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Who’s Plugging In? Exploring Socio-Economic and Demographic Patterns of Early EV Adopters in Australia

Author

Listed:
  • Lachlan J. Masters

    (School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia)

  • Tallat Jabeen

    (School of Computer Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia)

  • Mohammad Karimadini

    (School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia)

  • Marty Fuentes

    (Transport for NSW (TfNSW), 680 George Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia)

  • Faezeh Karimi

    (School of Computer Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia)

  • Kaveh Khalilpour

    (School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia)

Abstract

This study examines how socio-economic and demographic factors influence electric vehicle (EV) adoption in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Using 2021 Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) census data and EV registration records, a cross-sectional analysis was conducted at the postcode level. Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression was applied to identify key determinants of EV uptake. The final model demonstrates strong explanatory power (R 2 = 0.819%). Results indicate that economic status, captured through a combined income and mortgage indicator, is the strongest predictor, associated with an approximately 101.7% increase in EV registrations for each standard deviation increase. Vehicle ownership density also shows a strong positive effect (an 80.9% increase). In contrast, areas with higher reliance on active transport exhibit a statistically significant negative association with EV adoption. Additional factors, including age, education, and occupational composition (managers and professionals), show moderate positive effects. These findings highlight persistent socio-economic disparities in EV uptake and suggest that targeted policy interventions are required to support a more equitable transition to sustainable transport.

Suggested Citation

  • Lachlan J. Masters & Tallat Jabeen & Mohammad Karimadini & Marty Fuentes & Faezeh Karimi & Kaveh Khalilpour, 2026. "Who’s Plugging In? Exploring Socio-Economic and Demographic Patterns of Early EV Adopters in Australia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 18(8), pages 1-26, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:18:y:2026:i:8:p:3744-:d:1917265
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