Car Market Rebounds on Back of Hybrid Sales, EV Growth Stalls

Over 108,000 vehicles were sold in March, but weak EV demand raises doubts about Australia’s clean transport targets.

A Tesla Model Y charges at a EV charge station in Lane Cove in Sydney, Australia, on Jan. 19, 2021. Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

Australia’s car market has roared back to life, with over 108,000 vehicles sold in March, ending an eight-month slump.

However, while hybrid sales are surging, electric vehicle (EV) adoption is faltering, casting doubt on the federal government’s ability to meet its ambitious New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) targets.