EV consideration up for the first time in three years
But more people would prefer a hybrid on the grounds of flexibility and practicalityIt would seem Aussies’ faith in EVs is being restored, with new data showing EV consideration is on the rise for the first time in three years.
According to carsales’ May 2025 EV Consumer Report, some 37 per cent of Australian consumers are considering an EV as a future vehicle purchase compared to 30% in November last year, with price no longer being the outright antagonist.
The data shows that while 46% of Aussies still deem cost the largest barrier to EV adoption, other factors like lacklustre charging infrastructure (44%), prolonged charging times (42%) and a lack of emotional connection (42%) are very nearly as prevalent and playing on people’s minds.
This in turn explains the rampant increase in hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) consideration over the last 12 months, both of which jumped at least 6%, while petrol and diesel dipped 3% and 1% respectively over the same period.
The main reasons for the hybrid/PHEV preference over EVs included the flexibility to use petrol if needed, the view that hybrids and PHEVs are better suited to local conditions, that they make for better transitional steps, and knowing you won’t be caught out without a charger nearby.
Certain factions of the industry will no doubt be eager to see Australia’s recovering faith in EVs translate to the sales charts, seeing as deliveries are down 17 per cent this year to the end of May, despite the growing number of increasingly affordable models.
Hybrid and PHEV sales by contrast are up 18.3% and a mighty 208% respectively.
As for unprompted EV brand awareness, Tesla is still the leading light (74%), but BYD (57%) is rapidly gaining ground, having increased by 16 percentage points over the past 12 months compared to Tesla’s 9% dip.
Interestingly, Toyota (31%) was the third-most-mentioned marque despite only offering one battery-electric model in its local range, compared to Hyundai (25%) in fourth which has four, soon to be five.
The Tesla Model Y is the best-selling EV so far this year with 6974 deliveries to the end of May, followed distantly by the Model 3 (2583), Kia EV5 (2212), MG MG4 (2017) and BYD Sealion 7 (1961).
Related: VFACTS May: HiLux wins again
Related: New EVs coming to Australia in 2025
Related: Australia’s EV sales boom falters
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
