EV interest surging ahead of RACQ test drive event
Curious about going electric but not sure where to start? RACQ’s EV Test Drive Day lets you get behind the wheel of some of the latest battery electric models and learn about range, charging and the everyday driving experience.
Interest in electric vehicles continues to gain momentum across Australia, with a growing number of drivers making the switch from traditional petrol and diesel cars.
The shift is increasingly evident in new vehicle sales data.
New vehicle sales data from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries show battery electric vehicles accounted for a record 20% of all new vehicle sales in May 2026 – the highest monthly market share on record.
Electrified vehicles more broadly, including battery electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid models, made up 46% of all new vehicle sales during the month, meaning nearly one in two new cars sold in Australia in May featured some form of electrification.
Even as overall vehicle sales declined by 4.8% compared with May 2025, demand for electric and hybrid models continued to climb, highlighting a clear shift in consumer preferences.
A combination of factors is driving the trend, including lower running costs as fuel prices remain high, improved driving range from the latest models and a rapidly expanding choice of vehicles.
Once limited to a handful of premium options, the market now spans everything from compact city cars to large family SUVs, helping to bring EVs into the mainstream.
The transition is particularly pronounced in the SUV segment, where sales of electric vehicles surged 167% over the past year, while plug-in hybrid sales jumped 377%.
Despite the surge in interest, many motorists remain hesitant, often citing questions around charging, range and everyday usability.
That’s where a hands-on driving experience can be beneficial.
RACQ’s EV Test Drive Day on 23 August at its Mobility Centre in Mount Cotton aims to bridge that gap, offering drivers the chance to experience the latest electric models firsthand.
The aim is to move beyond speculation and give people a practical understanding of how EVs perform on the Mobility Centre’s 3.5km road circuit.
“Once people actually drive an electric vehicle, their perception changes quickly,” RACQ Motoring Editor Ged Bulmer said.
“The smooth driving experience, instant torque and quietness tend to surprise first-time drivers.”
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