More Noosa Drivers Are Making the Switch to Electric
This article originally featured in Noosa Today on 14 August 2026.
If you’ve noticed more electric cars on Noosa’s roads lately, you’re not imagining it.
From compact hatchbacks and family SUVs to delivery vans and the latest electric utes, EVs are becoming an increasingly familiar sight across the Shire. What was once considered a niche technology has quickly become a mainstream choice for local drivers.
The first electric vehicle was registered in Noosa in 2014, but it wasn’t until the past five years that adoption really took off. Today, there are more than 900 fully electric vehicles and over 1,700 hybrids registered across the Shire.
Noosa Council is gradually electrifying its fleet, Kinetic’s new Noosa bus depot has been future-proofed to support more electric buses, and many rideshare passengers can now choose an EV for their trip.
So why are more Noosa residents making the switch?
A big part of the answer is choice and affordability. Just a few years ago Australians had only a handful of electric models to choose from, many carrying premium price tags. Today there are dozens available, with some starting in the mid-$30,000s.
Increased competition, advances in battery technology and lower operating costs are making electric vehicles an attractive option for more households than ever before.
Around 2 per cent of all registered vehicles in Noosa are now fully electric, with that number continuing to grow each month. Nationally, almost one in every two new vehicles sold is now either an electric vehicle or a hybrid, highlighting just how quickly Australians are embracing lower-emission transport. Many EV owners charge at home using rooftop solar, making everyday driving remarkably inexpensive. Others simply enjoy the convenience of rarely needing to visit a petrol station.
The growing variety of vehicles is also changing perceptions.
Affordable models such as the MG4 and BYD Dolphin appeal to commuters, retirees and first-time buyers, while families are increasingly choosing electric SUVs.
Businesses are also beginning to adopt electric vans for local deliveries and service work, and with electric utes now entering the market, tradies have more options than ever before.
Anne Kennedy, Chair of Zero Emissions Noosa, recently purchased a new EV.
“I wanted the practicality of an SUV, around 600 kilometres of driving range for longer trips, and vehicle-to-load capability so I can power appliances when we’re travelling,” she said.
“Having a local dealership for servicing was also important, so I chose a mid-priced EV that ticked all those boxes.”
Josh Stevens, a ZEN member and Business Energy Advisor, said switching to an EV simply made financial sense.
“Every day I kept driving my petrol car was costing me money,” he said. “Charging at home costs me about $3 for more than 400 kilometres of driving, servicing is fixed at $190 a year, vand the car comes with an eight-year warranty. Beyond the savings, it’s quieter, safer, better equipped and simply a more enjoyable car to drive.”
The stereotype of the “typical” EV driver has all but disappeared. Today’s owners include teachers, tradies, retirees, business owners and young families. While their reasons for making the switch differ, many appreciate the lower running costs, quieter driving experience and the opportunity to reduce their environmental footprint.
With more models arriving each year and prices continuing to become more competitive, electric vehicles are rapidly becoming part of everyday life in Noosa. If you’re curious about making the switch, comparing models and understanding what’s available, The Driven (thedriven.io) is an excellent place to start.
