Recent polling has shown that Queenslanders are eager to make the switch to electric vehicles, but that prohibitively high prices are presenting a significant barrier to entry.
Polling conducted by market research firm Dynata of a representative sample of 807 Queenslanders showed that 44% were interested in purchasing an EV as their next car. Of that number, 11% said that they would “definitely” be buying an EV as their next car, while 33% said their next car “may be” an EV.
All respondents, regardless of their response to whether their next car would be an EV, were asked what was the biggest barrier to considering an electric car, to which 52% said the purchase price.
Only 25% said that access to charging points was a barrier to entry, and only 10% cited range, while 5% pointed to the lack of suitable models.
Unsurprisingly, if asked whether they would support or oppose the Queensland government reducing the costs of purchasing an EV – such as by waiving stamp duty or introducing subsidies – 50% of respondents strongly supported the move and 28% supported it. Only 7.5% of respondents said they would oppose the move in some fashion.
“The data is telling us that Queenslanders are ready to get in the driver’s seat of a cleaner car, but the price is keeping them locked out,” said Ellen Roberts, Solar Citizens’ national director.
“People know that EVs are cheaper to run and safer for the climate and our health, but they’re being let down by a State Government that’s lagging behind on clean transport.
“Unlike New South Wales, the ACT, and other states, Queensland doesn’t offer any meaningful subsidies or policies to make cleaner cars more affordable for everyone.”
The polling also asked whether Queenslanders would be more or less inclined to purchase an EV if the state introduced a per-kilometre tax on EVs, such as has been rolled out in Victoria.
To that question, 33% of respondents said they would be much less inclined, and 18% that they would be “somewhat” less inclined. 21% of respondents said the move would not impact their decision, and 9% of respondents actually said they would be more likely to some degree if such a measure was introduced.
“As the state government gets ready to release their Zero Emissions Vehicle Strategy, now is the time to bring down those cost barriers for people and get more electric cars on Queensland roads,” said Roberts.
“It’s also an opportunity to avoid other states’ missteps, as half of those surveyed said an EV tax would make them less likely to buy a cleaner car.”
“It’s great that the State Government is investing in important charging infrastructure but that’s not enough. These results show us that concerns about range anxiety and charging are outdated, the Government needs to lower the upfront costs so people can start saving money and lowering emissions.”
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.