By Tauel Harper, Associate Professor in Communications and Media, Murdoch University
US military action in Iran may have triggered an unexpected shift far beyond geopolitics, accelerating interest in electric vehicles and challenging the long-standing dominance of petrol-powered cars.
Like the oil shocks of the 1970s that pushed motorists towards smaller, fuel-efficient vehicles, rising fuel prices linked to tensions in the Middle East are again reshaping consumer behaviour.
Concerns around supply through the Strait of Hormuz have sent oil prices higher, with immediate flow-on effects at the bowser.
Google Trends data shows Australian interest in electric vehicles surged sharply as the crisis unfolded.
Searches for “electric vehicles” on March 23 were nearly three times higher than on February 27, the day before US strikes began, representing a 278 percent increase.
The relationship between petrol prices and EV interest is well established. Historical data shows spikes in fuel costs consistently drive increased online searches for electric vehicles.
While interest often softens as prices stabilise, it rarely returns to previous levels, suggesting each price shock leaves a lasting behavioural shift.
A similar pattern followed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Even after oil prices settled, interest in EVs remained elevated, pointing to a growing awareness of energy security and the appeal of locally generated power such as rooftop solar.
Recent research into Australian attitudes to EVs shows barriers remain, including concerns about driving range, charging infrastructure, gender perceptions and entrenched car culture.
Enthusiast attachment to engine performance and sound also continues to slow adoption.
However, the latest data suggests these cultural barriers may be outweighed by economic reality.
Australians are, at heart, pragmatic consumers.
If electric vehicles offer a way to reduce household costs, particularly during periods of high fuel prices, interest follows quickly.
The trend also sends a warning to car manufacturers that have hesitated on electric models.
Some global brands, including Porsche, Lamborghini and Ferrari, have recently signalled a slowdown in EV production, while Toyota has maintained a cautious approach in Australia with limited fully electric offerings.
If fuel prices continue to rise, those decisions may come under renewed scrutiny.
Although EV sales dipped in 2024, early figures show strong growth returning.
Sales in February 2026 were already 95 percent higher than the same time last year, and March figures are expected to climb further.
Technological change is often gradual until it reaches a tipping point.
With petrol prices rising again and more households generating their own energy, electric vehicles may be approaching that critical mass, shifting from niche alternative to mainstream choice.
