybrid and electric vehicles has climbed sharply over the past year, according to the latest mycar 2026 Mobility Index. The study found that 46 per cent of Australian vehicle owners intend to buy either a hybrid or fully electric vehicle (EV) next, up significantly from 36 per cent in 2025.
The research, conducted by Lonergan Research in April 2026, surveyed 2,025 Australian vehicle owners aged 18 and over. The findings arrive as Australia's EV market continues to gather momentum, with electric vehicles recently recording their highest-ever monthly market share.
Australians are warming to EVs and hybrids
The jump in consumer interest reflects a rapidly changing market. Hybrid and electric vehicles are becoming more affordable, more capable and available in greater numbers than ever before.
The survey was conducted shortly after petrol prices surged across Australia, prompting the Federal Government to temporarily reduce fuel excise to ease pressure on motorists. In the following month, EV sales surged 111.6 per cent year on year, with fully electric vehicles accounting for a record 19.9 per cent of all new vehicle sales.
Although fuel prices have since eased, the fuel excise reduction began winding back on 1 July 2026 and is scheduled to end completely on 2 August 2026, keeping running costs firmly in the spotlight for many buyers.
The latest findings suggest Australians are increasingly looking beyond traditional petrol and diesel vehicles as they weigh long-term ownership costs against rising fuel prices.
What's still stopping more Australians from making the switch?
Despite stronger interest, several concerns continue to slow EV adoption.
Around one-third of Australians surveyed said they remain uncertain whether an EV is suitable for regional or long-distance travel, highlighting that range confidence continues to influence purchasing decisions.
Upfront pricing also remains a major hurdle. Twenty-three per cent of respondents believe the purchase price of an EV or hybrid is still too high, particularly during a period of elevated interest rates and ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
Among motorists who currently drive petrol or diesel vehicles, the biggest concerns were:
- Reliability (45%)
- Running costs (44%)
- Vehicle performance (43%)
The study also found that 31 per cent of Australians remain unsure whether newer automotive brands entering the local market can be trusted for long-term reliability and safety.
That hesitation comes despite a growing number of Chinese manufacturers entering Australia over the past two years, including Deepal, Leapmotor, Xpeng, Omoda Jaecoo, and the return of Geely after more than a decade away.
Study at a glance
Metric | 2026 Result | 2025 Result / Additional Detail |
Australians planning to buy an EV or hybrid next | 46% | 36% in 2025 |
Survey participants | 2,025 | Australian vehicle owners aged 18+ |
EV owner satisfaction | 86% | Current EV and hybrid owners |
Concern about regional and long-distance driving | 33% | Approx. one-third of respondents |
Say EVs/hybrids are too expensive | 23% | Upfront purchase cost |
Concerned about reliability | 45% | Petrol and diesel vehicle owners |
Concerned about running costs | 44% | Petrol and diesel vehicle owners |
Concerned about performance | 43% | Petrol and diesel vehicle owners |
Unsure about trusting new brands | 31% | Safety and long-term reliability concerns |
EV sales growth after fuel price surge | +111.6% | Year-on-year |
EV market share | 19.9% | Record monthly share of new vehicle sales |
Fuel excise reduction ends | 2 August 2026 | Partial rollback began 1 July |
Current EV and hybrid owners are overwhelmingly satisfied
While some buyers remain hesitant, those who have already switched appear to be enjoying the experience.
According to the study, 86 per cent of current EV and hybrid owners said they are satisfied with their vehicles.
That high satisfaction rate comes as manufacturers continue expanding their electrified line-ups across every price segment. More affordable battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids are giving Australians greater choice than ever before, while improvements in driving range, charging infrastructure and technology continue to strengthen the ownership experience.
The survey suggests that positive real-world experiences from existing owners could play an increasingly important role in encouraging future buyers.
▶️MORE: New Inquiry Dismantles Australia’s Biggest Electric Car Myths
What this means for Australia
Australia's transition toward electrified transport appears to be gathering pace.
Nearly half of motorists now expect their next vehicle to be either a hybrid or a fully electric model, representing a significant shift in consumer attitudes in just 12 months. At the same time, record EV sales, expanding model availability and improving charging infrastructure are making the switch more achievable for a growing number of Australians.
However, the study also highlights that education remains just as important as affordability. Concerns around regional driving, upfront costs, reliability and newer vehicle brands continue to influence purchasing decisions, even as owner satisfaction remains exceptionally high.
If manufacturers can continue lowering prices while governments and charging providers improve infrastructure across regional Australia, the country could see EV and hybrid adoption accelerate even further over the coming years.
