What your friends and family think could influence whether you buy an EV and what sort.
“Prevailing attitudes and social norms” are just as important as a vehicle purchase price, operating cost, range, acceleration and emissions, according to Deakin University researcher James Davidson in his newly released report.
“It doesn’t matter how good a vehicle is or how much it costs, if a potential buyer’s friends and family encourage it as the right choice that will make the real difference.”
The Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics forecasts 60% of new cars sales would be electric by 2046, the Brisbane Times reports.
And it says an EV strategy is expected to come from energy and emissions reduction minister Angus Taylor mid-2020 which would “focus on practical actions to address barriers to EV uptake” and support “Australians who choose to adopt new technologies”.
However, EV sales targets are unlikely to be set.
A Senate Committee chaired by former independent senator Tim Storer recommended the federal government set targets for commercial sales and government vehicles, along with vehicle emissions standards and a public awareness campaign to drive EV sales.
Electric Vehicle Council chief executive Behyad Jafari agrees the federal government should set an EV target.
Davidson says his survey of about 500 Australians on EVs shows keen drivers are less likely to prefer EVs.
“My data showed that if driving is someone’s preferred mode of transport – as is common in Australia – they are more price-sensitive and place a lower value on the attributes of electric vehicles than those who prefer other modes of transport.”
