In short:
Electric vehicle uptake in Wyndham could slow as new EV tax proposals raise cost concerns. Research shows outer suburban families are most likely to switch but also most affected by new charges.
Wyndham Advertiser
Fuel Costs Driving Change
Working families in Melbourne’s outer suburbs, including Wyndham, are being identified as the most likely to switch to electric vehicles – but also the most likely to be discouraged by new taxes.
New behavioural research released by the Electric Vehicle Council shows that drivers in outer suburban areas are leading the shift toward electric vehicles, largely driven by rising petrol costs and longer commute distances.
However, the same group is also the most sensitive to proposed road user charges, with the study finding 28 per cent of likely EV buyers would reconsider their purchase if a per-kilometre tax was introduced.
The research, conducted by Simon Jackman from the University of Sydney, surveyed more than 3,600 Australian drivers and analysed how cost changes impact buying decisions.
Outer Suburbs in Focus
While the proposed 3c-per-kilometre charge is currently being discussed in New South Wales, similar reforms are being considered nationally by the Australian Government.
That has direct relevance for areas like Wyndham, where many residents rely heavily on cars due to longer travel distances and limited public transport options.
Suburbs including Point Cook, Tarneit and Truganina reflect the exact demographic highlighted in the research – working families aged 30 to 55, commuting further than average and looking to reduce fuel costs.
Cost Pressure Concerns
Under the proposed model, EV drivers could face an average cost of around $353 per year based on typical driving patterns.
Electric Vehicle Council CEO Julie Delvecchio said the findings show a potential contradiction in policy direction.
“Australians are turning to electric vehicles to escape rising petrol prices, but a per-kilometre tax risks removing those savings,” she said.
The research also found that EV drivers typically travel about 60 per cent further than petrol drivers, meaning the impact of any distance-based charge would fall more heavily on outer suburban households.
Fuel Prices Driving Demand
The push toward electric vehicles comes as petrol prices remain elevated, with costs exceeding $2.20 per litre and forecasts suggesting further increases.
Australia’s reliance on imported fuel – estimated at around 90 per cent – has also raised concerns about long-term fuel security.
For many households in Wyndham, electric vehicles are increasingly being seen as a way to reduce weekly expenses tied to fuel.
Growth at Risk
The research highlights a significant drop in buyer interest when additional costs are introduced:
Nearly half of “extremely likely” EV buyers reduced their interest after seeing a road user charge
Around 30 per cent of outer suburban buyers were deterred, compared to about 20 per cent in inner-city areas
Blue-collar and working households were more affected than higher-income groups
This comes as EV adoption continues to grow rapidly across Australia, with record sales recorded in early 2026.
Policy Questions Ahead
Both federal and state governments have previously indicated that any future road user charging system should not discourage EV uptake.
However, the research suggests that poorly timed or structured charges could have the opposite effect – particularly in outer suburban areas where the shift to electric vehicles is currently strongest.
For Wyndham residents, the outcome of these policy discussions could directly influence whether switching to an electric vehicle remains a cost-saving option.
