Senior motoring journalist Paul Gover said consumers purchasing electric vehicles during a period of high fuel prices are engaging in panic buying.
The observation suggests that a segment of the automotive market is reacting to short-term economic pressures rather than long-term sustainability goals. This shift in consumer behavior could lead to market volatility if demand is driven by fear rather than calculated utility.
Speaking on a Sky News Australia broadcast, Gover said the current trend is similar to the frantic procurement of household goods seen early in the COVID-19 pandemic. He specifically referenced the rush to acquire toilet paper as a parallel to the current surge in EV interest.
"I’m calling them the toilet paper people," Gover said. "Now they’re rushing out to buy electric cars; it’s exactly the same panic buying as we saw during COVID."
The journalist said high fuel prices are the primary driver prompting consumers to seek alternatives. This reaction has coincided with a broader increase in the adoption of electrified transport. According to reports, EV and hybrid sales were 75% higher [1] than in March 2025.
Gover's comments highlight a tension between the strategic transition to green energy and the impulsive nature of consumer responses to inflation. While the increase in sales benefits manufacturers, the motivation behind the purchases may influence the long-term stability of the EV market if fuel prices stabilize.
“"I’m calling them the toilet paper people."”
This comparison suggests that a portion of the current EV market growth may be an artificial spike driven by temporary fuel price shocks. If consumers are buying based on panic rather than a permanent shift in preference, the industry may face a correction once fuel costs drop or the initial urgency fades.
