Australian motorists are becoming significantly more open to electric vehicles, with new research showing interest in battery electric vehicles has climbed sharply over the past two years.
NRMA Insurance’s latest Changing Gears report found 31% of Australians would now consider purchasing a battery electric vehicle (BEV), up from 20% in 2024. Consideration of plug-in hybrid vehicles has also increased, rising from 41% to 58%.
Only 17% of Australians surveyed now say they would not consider buying an EV, suggesting the challenge facing the industry is increasingly shifting from convincing motorists about electrification to addressing the practicalities of ownership.
NRMA Insurance CEO Julie Batch said the market had entered a new phase.
“There’s no doubt 2026 has been the tipping point for EV adoption. More affordable vehicles, expanded charging infrastructure and government incentives have all helped move EVs into the mainstream,” Batch said.
She said consumers were increasingly looking for confidence that an EV would fit easily into their everyday lives, including whether they could charge at home, rely on the battery over the longer term and access repairs when required.
Charging remains a major barrier
While overall interest is increasing, charging remains one of the clearest obstacles for motorists who remain reluctant to make the switch.
Among Australians who would not consider an EV, 49% cited a lack of public charging infrastructure, while 35% said they were unable to charge at home. Battery longevity was identified as a concern by around 60%, followed by driving range, charging time and battery fire risk.
The results highlight the importance of charging access beyond traditional detached homes, particularly as EV adoption expands to motorists living in apartments or without dedicated off-street parking.
NRMA Insurance has called for greater investment and policy reform to make charging easier in strata and apartment buildings, arguing that better access will be necessary to broaden EV adoption.
Used EVs could be the next growth market
Battery health is also emerging as an important issue for the developing second-hand EV market.
More than half of prospective EV buyers surveyed — 54% — said they would consider buying an EV second-hand, while another 7% said they would only purchase a used EV.
At the same time, 82% supported battery health monitoring and testing, pointing to strong consumer demand for a clearer way of understanding the condition of a battery before buying a used vehicle.
NRMA Insurance is calling for a nationally consistent battery health standard, including standardised testing, reporting and disclosure when a used EV is sold.
Such a framework could become increasingly important for private buyers, dealers and fleets looking to better understand residual values and battery condition when EVs enter the secondary market.
Repair capability part of the confidence equation
Access to servicing and repairs is another concern identified in the research.
Among motorists who would not consider an EV, 26% cited a lack of mechanics capable of servicing EVs as a barrier. More broadly, 57% of respondents expressed concern about whether appropriately trained mechanics were available in their area.
NRMA Insurance Head of Automotive Research Shawn Ticehurst said industry capability was developing alongside EV adoption.
“As EV ownership grows, so too does the repair and service network. The challenge is making sure consumers are aware that capability is growing alongside adoption,” Ticehurst said.
The report recommends continued investment in technician training and repair capability, particularly outside metropolitan areas.
Confidence becomes the next EV challenge
The research suggests many of the traditional objections to electric vehicles are weakening.
The proportion of Australians who believe EVs cannot meet everyday driving requirements has fallen from 45% to 38%, while concerns about their suitability for Australian conditions have dropped from 36% to 31%.
Familiarity also appears to have a significant influence on purchasing intentions. Australians familiar with EVs were more than twice as likely to consider buying one, at 63%, compared with 24% among people less familiar with the technology.
For fleets, manufacturers and the broader EV industry, the findings suggest the next phase of adoption may depend less on explaining why electric vehicles work and more on building confidence around charging, battery condition, servicing, resale values and end-of-life management.
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