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

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 (R2 = 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.