In short:
Electric vehicles outsold petrol cars in Australia for the first time in August, taking 25.6 per cent of new vehicle sales. The milestone comes as motorists continue to face elevated fuel prices amid disruption to global oil markets.
Australians Opting For Electric
Electric vehicles have outsold petrol cars in Australia for the first time, marking a major shift in the country’s new car market.
Electric Vehicle Council figures show battery electric vehicles accounted for 25.6 per cent of new vehicle sales in August, edging ahead of petrol at 24.4 per cent and diesel at 22.3 per cent.
It is the first time electric vehicles have outsold every other individual fuel type in Australia.
The result comes as Australian motorists continue to feel the impact of elevated fuel prices amid the war involving Iran, which has disrupted global oil markets and placed pressure on petrol and diesel prices.
The Tesla Model Y led the electric surge, recording 6,414 sales in August and finishing as Australia’s best-selling new vehicle for the month.
Rapidly Evolving Consumer Market
BYD and Tesla also finished as Australia’s second and third highest-selling vehicle manufacturers respectively, behind Toyota.
When battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles are combined, vehicles with a plug accounted for 36 per cent of Australia’s new car market during August.
Electric Vehicle Council CEO Julie Delvecchio said greater choice and increasingly competitive prices were making electric vehicles an option for more motorists.
“With almost 200 EV models now available in Australia, consumers have never had more choice across price point, size and features. That means every driver can now find an electric vehicle that suits their budget, their lifestyle and their family needs.”
The council says continued growth in electric vehicle sales will increase the importance of investment in charging infrastructure, including for renters, apartment residents and regional communities.
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