Electric vehicle adoption continues to climb across Victoria, yet a parliamentary inquiry has flagged misinformation, sluggish public charger deployment, and the lack of any dedicated statewide charging plan as key barriers to faster progress.

The inquiry into electricity supply for EVs identified insufficient charging infrastructure as the primary shortfall, noting the absence of a clear government roadmap to expand the network.

The committee issued 40 recommendations, beginning with targeted buyer subsidies, stamp duty concessions, and reduced EV registration fees.

Current network tariffs provide no motivation for owners to shift charging times in ways that ease pressure on the electricity grid.

Although lower power tariffs and expanded subsidies were proposed, a minority report from Liberal and Nationals members warned of added strain on state debt from such incentives.

Among 109 findings, the committee noted widespread misconceptions about EVs, including worries over driving range, charger access, battery durability, resale values, fire hazards, road funding, and overall environmental effects, prompting a call for a public education campaign.

Vehicle-to-grid and vehicle-to-home technologies were highlighted as untapped opportunities to support the grid, though no focused government programs exist to promote them.

The report criticised the removal of EV-ready requirements for new homes and pointed to difficulties with kerbside chargers plus restrictions imposed by landlords in apartments, describing the Owners Corporation Act as outdated.

Regional areas face added hurdles due to weaker infrastructure, making battery vehicles less practical outside cities.

Victoria public charging capacity stands at just 0.37 kilowatts per EV, well below the international 1-to-1 benchmark.

Even in urban zones with chargers, users encounter slow repairs, unreliable mapping tools, and cumbersome payment systems, with infrastructure rollout deemed too slow overall.

Many criticisms targeted the Victorian Government for inadequate EV policies and support for related industries.

Unlike New South Wales, which sets clear coverage goals for both cities and rural zones, Victoria lacks any comparable dedicated charging strategy.

The report noted no central data exists on chargers under 25 kilowatts, recommending a public database of locations, availability, and operational status.

No submissions or appearances came from the Department of Transport and Planning or other agencies, despite EVs sitting at the overlap of transport and energy policy.

Industry practices also drew scrutiny, including over-reliance on fast chargers that burden the grid and raise costs for consumers, plus limited competition in kerbside systems.

Dealership staff were urged to improve advice on grid-friendly charging habits that also save owners money.

End-of-life battery recycling lacks regulation, with roughly 1000 tonnes of material shipped overseas each year.

Findings passed only after the committee chair broke a 4-4 tie in favour of the report.