Will This Car Fit My Life? The Realities of EV Practicality for Women

The Real Question: Will This Car Fit My Life?

Let’s get real—when Australian women ask, “Will this car fit my life?” we’re not talking about whether the car looks good in the driveway. We’re talking prams, groceries, kids, school runs, driving to work, charging at the office and the chaos of everyday life.

And yes, some might roll their eyes and call it a cliché, but let’s not kid ourselves: these are still the roles most women are expected to juggle. It’s not about reinforcing stereotypes—it’s about confronting the reality that society still leans on women to keep the family wheels turning. If the car can’t handle all that, it’s not practical—end of story.

EV practicality for women isn’t a marketing slogan; it’s a daily necessity.

The Everyday Test: Space, Flexibility, and Function

You want an electric vehicle that’s as flexible as your life. Can it swallow a double pram and the week’s shopping? Will it keep the kids safe and entertained on the school run? Does it have enough boot space for a spontaneous Bunnings trip or a weekend away with friends? These are the questions that matter.

The Truth is: most EVs on the market were never designed with women’s lives in mind. The industry still thinks “practicality” means cup holders and a digital dash. What about a boot that fits a pram without a wrestling match? What about easy-to-clean interiors for muddy footy boots and spilled juice boxes? What about rear seats that actually fit three car seats side by side?

Workshops by Women, for Women: Real Answers, No Mansplaining

Sick of being patronised at the dealership? You’re not alone. That’s why women-led EV workshops are popping up across Australia, creating safe spaces to ask the real questions—no judgement, no jargon, and definitely no “stupid questions”.

• North Sydney Council’s Electric Vehicle Workshop for Women: Hosted by electrification advocate Sarah Aubrey, this workshop covered everything from charging myths to “frunks”, battery basics, and what it’s really like to own an EV. The workshop was held in mid May 2025, but check with North Sydney Council to see if any more are planned. [here]

• DIYguru Women’s in E-Mobility: For those wanting to dive deeper, DIYguru offers tailored programs and mentoring for women looking to up-skill or even launch a career in e-mobility.

• Women of EVs ANZ: This network runs webinars, events, and coaching to support women in the EV space, whether you’re a driver or an industry leader.

Longer Journeys: Stress, Planning, and the Regional Divide

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: planning longer journeys in an EV can be stressful—especially outside the city. If you live in regional Australia, you know the reality. Charging stations are thin on the ground. Range anxiety isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a real barrier to adoption.

• In the city, charging is mostly done at home or work—95% of the time. But for regional women, the patchy infrastructure means every road trip needs a plan B (and sometimes C).

• Stories from the road include hunting for hidden chargers, finding stations out of order, or queuing behind other drivers. It’s not just inconvenient—it’s exhausting.

• Government and industry are trying to close the gap, with new funding and more chargers coming to regional areas. But right now, the divide is real.

EV Practicality for Women: What Needs to Change

Here’s what we want:

• Space that works: Design EVs for real families, not just tech bros.

• Charging made easy: More stations, better locations, and clear information—especially in the regions.

• Information, not hype: Give us honest answers, not marketing spin.

• Support networks: More women-led workshops, more spaces to share real experiences.

Why It Matters

Women make the majority of car-buying decisions in Australia. Yet, only 19% of EV drivers are women. The gender gap isn’t about reluctance—it’s about practicality, safety, and support. The industry needs to catch up, fast.

What’s your biggest concern about EV practicality for your everyday life?

• 0%Boot space and seating for kids
• 0%Charging infrastructure in your area
• 0%Range for long trips
• 0%Cost and affordability

You can vote for more than one answer.

Final Word

If you’re considering an EV, don’t settle for less. Demand answers. Join a workshop. Test drive with your whole family. Ask the questions that matter to you. Because EV practicality for women isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Drive Change. Drive Electric