Australians are ready for electric vehicles (EVs) and a recent study by the Australian Institute emphasises just how ready.
Over half of Australians expect their next car to be an EV or a hybrid.
This study found over half of the Australians polled were positive about electrifying the home from sources such as solar; shifting from gas heating and diesel engines to rooftop solar and EVs.
Many cited the rising cost of living as the largest barrier to realising this vision.
Whenever popular opinion swings towards EVs, a misrepresented quote from Bill Gates’ book How to Avoid A Climate Disaster is used against the movement. This being that any alternative fuel source must cost consumers less than $2 USD per litre.
In short; a tank of algae fuel or hydrogen gas or one electric charge must take you as far as a tank of petrol would for about the same price.
While this may broadly be true for long-haul vehicles and biofuels, many other considerations are at play when it comes to the average Australian.
Softer reasons might also be at play in the early adoption of EVs such as convenience, government subsidies, moral values, safety and the bells and whistles such as reversing camera, heated seats and custom trim.
Hybrid vehicles will also help bridge the gap from the bowser to the power plug.
Especially in urban areas where the full cost-saving effects will be felt.
Besides, the market is a fickle place and regardless of where the supply is at.
If the demand exceeds it?
Someone will be willing to pay a short-term loss in order to reap the profits down the line.
But what of regional Queensland? Well, as previously mentioned, cost of living is a major barrier to any investments like EVs for many families.
But given the hydrogen revolution on Gladstone’s doorstep and the consequential influx of cheap, green electricity, your next vehicle might very well be swifter than greased lightning and just as electrifying.
