The Royal Automobile Club of Victoria, better known as RACV, seys searches for electric vehicles (EVs) on its RACV Car Match service increased more than five-fold in March, reflecting a surge in EV interest as fuel price pressures grow.
Searches for EVs on RACV Car Match increased by 461 per cent in March compared to February, following the United States and Israel war with Iran, which closed the vital oil shipping lane through the Strait of Hormuz and sent global oil prices skyrocketing.
The RACV says EV interest was led by brands such as BYD, MG, and Chery.
RACV Car Match allows users to research and compare cars, providing estimated running costs along with features, specifications, and loan options.
And while EV prices have finally started dropping in Australia – with the 2025 BYD Atto 1 Essential priced from $23,990 before on-roads – RACV’s head of policy James Williams encourages potential buyers to evaluate which EV brand and type of EV is a long-term match for their lifestyle.
“EV sales have continued to surge as motorists look for cheaper ways to stay on the road – but make sure you’re making informed decisions,” said Williams.
“Ask yourself these kinds of questions: What does your daily commute look like? Do you regularly drive long distances or shorter commutes? Are you towing, freeway or off-road driving? Are safety features important to you? What is the brand’s after-purchase support?
“Buyers should [also] think about where and how their EV will charge.”
Before committing to an EV brand, RACV is recommending buyers to consider the following:
- Driving range – Ensure an EV matches your real-world driving range as official range figures should be treated as a benchmark, not a guarantee.
- Driving style – Features like regenerative braking mean even experienced drivers need to adjust their traditional driving style.
- ANCAP features – While many popular EVs have been awarded the maximum five-star ANCAP rating, check that safety features match your needs.
- Financing options – Plan how your EV will be financed such as through green loans.
RACV also warned that the increased demand for EVs is having an unsurprising impact on their ability to be delivered quickly.
“We’re seeing many popular electric vehicles have extended wait times, made worse by bottlenecks in delivery processes and factory allocations and offers currently in market are likely to become limited if fuel prices continue to remain high,” said Williams.
“Additionally, as people explore second-hand EV options, buyers need to understand the additional considerations including battery health, warranty checks, and software support.”
See The Driven’s detailed EV sales data here: Australian electric vehicle sales by month in 2026; by model and by brand.
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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.