EV sales overtake petrol car sales for first time in Australia

Electric vehicles sales have overtaken sales of petrol cars for the first time in Australia.

New vehicle sales figures for August show more than 27,000 battery electric vehicles were sold, which is 24.9% of all new vehicle sales and a new monthly record.

The Illawarra has more than five EV dealerships, including BYD Wollongong.

Electric vehicle sales increased 171% compared with the same month last year, while battery electric vehicles outsold petrol cars, with 25,824 sales.
Battery electric, plug-in hybrid and conventional hybrid vehicles together accounted for more than half of all new vehicle sales.

Analysis from the National Automotive Leasing and Salary Packaging Association estimates working Australians who accessed the Electric Car Discount in the first half of this year are expected to save $76 million this year alone.

Outer-suburban communities are leading the uptake of the discount, with Tarneit, Werribee, Kellyville, Marsden Park and Baulkham Hills among the top postcodes.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said the figures marked an important shift in Australia’s car market.

“This is a landmark moment as electric vehicles have overtaken petrol cars for the first time in Australia,” Minister Bowen said.

“The Coalition said EVs would end the weekend. Seven years later, they’re Australia’s most popular type of new car.

“Australians have seen through the scare campaigns and are voting with their wallets for cars that are cheaper to run, cleaner and reduce their exposure to international petrol prices shocks.

“The Albanese Government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard is giving Australians access to more models, while our Electric Car Discount and investment in charging infrastructure are making it easier and cheaper to choose an EV.”