By Sylvain Borré, Managing Director, mycar
Our journey towards a greener transport system is at an important crossroads. In 2024, Australia produced around 446 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, up almost seven million tonnes on the previous year. Transport accounted for roughly 20 percent of that total and remains one of the fastest-growing sources – projected to become the largest in Australia by 2030.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are essential to reversing this trend. To meet Australia’s emissions targets, experts predict that half of all cars sold by 2035 need to be electric. We’re making progress, with EV sales representing an 11.8 percent of the total new car market in February 2026. Yet, despite this, adoption remains slow, and Australia appears to be lagging other countries in the region.
The reality is that no single lever will deliver the transition at the pace required. Government has a crucial role to play, but industry collaboration is equally important. To build momentum, we need coordinated action.
The challenge ahead
Driving this transition means tackling consumer concerns head-on. According to mycar’s latest Mobility Index, an annual pulse check of Australian vehicle owners, there’s still a growing wave of caution when it comes to electric or hybrid vehicles.
Just 23 per cent of internal combustion engine drivers plan to switch to an EV or hybrid – a 12-percentage-point drop compared to 2024. The reason? A quarter (25 percent) of ICE drivers remain sceptical about battery longevity and the overall cost of ownership of EVs compared to hybrids. Meanwhile, 11 percent cite worries about the resale value of EVs.
Addressing these concerns is critical to steering the country toward a cleaner, more efficient transport system. Fortunately, work is underway, and there’s reason for optimism.
Government policy sets the tone
Clear, consistent policy plays a powerful role in shaping confidence. One standout example is the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), which marked a turning point in Australia’s EV transition. As NVES takes effect, manufacturers are reshaping local line-ups with more efficient models, increasing the supply of EVs, and improving consumer choice.
Other policy measures in this space include the federal government’s Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) exemption for eligible electric vehicles, which aims to bring EVs into reach for more Australians through salary packaging. The efficacy of this policy is currently under review ahead of the next federal budget. Nonetheless, measures such as the FBT and NVES play an important role in signalling government backing of EVs, which helps encourage more consumers to make the switch.
Making charging accessible and affordable for all
Equitable charging access will also determine how quickly EVs move from early adopters to the mainstream. Home charging works well for some, but not everyone has a driveway or garage. Renters, apartment dwellers, and small businesses must be considered and catered for.
This is where collaboration matters. Government incentives can help unlock private investment, while industry can bring scale, expertise, and operational capability. Pricing transparency, simple payment systems, and interoperability across networks will also be critical to keeping charging affordable and frustration-free.
Building consumer confidence
Beyond infrastructure and incentives, consumer education will play a pivotal role in accelerating EV adoption. Misconceptions about battery life, charging times, and total cost of ownership persist – often amplified by outdated information or myths.
Industry and government can work together to provide clear, accessible resources, from comparison tools to real-world case studies, helping Australians understand the financial and environmental benefits of EVs.
When consumers feel informed and empowered, they’re far more likely to make the switch. At mycar, we’re helping to bridge the confidence gap with our expert technicians that not only service EVs but educate customers on battery optimisation and provide maintenance tips – so drivers feel confident about the road ahead.
Accelerating together
Australia doesn’t need to start from scratch. We have growing consumer interest, improving technology and a strong automotive sector ready to adapt. What we need now is momentum – built on collaboration, practicality, and trust.
By tackling real-world concerns, locking in stable policy, and working shoulder-to-shoulder across government, industry, and communities, we can make EVs the norm, not the exception. The road to net zero transportation isn’t a distant dream – it’s ours to build.
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