EV interest booming! Fuel price drives huge spike, BYD enquiry doubles
Rising fuel prices and ongoing cost-of-living pressures are driving a sharp increase in Australian interest in electric vehicles according to new data from te online vehicle auctioneer Pickles.
According to Pickles data covering the period from late February to 21 March 2026, search activity for electric vehicles increased by 111 per cent compared to the previous three-week period.
Brand-level data also highlights changing preferences, with BYD recording a 123 per cent increase in searches on the platform, rising from 7614 to 16,955 and reaching a new high.
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Meanwhile, the number of users adding EVs to watchlists rose by 98 per cent.
The platform also recorded a 64 per cent increase in new users, suggesting a broader pool of Australians are now actively researching their next vehicle purchase.
Pickles general manager of automotive solutions Brendon Green said the data points to a clear change in how consumers are engaging with EVs.
“What we’re seeing is a strong increase in early-stage demand signals for EVs, particularly in search and consideration activity, which is often the first indicator of a change in buyer behaviour,” he said.
Green said the increase in new users indicates more Australians are entering the EV market.
“New users to the Pickles platform are up 64 per cent over the same period, suggesting a broader pool of buyers is now exploring EV options and comparing running costs.”
He added that the nature of the activity suggests higher levels of purchase intent.
“What stands out is that this is search-led behaviour, which typically reflects high-intent research. Consumers are actively looking into EVs and assessing their suitability, rather than passively browsing.
“These trends are consistent with what we typically see during periods of rising fuel prices, where buyers reassess total cost of ownership and look more closely at fuel-efficient or electric alternatives,” Green said.
“At Pickles, this shift has translated into a record month for EV sales.”
