EV buyers are looking for local repairers

More than half of Australians are concerned about a lack of trained mechanics who can service or repair EVs in their area, according to NRMA Insurance’s latest Changing Gears report.

The survey of around 2,000 Australians, conducted by Ipsos, also found a lack of mechanics was one of the reasons some people gave for ruling out an EV altogether.

It comes as interest in EVs continues to grow. Nearly a third of Australians would now consider a battery electric vehicle, up from one in five in 2024, and more than half would consider a plug-in hybrid. Fewer than one in five say they wouldn’t consider an EV at all. People who are familiar with EVs are far more likely to consider buying one.

NRMA Insurance, the country’s largest motor insurer, says EVs currently make up a small share of its motor policies, but it expects that share to more than triple by 2030. Tesla accounts for around half of the EVs it insures, followed by BYD, MG, Hyundai and BMW, with Geely, Zeekr and Omoda Jaecoo among the emerging brands.

Battery life was the biggest concern among people not considering an EV. More than eight in 10 respondents support battery health monitoring and testing, which the report suggests points to strong demand for independent battery certification. Used EVs are also on the radar, with more than half of prospective buyers open to buying second-hand.

NRMA Insurance CEO Julie Batch said independent battery testing is already widely available and can give buyers a clear picture of a battery’s condition.

What happens to batteries at the end of their life is another concern, with strong support for a clear process for disposal, reuse and recycling.

NRMA Insurance Head of Automotive Research Shawn Ticehurst said concerns about EV repairs and servicing are often greater than the reality, with the industry building the skills and training needed to support more EVs on Australian roads.

“As EV ownership grows, so too does the repair and service network. The challenge is making sure consumers are aware that capability is growing alongside adoption,” he said.

Among five priorities in the report, NRMA Insurance calls for expanded EV repair and servicing capability through national training standards and increased workforce investment, with a focus on regional Australia. It says better access to qualified technicians would reduce a key ownership barrier while drawing on trusted mechanic advice to build consumer confidence.

The report also recommends a nationally consistent, independently governed battery health standard for used EVs. That would cover standardised testing, reporting and disclosure at point of sale, along with a battery stewardship framework for collection, recycling, repurposing and end-of-life management.

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