Common myths perpetuated in the discourse include beliefs that EVs are more likely to catch fire, that their batteries cannot be upgraded, and that they do not contribute to emission reductions.

Professor Matthew Hornsey emphasized that education alone does not mitigate the acceptance of misinformation; rather, a conspiracy mentality is the strongest predictor of belief in these falsehoods.

To combat misinformation, the research explored methods to reduce belief in false claims, finding that providing fact sheets and engaging with AI tools like ChatGPT effectively lowered misinformation endorsement.

Dr. Bretter stressed the urgency of addressing EV misinformation in light of the pressing need for sustainable transport solutions, while also considering the environmental impacts of AI technology.

Despite the polarizing reputation of Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Australian EV sales saw a 10.4 percent increase last month, partly attributed to the launch of a new Tesla model.

A recent study conducted by the University of Queensland has uncovered a troubling prevalence of misinformation surrounding electric vehicles (EVs), largely fueled by mistrust and conspiracy theories.

This misinformation poses a significant barrier to the global transition toward sustainable transport, as highlighted by the study's findings.

Dr. Chris Bretter, who led the research, noted that surveys from Australia, the US, Germany, and Austria reveal a concerning acceptance of misinformation about EVs, even among those who own them.

Participants in the study who subscribed to conspiracy theories were more likely to express unfounded concerns regarding the health and environmental risks associated with EVs, reflecting a broader skepticism towards science-backed technologies.

Concerns raised by survey respondents included fears of hidden agendas that exaggerate the benefits of EVs and baseless claims about their risks.

The study specifically debunked false claims, such as the notion that EVs are more prone to catching fire than petrol cars and that they fail to provide emission savings.

These findings indicate that public understanding of EVs is heavily shaped by a landscape rife with myths, selective framing, and speculative reasoning.