Fuel prices and shortages push Australians toward EVs
In 2026, electric vehicles (EV) are experiencing a surge in popularity like never before with market interest reaching an unexpected high. Though industries have gradually embraced the shift toward sustainability and greener solutions, 2026 marks a watershed moment in our recent history. Informed by global challenges, including the growing anxiety around fuel shortages and rising petrol prices, businesses and individuals are adapting to the times.
These past few months have seen Australians increasingly look to the EV market for value, with Australia's leading auction house, Pickles, reporting a 163% uplift in searches for Electric Vehicles on its website. With a desire to keep costs down during a turbulent economic period, buyer interest in secondhand EVs is expected to grow, with the crisis acting as an accelerator rather than the sole catalyst.
Is Australia ready for an EV future?
With EVs becoming increasingly available on the market, the demand for public charging infrastructure has naturally gone up with it. The pressure is now on state governments to invest in the development of EV infrastructure in both the short and long term, particularly in regional areas and locations where charging is not as readily accessible.
The surge in EV adoption also means that states need to prepare for the impact on our electrical grids. More EVs on the roads multiplies the charging capacity required in communities, which has prompted the Australian Energy Market Operator to launch a new free daytime power tariff in its latest benchmark price proposals. As a result, eligible customers in South-East Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia will be able to opt-in and charge their batteries for free in the middle of the day when solar is cheap and plentiful from July 1.
In the industrial sector, with decarbonisation being increasingly embraced, road transport is beginning to make the shift to electric. As a substantial contributor to the country's carbon output, heavy transport's move to battery-electric and hybrid-powered trucks is reshaping how fleets think about fuel, infrastructure, and long-term fleet management. Notably, the growth of EV trucks achieved a major milestone recently with the establishment of Australia's first public electric truck charging site in Geelong, showing the impact of adopting an electric mindset.
Whether Australia is ready for an electric future or not is not immediately clear, but keeping pace with consumer demand will be critical to ensuring growth in EV adoption beyond the short-term. Savvy customers looking to make the switch to EVs during a challenging period will find plenty of clarity in the secondhand market, where more and more EVs are coming off lease every week.
Discover EVs at Pickles
As Australia's leading auction house and asset remarketer, Pickles is home to an extensive range of hybrid and electric vehicles. With the rising popularity of EVs creating greater demand, Pickles' auctions can be an affordable and sustainable alternative to traditional Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles.
Experience the best of both worlds with our used hybrid options – from the iconic Toyota Camry or Corolla to the versatile Subaru Forester, we offer an array of hybrids that combine fuel efficiency with performance. Alternatively, embrace the future of driving by exploring our inventory of used EVs with low mileage and dependable service records.
Ready to make the step toward a greener future? Discover hybrid and electric vehicles now.
21 Apr