Almost Half of SA Drivers Eye Electric Vehicles for Their Next Car

Almost one in two South Australian drivers are considering making the switch to an electric vehicle, with lower running costs emerging as the biggest reason behind the growing interest.

A new survey from the RAA found 45 per cent of members are considering an electric vehicle as their next car purchase. The research was conducted before fuel prices were pushed higher by conflict in the Middle East, with the RAA expecting interest to grow even further as motorists continue to feel cost-of-living pressure at the bowser.

According to the survey, the strongest motivation for current EV drivers was the potential to save on fuel costs, with 94 per cent saying that was a key reason for making the switch. Reduced servicing needs followed closely behind at 84 per cent, while 83 per cent pointed to environmental benefits as another major factor.

The survey also found that upfront cost is becoming less of a barrier, as more affordable electric vehicles begin to enter the South Australian market.

EV sales in South Australia are also on the rise. In March, 1,084 of the 6,418 new cars sold across the state were either full battery electric vehicles or plug-in hybrids. That marks a 37 per cent increase in year-to-date sales.

There are now an estimated 19,265 full battery electric vehicles on South Australian roads, accounting for about 1.28 per cent of all vehicles in the state.

RAA Principal Advisor for Energy and Future Mobility, Peter Nattrass, says more South Australians are now viewing electric vehicles as a practical way to cut the cost of driving.

He says while not everyone is in a position to buy a new vehicle, those who are shopping around are increasingly looking at electric options as they learn more about the savings on fuel and maintenance.

The RAA says charging infrastructure is also helping build confidence among drivers. Its border-to-border charging network, RAA Charge, now spans 145 locations, with 75 per cent of those sites in regional South Australia.

Demand for charging stations continues to grow. Over the Easter long weekend, the network recorded almost 3,500 charging sessions, up 90 per cent on the same time last year. Seventy per cent of those sessions took place in regional areas.

The RAA says more investment is still needed, particularly in busy locations, and is calling for targeted government support to help small businesses and local councils expand public charging options.