Searches for electric vehicles (EVs) on Australia’s leading car sales platform, Carsales, have nearly tripled within a month as motorists react to soaring fuel prices and uncertainty over supply, according to 9News Australia.

The spike comes as petrol and diesel prices continue to climb, with diesel nearing $3 per litre in some areas while unleaded petrol follows closely behind. The rising costs, coupled with reports of fuel shortages at some stations, are forcing drivers to reconsider their transport choices.

Data cited by 9News Australia shows that more than 1.2 million searches for electric vehicles were recorded on the platform in March alone. This marks a significant shift in consumer behaviour, with 55 percent of Australians now willing to consider buying an EV, up from just over one-third in November last year.

Industry experts say the cost-of-living pressure is a major factor driving this trend. “When petrol prices climb, people naturally start exploring alternatives,” a Carsales spokesperson told 9News Australia, highlighting how fuel expenses are becoming a burden for many households.

Further supporting this shift, research by Canstar indicates that electric vehicles cost about $500 per year to recharge, compared to roughly $2,500 annually for petrol vehicles. Although these figures were calculated before the latest fuel price surge, the gap is expected to widen further.

Insurance data also reflects a growing commitment among consumers. According to the NRMA, requests for EV insurance quotes increased by five percent in early March compared to February, and by 56 percent year-on-year, 9News Australia reported.

Experts note that this is not just a short-term reaction to the current fuel crisis. Increased availability of EV models and changing perceptions about maintenance and insurance costs are contributing to a longer-term shift in attitudes.

The surge in interest comes against the backdrop of global oil market instability linked to tensions in the Middle East, raising concerns about future fuel supply and prices. As uncertainty continues, more Australians appear ready to transition from traditional petrol vehicles to electric alternatives.