Plugged In, But Underprepared: Allianz research uncovers the EV learning curve 

With Allianz EV policy quotes increasing by approximately 66% year on year,⁹ more Australians are considering making the switch to an EV. However, as EV ownership grows, new Allianz Australia research reveals that while drivers are confident behind the wheel, many are still adapting to the technologies and driving behaviours that set EVs apart from petrol and diesel vehicles.

The research found that 68%¹⁰ of surveyed Australian EV drivers felt prepared before getting behind the wheel. Within the first few months of ownership, 61%¹¹ felt confident charging their vehicle, 45%¹² felt confident using one-pedal driving, and a further 52%¹³ felt prepared to manage battery range on longer journeys.

Despite this confidence, the research revealed a need for education on the new technology featured in many EVs. Half (51%)¹⁴ of respondents reported that touchscreen controls affected their driving ability during the adjustment period, with 21%¹⁵ stating the controls were more distracting than a mobile phone. 

Other challenges included adapting to EV-specific driving characteristics, with 42%¹⁶ of surveyed Australian EV drivers saying they felt nervous driving around pedestrians and cyclists due to EVs’ quieter operation, while 35%¹⁷ were concerned about adjusting to instant acceleration.

Charging remains a key part of the EV learning curve, with 19%¹⁸ of drivers reporting they experienced charging issues and running out of battery earlier than expected (18%).¹⁹

These findings highlight the importance of supporting drivers as they adapt to the unique characteristics of EVs. Greater awareness of EV-specific features, handling and driving dynamics can help motorists feel more confident behind the wheel and navigate the transition to electrified mobility safely and effectively.

Chris Wood, Emerging Risks Manager at Allianz Australia, said the findings highlight the importance of helping Australians improve their understanding of EVs as adoption continues to grow.

“More Australians are choosing electric vehicles, driven by factors such as wanting to avoid rising fuel costs and taking advantage of the incredible advances in technology that EVs can offer. While many drivers feel confident transitioning to an EV, our research shows there can still be a learning curve when it comes to understanding some of the unique features and requirements that come with driving an EV.

“We're hoping these findings help encourage drivers to take the time to familiarise themselves with how their vehicle operates, from charging and battery management to features like regenerative braking and instant acceleration. Confidence is an important first step, but building knowledge and experience behind the wheel is what helps Australians get the most out of their EV safely.”

Allianz provides tips to help drivers be more confident and prepared when driving an EV:

• Review your insurance cover: Allianz Comprehensive Car Insurance will cover not just your vehicle, but also your charging equipment, accessories and more. Visit our website for all you need to know.
• Talk to those in the know: After making the switch to an EV, be sure to source credible information on the vehicle’s features from a trusted source – e.g. the dealership who sold the vehicle - or someone who is very familiar with a similar vehicle.
• Explore your vehicle’s technology: Take time to understand EV-specific settings, features and driver assistance technologies before hitting the road.
• Practice makes perfect: When you first drive your EV, make sure you take familiar roads in off-peak times to get a handle on the technology before you’re in a high-stress driving environment.
• Understand regenerative braking: Familiarise yourself with how regenerative braking works and how it can affect the way your EV accelerates, slows and handles.
• Adapt to a different driving experience: Learn about EVs’ acceleration, handling and driving response can differ from petrol and diesel cars.
• Power up: For your first DC charge, make sure you complete this when you have the time to do it, and your vehicle’s battery has sufficient charge. 
• Build charging habits that work for you: Establish a charging routine that suits your lifestyle and understand the different charging options available at home and on the road.
• Find your community: Organisations such as the Australian Electric Vehicle Association offer advice, support and events for EV consumers, users and enthusiasts. 

This study was conducted by Pureprofile on behalf of Allianz from 13th to 17th July 2026, surveying 1,096 Australian motorists aged 18+ years, of which 178 are EV drivers and 918 are non-EV drivers currently, and nationally representative of age, gender and location.

1. According to Allianz Australia claims and quote data comparing 1 January–30 June 2025 and 1 January–30 June 2026. Includes battery electric vehicles (BEVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).
2. Includes BEV, hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.
3. 68% of surveyed Australian EV drivers felt very prepared to somewhat prepared owning/driving an EV for the first time.
4. 42% of surveyed Australian EV drivers strongly or somewhat agreed they felt nervous driving around pedestrians and cyclists safely due to the quiet operation of an EV.
5. 35% of surveyed Australian EV drivers strongly or somewhat agreed they felt nervous about adapting to the instant acceleration.
6. Within the first months of owning/driving an EV, 21% of surveyed Australian EV drivers found touch screens more distracting than a mobile phone.
7. Within the first months of owning/driving an EV, 19% of surveyed Australian EV drivers experienced charging related issues.
8. Within the first months of owning/driving an EV, 18% of surveyed Australian EV drivers experienced running out of battery earlier than expected.
9. According to Allianz Australia claims and quote data comparing 1 January–30 June 2025 and 1 January–30 June 2026. Includes battery electric vehicles (BEVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Includes BEV, hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.
10. 68% of surveyed Australian EV drivers felt very prepared to somewhat prepared owning/driving an EV for the first time.
11. 61% of surveyed Australian EV drivers strongly or somewhat agreed they felt confident about how to charge an EV and manage its battery.
12. 45% of surveyed Australian EV drivers strongly or somewhat agreed they felt confident about using one-pedal driving safely and effectively.
13. 52% of surveyed Australian EV drivers strongly or somewhat agreed they felt prepared to manage battery range when planning long journeys.
14. 51% of surveyed Australian EV drivers strongly or somewhat agreed to all-touchscreen took time to adapt to and impacted their driving ability.
15. Within the first months of owning/driving an EV, 21% of surveyed Australian EV drivers found touch screens more distracting than a mobile phone.
16. 42% of surveyed Australian EV drivers strongly or somewhat agreed they felt nervous driving around pedestrians and cyclists safely due to the quiet operation of an EV.
17. 35% of surveyed Australian EV drivers strongly or somewhat agreed they felt nervous about adapting to the instant acceleration.
18. Within the first months of owning/driving an EV, 19% of surveyed Australian EV drivers experienced charging related issues.
19. Within the first months of owning/driving an EV, 18% of surveyed Australian EV drivers experienced running out of battery earlier than expected.