Australia EV Subscriptions Sell Out as Demand Doubles

Australians are racing to switch to electric vehicles so fast that one major subscription service can't keep up with demand.

Origin Energy announced this week that its electric vehicle subscription program has hit 2,000 vehicles and completely sold out of pre-owned models. Traffic to the service's website doubled in March alone as fuel prices climbed and drivers looked for alternatives.

The electricity retailer launched the subscription service in March 2023, partnering with major employers to offer electric cars through salary packaging programs. Unlike traditional car ownership, the monthly commitment lets curious drivers test whether electric vehicles fit their lifestyle without a massive upfront investment.

"Our pre-loved EVs, we've got none left," said Chau Le, Origin's e-mobility general manager. She credits rising fuel costs and energy security concerns for pushing mainstream Australians to finally take the electric vehicle leap.

Patrick Eckel from Victoria's Macedon Ranges was one of those curious drivers two years ago. He needed a reliable car for his 140-kilometer daily commute to Melbourne but wasn't sure if electric would work for long distances.

Now his family uses their Tesla Model 3 more than their diesel vehicle. "If we look at the costs of running the Tesla, it's markedly less than a diesel car," Eckel said.

The Ripple Effect

This surge represents more than just one company's success. Electric vehicles now make up nearly 12 percent of new car sales in Australia, according to February data from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries and Electric Vehicle Council.

The momentum is building at exactly the right time. As global fuel markets remain volatile, thousands of Australian families are discovering they can power their daily commute for a fraction of traditional fuel costs while reducing their environmental impact.

Le warns that proposed changes to tax exemptions or new road user charges could slow this progress just as it's accelerating. But the fuel crisis has already shifted the conversation from "if" to "when" for many households.

The subscription model is proving particularly effective at breaking down barriers. Families who weren't ready to commit hundreds of thousands of dollars to an unfamiliar technology can now try it risk-free with employer support.

With used electric vehicles completely sold out and website traffic continuing to climb, Australia's electric future is arriving faster than anyone predicted.