Electric vehicle skepticism fueled by unproven claims and widespread misinformation, hindering transition to cleaner transportation
In a recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Queensland and three German institutions, it was revealed that more than one in three Australians believe in misinformation about electric vehicles (EVs) [1]. The survey, prepared by Ipsos, included the results of four surveys, the first of which asked non-electric vehicle drivers for their opinions about false information about EVs [2].
The study found that rates of belief in EV misinformation were higher among those with weaker environmental views, women, and older participants [1]. Notably, participants with a "conspiracy mentality" had the highest acceptance of EV misinformation [2].
The misinformation surveyed included statements that EVs were more likely to catch fire than petrol or diesel cars, and that EV batteries are deliberately non-upgradeable [1]. Other concerning claims included those about manufacturing outweighing the lower emissions of electric cars and EV accidents being under-reported [2].
Alarmingly, almost half of Australians accept the myth that battery-powered cars are more likely to catch fire [1]. This finding comes just days after the NRMA released a report showing that two in three Australians remained concerned about electric vehicle battery fires and safety despite low incident reports [3]. As of November 2024, only eight electric vehicle fires have been reported in Australia, according to EV Firesafe, including one with an unknown cause [4].
The study did not provide information on the specific interventions or conversations that were part of the three-round conversation with OpenAI's ChatGPT [2]. However, it was found that both a conversation with OpenAI's ChatGPT and reading a US Department of Energy fact sheet delivered "modest increases in pro-EV sentiment" [5].
Effective interventions to reduce misinformation about EVs involve simple corrective approaches that explicitly challenge false claims with clear, authoritative information [1][3]. The research suggests that agreement with misinformation is not easily swayed, and that sources must be perceived as credible to overcome entrenched false beliefs [1].
Strategies that acknowledge worldview factors, ideally using trusted messengers or social networks, and emphasizing practical benefits and evidence, are also crucial [1][3][2]. Comprehensive engagement rather than single messaging events appears necessary to shift entrenched beliefs [1][3].
In conclusion, the most effective interventions to combat misinformation about EVs combine clear, authoritative debunking of myths with strategies sensitive to the distrust patterns of those with conspiracy mentalities, ideally using trusted messengers or social networks and emphasizing practical benefits and evidence [1][3][2].
References:
[1] Bretter, D., et al. (2025). Reducing misinformation about electric vehicles: An experimental examination of interventions. Springer Nature Energy.
[2] Ipsos. (2025). NRMA report on electric vehicle misinformation. Retrieved from https://www.nrma.com.au/
[3] NRMA. (2025). Two in three Australians concerned about electric vehicle battery fires and safety. Retrieved from https://www.nrma.com.au/
[4] EV Firesafe. (2024). Australian electric vehicle fires. Retrieved from https://evfiresafe.org.au/
[5] US Department of Energy. (2025). Electric vehicles 101: Myths and facts. Retrieved from https://www.energy.gov/
- The study on EV misinformation points out that effective strategies to reduce this issue should involve clear, authoritative debunking of myths, as well as acknowledgment of worldview factors using trusted messengers or social networks, and emphasizing practical benefits and evidence.
- Alarmingly, the study reveals that almost half of Australians believe the myth that battery-powered cars are more likely to catch fire, a misconception that highlights the need for targeted interventions to combat such misinformation about electric vehicles.
- In the realm of policy and legislation, it's crucial for governments and environmental science organizations to collaborate with technology providers and follow findings from studies like the one on EV misinformation, in order to develop effective policies and create general news campaigns that challenge false beliefs and promote sustainable solutions for the environment.
