Survey Reveals Misinformation on Electric Vehicle Safety in Australia

A recent study published in the *Springer Nature Energy* journal reveals that a significant portion of the Australian population holds misconceptions about electric vehicles (EVs), particularly regarding their safety. According to the research conducted by the University of Queensland in collaboration with three German institutions, over 47% of Australians surveyed believe that EVs are more likely to catch fire than traditional petrol or diesel cars. This finding aligns with a parallel study by the National Roads and Motorists' Association (NRMA), which indicates that misinformation surrounding battery safety is hindering the adoption of low-emission vehicles.

The study surveyed over 6,300 individuals across Australia, the United States, Germany, and Austria. Dr. Chris Bretter, an environmental psychologist at the University of Queensland and co-author of the study, stated, "The misinformation statements we tested included claims that EVs are more likely to catch fire than petrol cars, do not produce emission savings, and emit electromagnetic fields that damage health—all claims which are demonstrably false" (Bretter, 2025).

The implications of these misconceptions are significant in the context of the global push for sustainable transport solutions. The research highlights that belief in these myths is particularly prevalent among individuals with a “conspiracy mentality,” as well as among women and older participants. Notably, 44% of those surveyed also believed that EV batteries are deliberately non-upgradeable, while 35% thought that the environmental benefits of EVs were negated by their manufacturing processes.

In response to these misconceptions, the researchers tested the effectiveness of interventions such as fact sheets and AI-driven chatbots, specifically OpenAI’s ChatGPT. They found that these methods resulted in “modest increases in pro-EV sentiment.” Dr. Bretter emphasized the importance of addressing misinformation to facilitate a transition to sustainable transport options. He stated, “Given the global need to transition toward more sustainable transport options, it is crucial we address the prevalence of misinformation about energy-efficient technologies like EVs” (Bretter, 2025).

Despite the prevailing myths, actual data on EV incidents paints a different picture. The NRMA report, prepared by Ipsos, noted that only eight EV fires had been reported in Australia as of November 2024, a figure that is relatively low compared to the number of petrol vehicle fires. This discrepancy between perception and reality poses a challenge for policymakers and advocates pushing for the adoption of electric vehicles.

As the global automotive industry continues its shift toward electrification, understanding and countering misinformation will be essential in encouraging consumer confidence and promoting the environmental benefits of electric vehicles. Future research will need to explore further avenues for effectively communicating accurate information about EVs to the public, particularly through digital platforms that can reach a broader audience.

The study serves as a crucial reminder of the impact that misinformation can have on public perception and acceptance of new technologies, underscoring the need for ongoing education and engagement with consumers as the automotive landscape evolves.