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The 2025 EV Ownership Survey found over 70% of Australian EV owners report fuel cost savings exceeding 60% compared to petrol vehicles, with electricity costs being four times cheaper per kilometre
- 93% of EV owners can charge at home, and 73% spend less than $300 annually on maintenance
- Range anxiety, charging access concerns, and upfront cost worries decrease significantly after purchase
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Technology confidence is rising with many planning to keep their vehicles for 6-10 years or longer
MEDIA RELEASE
17 March 2026
With petrol prices well over $2/litre, Australian electric vehicle drivers are saving more than 60 per cent on fuel costs and, according to a new survey, discovering many of their biggest concerns about EVs quickly disappear once they get behind the wheel.
The 2nd EV Ownership Survey - which includes responses from more than 1800 EV owners - was released today by the Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) and the University of Sydney’s Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies.
It provides one of the most detailed snapshots yet of the real-world experience of owning an EV in Australia – from charging behaviour and running costs to range confidence and driver satisfaction.
Electric Vehicle Council CEO, Julie Delvecchio said the findings show EVs are delivering significant savings for households.
More than 70 per cent of EV owners report fuel savings of over 60 per cent compared with their previous petrol car, while 73 per cent spend less than $300 a year on maintenance.
“EV drivers report cutting their fuel bills by more than 60 per cent after switching to electric, savings that matter more right now than ever before. With petrol above $2 a litre, driving on electricity is around four times cheaper per kilometre - even when charging at peak electricity prices, and cheaper again off-peak,” Ms Delvecchio said.
The survey found worries about range anxiety, charging access and upfront costs drop sharply after purchase, with most drivers reporting that everyday ownership is much simpler than anticipated.
Ms Delvecchio said the findings highlight the gap between perceptions about EVs and the reality of ownership.
“Once Australians get behind the wheel of an electric vehicle, they quickly realise how easy and affordable driving electric can be,” Ms Delvecchio said.
“EV drivers are discovering their cars are cheaper to run, easy to charge at home and perfectly suited to the distances Australians typically drive.”
Home charging remains the backbone of EV ownership, with 93 per cent of drivers able to charge at home, and 85 per cent charging at home during the previous week.
Many households are pairing EVs with rooftop solar, further reducing running costs and giving drivers greater control over when and how they charge.
The survey also found growing confidence in EV technology, with many owners expecting to keep their vehicles for six to ten years or longer.
“If you’ve been thinking about an EV, now is a good time to seriously consider it. Not only does it give you fuel security, but also really significant savings - and even more so as petrol prices go up,” Ms Delvecchio said.
“As more Australians experience the real benefits - lower running costs, convenient home charging and a better driving experience - confidence in the technology will only continue to grow.”
“These findings show why the Federal Government needs to retain the Electric Car Discount in this year’s Budget - because it’s helping Australians cut the cost of living and improve the country’s resilience from overseas conflicts.”
About us:
The Electric Vehicle Council is the peak national body representing the electric vehicle industry in Australia. Representing members from across the value chain of the electric vehicle sector, the EVC is a trusted advisor and advocate to governments and decision makers across Australia. Our mission is to drive investment and awareness to accelerate the electrification of transport, for a more sustainable and prosperous Australia.
Contact details:
Todd Hayward – 0412 205 151
