In the latest episode of the Fleet News Group podcast series we spoke with Dan Ceaser, CEO of Fully Charged / Everything Electric, who shared his insights on the global EV market and Australia’s position within it at the Sydney event.
Australia’s EV Market: Four Years Behind the UK but Gaining Ground
Ceaser observed that Australia is roughly four to five years behind the UK in EV adoption. However, he remained optimistic that with the right political will and consumer enthusiasm, the gap could close quickly. He noted that in the UK, 20% of new car sales in 2023 were electric, increasing to 25% on a month-by-month basis. Australia’s numbers are lower, but Ceaser pointed out the rapid influx of new EV brands and competition in the market, particularly from Chinese manufacturers.
“Looking at the show floor, the competition between manufacturers here is extraordinary. We’ve got brands like Leapmotor, Zeekr, and XPeng making their presence felt. That intense competition is only going to drive prices down for Australian consumers,” he said.
Ceaser also highlighted Australia’s advantages in EV adoption, including cheaper electricity and abundant sunshine, which could make EVs even more economical in the long run.
The North American Market: Politics and EV Growth
Discussing the global EV market, Ceaser pointed to British Columbia, Canada, as one of the strongest regions for EV adoption. “It’s a wealthy, environmentally conscious area with a strong tech sector, and EVs have done really well there,” he said. However, he acknowledged concerns about how U.S. policy changes could impact Canada, particularly with potential tariffs affecting supply chains.
On the topic of the U.S., Ceaser warned that political uncertainty could slow EV adoption but wouldn’t halt it entirely. “Even when Trump was in office last time, state governments, cities, and corporations took the lead in pushing forward EV initiatives. That will likely continue, even if the national sentiment shifts,” he explained.
Ceaser summed it up with a memorable phrase: “Elections and electrons don’t mix.” He explained that while many politicians support EVs, others seek to weaponise the issue, creating unnecessary division. Ultimately, he argued, the numbers speak for themselves—EVs are simply a better financial and technological choice.
Test Drives: The Key to Consumer Adoption
Ceaser was particularly enthusiastic about the role of test drives in accelerating EV adoption.
“We run the biggest EV test drive events in the world,”
Dan Ceaser
At the Sydney event, more than 30,000 attendees had the opportunity to test drive multiple EV models in a single day. He argued that this hands-on experience is crucial for overcoming consumer hesitation.
“When someone moves from one petrol car to another, there’s little difference. But switching to an EV is a new experience—you need to drive it to understand it. That’s why we focus so much on test drives,” he said.
Residual Values and the Used EV Market
The conversation also touched on the used EV market and residual values, a key concern for fleet managers. Ceaser noted that the UK’s used EV market grew by 57% year-on-year, and Australia is poised for similar growth as more EVs enter second-hand circulation. He acknowledged that early market fluctuations led to price corrections, particularly when Tesla dropped new car prices, but said this has now stabilised.
“Australia already has good-value new EVs. And with increasing supply, used EVs will only get more affordable,” he added. To address consumer concerns, companies like Volkswagen Group’s OnEV are introducing guaranteed future values and battery health certifications.
Battery Longevity and Industry Disruption
One of the most significant insights from Ceaser was the durability of EV batteries. “We’re seeing EVs running for over 200,000 miles, with the battery often outlasting the chassis. That’s a game-changer,” he said. He suggested that EVs could last twice as long as petrol cars, potentially disrupting traditional car sales models and fleet replacement cycles.
The Future of Everything Electric in Australia
Ceaser confirmed that Everything Electric will be back in Melbourne this November and hinted at the possibility of a third Australian city joining the tour in 2027. “We’re excited to expand our presence here. The market is evolving fast, and we want to be part of that journey,” he concluded.
With strong manufacturer competition, growing consumer interest, and an evolving used EV market, Ceaser’s message was clear: Australia is on the cusp of rapid EV growth. Events like Everything Electric are playing a crucial role in educating and engaging the public, making EVs more accessible than ever before.
