Key Points
- EV misinformation is slowing adoption despite rising sales in Australia and globally
- Most EV fears around range, fires and charging are overstated or outdated
- EV batteries typically last 15–20 years and often outlive the vehicle itself
- EVs can reduce emissions within 1–2 years compared to petrol cars
- Smart charging and V2G/V2H tech could strengthen Australia’s electricity grid
A Victorian Legislative Council inquiry has found that misinformation and persistent misconceptions about electric vehicles (EVs) and charging infrastructure are actively slowing Australia’s transition to cleaner transport.
The report, which spans 109 findings and 40 recommendations, argues that public understanding has not kept pace with rapid improvements in EV range, safety, battery durability and charging capability.
It also highlights a growing gap between perception and reality—one that could be holding back adoption at a time when EV sales are climbing, but still lag global levels.
▶️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)
Fire risks vs facts: are EVs actually more likely to burn?
One of the most persistent public fears around EVs is fire risk—but the inquiry found that this concern is largely misplaced.
While EV fires can be more complex to extinguish, evidence presented to the committee shows they are significantly less likely to occur than fires in internal combustion engine vehicles.
Globally, only a small number of EV battery fires have been recorded relative to the total number of EVs on the road. Experts told the inquiry that confusion often arises because people conflate EVs with smaller battery devices like e-scooters and e-bikes, which are governed by different safety standards.
EVs, by contrast, use advanced battery management systems designed specifically to prevent thermal runaway and electrical failure.
The report concludes that much of the fear is perception-driven rather than evidence-based, and amplified by misinformation rather than real-world incident rates.
▶️MORE: Best EV Charging Networks in Australia
Range anxiety: is it still justified in 2026?
“Range anxiety” remains one of the most cited barriers to EV adoption—but the inquiry found it is increasingly out of step with modern EV capability.
Today’s electric vehicles typically offer 400–500km of range, with some models exceeding 600km. That is a dramatic shift from early EVs in the 2010s, which often managed around 100km.
Infrastructure coverage is also stronger than many consumers assume. Ross De Rango of Vehicle Charging Solutions Australia told the inquiry that long-distance travel is already viable in Victoria.
He pointed to regional routes such as Orbost to Cann River—around 75km—where fast chargers are already available.
Most Australians also drive far less than expected. The inquiry found:
- Average daily driving is around 40km
- Many EV owners only need to charge once a week
- Around 80% of charging happens at home, typically overnight
This shift in behaviour challenges the petrol-era assumption that drivers must “refuel” in minutes at public stations.
Battery life, resale value and what actually happens after 200,000 km
Another major misconception addressed by the inquiry is battery degradation.
EV batteries are typically covered by eight-year warranties, but real-world data suggests they often last 15–20 years or more. In many cases, the vehicle itself will reach end-of-life before the battery does.
Research cited from Dalhousie University and Professor Jeff Dahn shows modern batteries can remain in strong condition beyond 200,000 kilometres, often retaining 80–95% capacity over time.
Jo Oddie from the Australian Electric Vehicle Association told the inquiry:
“Batteries are actually outlasting the bodies of the cars.”
There is also growing value in second-life applications, where used EV batteries are repurposed for stationary energy storage.
Australia’s recycling sector is already well established in lead-acid batteries, with over 90% recycling rates, and is scaling rapidly for lithium systems. Katharine Hole from the Association for the Battery Recycling Industry said:
- The sector contributes $2.1 billion annually
- Supports 19,000 jobs
- Could grow to $6.9 billion and 34,000 jobs by 2050
Resale value concerns remain—but are improving. According to the Australian Automotive Dealer Association:
- 2-year-old EVs retain around 65% of value
- Traditional vehicles retain about 85%
- At 5 years: EVs sit at ~42% vs 60–70% for ICE vehicles
However, the report notes these gaps are narrowing as the market matures.
Who pays for the road? The funding and environmental myths explained
The inquiry also tackled claims that EV adoption will undermine government road funding.
While fuel excise revenue will decline over time, the report notes this tax is not directly hypothecated to road maintenance. EV drivers already contribute through registration fees and licensing systems.
In other words, EVs are not “free riders” on the road network, despite common public misconceptions.
Environmental claims were also examined. While EVs can have higher manufacturing emissions upfront, lifecycle analysis shows they typically offset this within one to two years of driving, after which they deliver significantly lower emissions than petrol vehicles.
This makes them a net emissions reducer over their usable lifetime.
Can the grid cope? Why smart charging changes everything
Another common argument against widespread EV adoption is the belief that Australia's electricity grid will struggle to cope if millions of drivers begin charging electric cars.
The inquiry found little evidence to support that claim.
Instead, experts argued that EVs could become an important tool for improving grid stability and making better use of renewable energy generation.
A key factor is when vehicles are charged. Rather than increasing peak demand, EV charging can be shifted to periods when electricity demand is low or when renewable energy production is abundant. This flexibility allows EVs to absorb excess solar and wind energy that might otherwise go unused.
Julie Karel from the Monash Energy Institute told the committee that charging vehicles during periods of high renewable energy generation and lower network demand could dramatically improve electricity system efficiency.
According to Julie Karel from the Monash Energy Institute:
“Charging aligned with periods of high renewable supply during the day and low demand overnight can halve future peak demand, reduce system costs, improve reliability and increase the utilisation of renewables.”
The report also emphasised the potential of Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology.
These systems allow EVs to act as mobile energy storage units, storing excess solar and wind energy and feeding it back during peak demand periods.
Benefits include:
- Reduced grid strain
- Improved energy security
- Better renewable energy utilisation
- Potential cost reductions for consumers
The committee recommended targeted Victorian Government trials and demonstration programs to build public confidence in bidirectional charging technologies.
What this means for Australia
The inquiry’s central finding is blunt: Australia is not being held back by EV capability, but by outdated perceptions of it.
EVs today are already practical for most drivers, with strong range, improving affordability, established safety systems and rapidly expanding infrastructure.
But misinformation—around fires, range limits, battery lifespan and grid impact—continues to shape consumer hesitation.
The report argues that closing this knowledge gap will be essential if Australia is to match global EV adoption trends, where electric vehicles already make up around 25% of new car sales, compared to just over 16% in Australia.
In short, the technology is moving faster than the narrative around it—and that gap is now becoming a policy issue as much as a consumer one.
