Recent data from survey firm Roy Morgan indicates a significant shift in Australians’ vehicle preferences, marking a pivotal moment in the automotive market. For the first time, a larger number of people are considering purchasing electric or hybrid vehicles over traditional petrol cars.
According to Roy Morgan’s findings released on Wednesday, approximately 1.8 million individuals plan to opt for hybrid or fully electric vehicles within the next four years, surpassing the 1.68 million intending to purchase petrol cars. Diesel vehicles, on the other hand, are experiencing a decline in popularity, with only 498,000 prospective buyers, down by 130,000 (or 12%) within a single year.
Michele Levine, the CEO of Roy Morgan, highlights the increasing preference for hybrid vehicles, which combine petrol and electric power. Around 1.27 million individuals are considering buying hybrids, marking a notable increase of 154,000. This surge in interest in hybrid vehicles outweighs that of electric vehicles, which saw an uptick of 37,000 to reach 607,000 potential buyers, representing 14% of new vehicle intenders.
The shift towards hybrid vehicles aligns with international trends observed in markets such as the United States, according to Hussein Dia, a professor at Swinburne University. Dia attributes this trend to the lower upfront costs of hybrids compared to electric vehicles and concerns about the availability of charging infrastructure. Additionally, hybrid vehicles offer advantages over petrol or diesel cars, including lower running costs, making them more appealing to consumers amid rising living expenses and fuel prices.
Anna Mortimore, a lecturer at Griffith University, points out the price discrepancy between electric and hybrid vehicles, citing the example of Kona-branded models. While Kona hybrids are priced at $46,500, Kona electric vehicles cost $54,000, making the latter more attractive to consumers who can charge their vehicles at home, despite additional expenses for power upgrades and smart chargers.
However, the increasing popularity of hybrids poses a challenge due to their larger emissions footprint compared to purely electric vehicles, potentially hindering efforts to achieve net-zero emissions targets. Experts emphasise the urgency of transitioning away from petrol cars, with calls to cease their sale by 2035 to mitigate transport emissions effectively by 2050.
While hybrids are regarded as a transitional solution in the shift towards electric mobility, critics caution that they may not be as environmentally friendly as perceived. Studies, including one conducted by Austria’s Graz University of Technology, reveal discrepancies between claimed and actual emissions from popular hybrid models, raising concerns about their environmental impact.
Dia underscores the lower emissions and running costs of electric vehicles compared to hybrids, citing studies indicating that hybrids often rely more on their petrol or diesel engines than their electric motors. This discrepancy may mislead consumers and governments offering incentives for hybrid purchases, potentially undermining efforts to reduce emissions.
In summary, while the increasing preference for hybrid vehicles signals a significant transition in the automotive market, addressing concerns regarding their environmental impact and promoting the adoption of electric vehicles remains crucial in achieving sustainable transportation goals.
For the latest retailer news and information, check out the ServoPro website or to speak to us about how we can help your business contact us.