Australian motorists are becoming more comfortable with electric vehicles, but a growing proportion remain firmly committed to traditional petrol and diesel-powered cars, according to new research from financial comparison website Savvy.
The third edition of Savvy’s Australian EV Sentiments Survey, which surveyed 1,121 Australians between April and May 2026, reveals a market that is maturing but still deeply divided over the transition to electric mobility.
While EV ownership remains relatively low, with seven per cent of respondents already driving an electric vehicle and a further 10 per cent planning to purchase one within the next year, resistance to EVs appears to be strengthening. Twenty-eight per cent of respondents said they prefer fuel-based vehicles and have no intention of switching, up from 16 per cent in 2023 and 13 per cent in 2021.
Cost remains the biggest obstacle to wider EV adoption, but concerns are easing. Almost half of respondents (49 per cent) identified affordability as the main barrier to EV ownership, a significant improvement from 76 per cent in both 2021 and 2023. The survey suggests the arrival of more affordable models is helping to change perceptions.
Range anxiety is also continuing to decline. Just 29 per cent of respondents cited driving range as a concern, compared with 41 per cent in 2021. Improved battery technology and greater exposure to EVs are helping motorists gain confidence in electric vehicle capabilities.
The survey found Australians remain highly price-sensitive when purchasing vehicles, with 41 per cent expecting to spend between $25,000 and $50,000 on their next car. This places increasing pressure on manufacturers to offer competitively priced EVs if they hope to expand market share.
Toyota emerged as the most desirable EV brand among respondents, attracting 43 per cent support despite having only one electric model currently on sale in Australia. Chinese manufacturer BYD climbed to second place with 28 per cent, while Tesla slipped to third.
The research also highlighted significant knowledge gaps around EV ownership. More than three-quarters of respondents admitted they did not know how much it costs to charge an EV at home, with many overestimating the expense. Meanwhile, access to home charging remains a challenge, particularly for renters and apartment dwellers.
Looking ahead, the survey suggests that while EV acceptance is growing, education, affordability and charging infrastructure remain critical factors in determining how quickly Australians embrace electric mobility.
Click here to download the full report.