Rising fuel prices are strengthening the economic case for electric vehicles (EVs) in Australia, with new data from Origin Energy suggesting cost-of-living pressures are accelerating the shift from petrol and diesel to electric transport.
Origin has announced it now manages more than 2000 EVs across its subscription and fleet platform, marking the company’s push to make EVs more accessible and affordable. The portfolio includes partnerships with organisations such as AON, AustralianSuper and Tesla, reflecting growing corporate adoption of electrified transport.
The steady increase in EV sales comes as volatility in global fuel markets continues to impact Australian motorists. Against this backdrop, EVs are increasingly being viewed not just as a sustainability choice, but as a cost-saving measure.
“Reaching 2000 vehicles under management is more than just a number, it’s a testament to the growing appetite amongst Australians for cleaner transport, when the right solutions are in place,” said Chau Le, General Manager of E-Mobility at Origin.
“It proves that removing high upfront costs and complexity can significantly accelerate EV uptake in Australia.”
Origin estimates the average Australian driver could save more than $1500 per year on fuel alone by switching to an EV. As petrol prices fluctuate, these savings are becoming more material for households and businesses alike.
However, upfront costs and charging complexity have historically slowed adoption. Origin’s salary packaging subscription model, combined with fleet solutions, is designed to address these barriers by lowering entry costs and simplifying ownership.
“More and more Australians are realising the significant cost benefits of driving an EV,” Le said.
“We believe our 2000 EV milestone reflects a significant shift in the local market, with EV ownership now pushing past the early adopter stage and into the mainstream.”
Survey data from Origin’s subscriber base highlights the role of affordability in driving uptake.
Around 60 per cent of users said they would not have switched to an EV without the subscription model, while 82 per cent are first-time EV drivers. Notably, one-third of subscribers were not actively considering a new vehicle prior to accessing the offering.
Additional incentives are also shaping the economics of EV ownership.
Origin’s EV electricity plan includes five hours of free power per day, while its EV Power Up charging product enables eligible vehicles to be fully charged for under $5.
With policy support such as the Federal Government’s Electric Car Discount and national target of EVs reaching 50 per cent of new car sales by 2030, Origin’s findings shows that as fuel costs rise, the transition to electric vehicles in Australia is being driven by affordability as much as emissions.
