Two thirds of Australians expect to purchase an electric car in future, according to new polling commissioned by the Climate Council.
The poll, conducted by YouGov Galaxy, surveyed 861 eligible voters online between April 10 and 11.
Climate Councillor and former head of BP Australasia Greg Bourne said Australians are much more forward-thinking than the federal government.
“They are keen to be part of the electric revolution with one in six people planning to purchase an electric vehicle next time they buy a car,” he said.
“The results show the Federal Government is out of touch with everyday Australians. Last week Prime Minister Scott Morrison rubbished electric vehicles, while our polling shows the majority of Australians (55 per cent) believe they represent the future.”
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The survey also found 62 per cent of Australians support a target for electric vehicles, with 44 per cent supporting Labor’s aim for 50 per cent of all new vehicles to be electric by 2030 and 18 per cent believing it should go even further.
More than a third of respondents said they liked the convenience of being able to charge their car from home.
The poll also found that one in two Australians would consider buying an electric car when they become as cheap as petrol cars. This is projected to occur by 2025.
Transport is a significant source of greenhouse gas pollution, contributing to almost 20 per cent of Australia’s emissions.
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The poll found that two-thirds of Australians believe electric vehicles reduce pollution and are beneficial for people’s health and for the environment. This included 62 per cent of people who identified as Coalition voters.
“Under this Federal Government, our greenhouse gas pollution has risen year on year. That’s what happens when there’s no leadership on climate change. Australia has been in the go-slow lane and it’s time for a new and innovative approach,” Mr Bourne said.
