Australia isn't a particually good fit for EV's. While these vary by region, the below are general statements:
- Cheaper petrol/diesel than NZ
- More expensive power than NZ
- Dirty power grid (lots of coal /gas)
- Recent major issues with power grid stability.
- Hot temperatures. (Most popular EV in the world is know to have very fast battery degradation in hot temperatures.
- Less environmental concern, both at individual level, and national level.
- Larger travel distances than NZ, few other countries have active markets for extended range fuel tanks as stock ranges of 700+km are deemed insufficient. Some vehicles like the Toyota prado are available from the factory with 150L of fuel tanks. (NZ spec is 87L), rated fuel consumption is 8.0L/100km
- Being phased out, but substantial historic promotion, and subsidies / tax breaks for LPG as the alternative fuel of choice.
- Less infrastructure - No charge.net over the ditch.
That said, I think the NZ EV scene would look very bleak if it wasn't for the used imports. I think the large number of used imports have legitimized EV's, building interests that brands like Kia, Tesla etc are capitalizing on.