Electric vehicle sales surge, but who’s going to service them?

The Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC) and others are warning that Australia’s rapid shift toward electric vehicles (EVs) risks outpacing both consumer understanding and industry readiness, with new research revealing emerging gaps that could impact cost, safety and access to vehicle servicing.

Recent new vehicle sales data shows EV uptake is accelerating, signalling strong momentum in the transition. However, consumer research commissioned by VACC and conducted by Kantar suggests the broader vehicle fleet, and the behaviours that support it, are still catching up.

Key Insights

• 2 in 3 EV owners believe servicing must be done at specialist EV centres
• 1 in 3 motorists have delayed a service due to time or inconvenience
• 3 in 10 have delayed servicing to save money
• 36% are concerned about unexpected vehicle costs

VACC CEO Peter Jones said this misunderstanding has the potential to create unnecessary pressure across the service network.

“The reality is that many automotive businesses are already adapting to new technologies. But if consumers believe their options are limited, it risks creating bottlenecks, longer wait times and added pressure on the system.”

The findings come at a time when automotive businesses are being asked to invest significantly in new tooling, diagnostic equipment, safety systems and training, while continuing to service the existing fleet of petrol and diesel vehicles.

At a policy level, the VACC Blueprint outlines the need for a practical and coordinated approach to the EV transition. The organisation has cautioned against regulatory proposals that duplicate existing systems, particularly where nationally recognised automotive qualifications already provide a strong and effective safety framework.