Fuel price volatility driving higher interest in hybrids and fully electric vehicles
SYDNEY, 16 April 2026: Over two-thirds (68%) of Australians are curious about EVs but are still exploring rather than ready to buy now, according to new research from global data and insights company, Pureprofile Limited (ASX: PPL).
While hybrids are increasingly acting as the transition route, recent fuel price volatility is increasing EV consideration. Fuel price shocks are acting as a trigger for EV interest, but not yet a tipping point for mass adoption. Interest is strongest among 25-44 year olds (85%) – the same groups most likely to adopt emerging technologies early – and males (73%). While it appears that Australia is steadily moving toward electrification, the dominant mindset is still “watch, compare and de-risk” rather than “buy now”.
The survey, based on 2,008 Australian respondents, is Pureprofile’s third wave of EV research. Fieldwork was conducted in February 2026, with additional research in late March following recent global geopolitical and fuel price shocks.
Fuel prices the biggest electric driver
Among those currently considering EVs, financial and practical benefits were the most influential motivators. Saving money on fuel (51%) is the leading driver, followed by environmental benefits (38%) and improved energy efficiency (31%). Compared with prior research, environmental motivations have softened while fuel savings remain the strongest trigger.
Unsurprisingly, 42% of consumers report that they would be more interested in EVs if fuel prices continue to rise in the coming months, although a comparable proportion (48%) reported there would be no change in their interest. Furthermore, the increase in interest is particularly pronounced among those already intending to buy a car, indicating that price shocks accelerate existing intent instead of generating new demand.
Martin Filz, CEO, Pureprofile says recent global events and rising fuel costs are influencing how Australians think about EVs.
“The sharp recent increase is likely situational, indicating a short-term shift in consideration rather than a fundamental change in underlying EV adoption intent. However, we are seeing a steady upward trend in EV and hybrid consideration and purchase intention overall. Fuel savings are a stronger driver than environmental benefits, so we may see interest ease if and when fuel prices stabilise,” Filz says.
EV and hybrid ownership and purchase intent on the rise
Compared with Pureprofile’s previous EV research in 2023 and 2024, petrol vehicle ownership has declined slightly (81% in 2026 vs 87% in 2024 and 89% in 2023) while other EV alternatives have slightly increased – 4% for hybrids (up from 2% in 2024 and 1% in 2023) and 3% for EVs (up from 2% in 2024 and 1% in 2023). This indicates a gradual diversification rather than rapid EV adoption.
Among those looking to purchase a car in the next 12 months (46%), interest in overall EVs (plug-in hybrid electrics and battery EVs) as well as overall hybrids (self-charging hybrid vehicles and plug-in hybrid electrics) have both increased compared to previous years. 32% now want to buy overall EVs (vs 30% in 2024 and 2023) while 39% are interested in overall hybrids (vs 37% in 2024 and 34% in 2023). The relatively high interest in hybrid vehicles suggests that Australians may be viewing hybrid technology as a transitional step towards full electric vehicles.
Naturally, following global events in February, EV consideration also saw a noticeable uplift from Feb to Mar 2026, with petrol intent declining from 39% to 32% and overall EVs rose from 32% to 42%.
Toyota (43%) is the most popular EV brand under consideration, followed by Tesla (35%), BYD (33%), Kia (33%), Hyundai (28%) and BMW (14%).
Cost, charging remain barriers
Despite broad interest in EVs, several practical objections continue to hold back wider take-up: higher upfront price (28%), charging access (26%) and fear of running out of battery on the road (22%), as well as a lack of access of home charging (21%) and rising electricity costs (19%).
Notably, the top two concerns have declined compared to 2024 – cost dropped to 28% from 41% in 2024, while charging is at 26%, down from 38% in 2024. Home charging remains the primary method for current EV owners, with 77% charging daily or weekly at home.
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About Pureprofile
Pureprofile’s vision is to deliver more value from the world’s information.
We are a global data and insights organisation providing industry-leading online research solutions to agencies, marketers, researchers and brands & businesses.
Our research delivers rich insights into real human behaviour and provides the “Why” behind the “What” through our unique ResTech and SaaS solutions. We build in-depth profiles of consumers via our proprietary and partner panels and give businesses the ability to understand, target, and ultimately engage with their audiences.
The Company, founded in 2000 and based in Surry Hills, Australia, now operates in North America, Europe and APAC and has delivered solutions for over 850 clients.
Media contact:
Agnes Wan for Pureprofile
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+61 432 620 256
