Rising petrol prices in South Australia have driven electric vehicle sales to record highs, with new data showing a surge in EV registrations across the state. According to the latest figures from the South Australian Department of Transport, EV registrations jumped by 45% in April 2026 compared to the same month last year, marking the highest monthly total on record.
Petrol Prices at Record Levels
The average price of unleaded petrol in Adelaide reached $2.35 per litre in April, up from $1.85 a year ago. Motorists are feeling the pinch at the bowser, with many turning to electric vehicles as a cost-effective alternative. The RAA has reported that the cost of fueling a typical family car has increased by more than $30 per week over the past 12 months.
Industry experts say the trend is likely to continue, with global oil prices remaining high due to ongoing geopolitical tensions and supply constraints. 'We are seeing a structural shift in consumer behavior,' said Dr. Emma Richards, an energy economist at the University of Adelaide. 'The upfront cost of EVs is still a barrier for some, but the running costs are now significantly lower than petrol vehicles.'
Government Incentives Boost Uptake
The South Australian government's electric vehicle incentive scheme, which offers rebates of up to $3,000 for new EV purchases, has also played a role in boosting sales. The scheme, introduced in 2024, has been extended until June 2027. Additionally, the state has expanded its network of public charging stations, with over 500 fast-charging points now operational across Adelaide and regional areas.
Transport Minister Tom Koutsantonis welcomed the record sales figures. 'South Australians are embracing cleaner, cheaper transport options,' he said. 'Our government is committed to making EVs accessible to everyone, and these numbers show that the policy is working.'
Dealerships Report High Demand
Car dealerships across the state are reporting unprecedented demand for electric vehicles. 'We can't keep them on the lot,' said Mark Thompson, sales manager at Adelaide EV Centre. 'Customers are coming in specifically because of petrol prices. They want to avoid the volatility at the pump.'
The most popular EV models in South Australia include the Tesla Model 3, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and MG ZS EV. Waiting times for some models have stretched to six months, as global supply chains struggle to keep up with demand.
Challenges Remain
Despite the record sales, challenges persist. The upfront cost of EVs remains higher than comparable petrol vehicles, with the average price of a new EV in Australia around $60,000. However, experts predict that prices will fall as battery technology improves and manufacturing scales up.
Another concern is the availability of charging infrastructure in regional areas. While Adelaide has a good network of chargers, some remote parts of the state still lack adequate facilities. The government has announced plans to install an additional 200 chargers in regional South Australia by the end of 2027.
Environmental groups have praised the shift to EVs, noting that transport accounts for around 20% of the state's greenhouse gas emissions. 'Every petrol car replaced with an EV is a step towards a cleaner future,' said Sarah Johnson, spokesperson for the Conservation Council of South Australia.
With petrol prices expected to remain high for the foreseeable future, the trend towards electric vehicles is likely to accelerate. For South Australian motorists, the message is clear: the era of the petrol car is slowly coming to an end.
