Electric Vehicle Sales in Australia Increase By 50,000

Nissan and Volkswagen electric cars sit parked at a Charge Point EV charging station in Corte Madera, Calif., on July 28, 2023. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Electric vehicle (EV) sales in Australia have soared by more than 50,000 in just 12 months, new data shows.

Battery EV sales in the year to date up to November have hit 80,446, up from 28,326 at the same time last year, VFACTS data released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries states.

EV sales accounted for 7.7 percent of monthly vehicle sales overall in Australia, and 7.2 percent of sales in the year to date.

“Year-to-date sales of battery electric vehicles have reached 80,446. The growth in EV sales from the same time last year (28,326) underscores the increasing interest in low emission alternatives among Australian consumers,” the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries said.

In the full calendar year of 2022, 33,410 electric vehicles were sold, accounting for 3.1 percent of total sales.

In October, EV sales accounted for 5.7 percent of the market.

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Overall, vehicle sales in Australia broke prior records, with 112,141 vehicles delivered to Australians in the month of November.

In the year to date, Australians have bought more than 1.1 million vehicles, the statistics reveal. Sales in every state and territory lifted compared to November 2022.

Total vehicle sales in New South Wales rose 17.5 percent, while they jumped 16 percent in Victoria, and 17.7 percent in Queensland.

In South Australia, vehicle transactions rose 28.3 percent, while they surged 20.8 percent in Western Australia, 13 percent in the Australian Capital Territory, 13.4 percent in Tasmania, and 13 percent in the Northern Territory.

Vehicle sales on track to break records in Australia

In six out of the past seven months, new vehicle sales in Australia have reached the highest level on record, the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries noted.

Commenting on vehicle sales overall, FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber noted there is strong demand for a variety of vehicle options across various price brackets.

“This is an extraordinary result in what is now likely to be an extraordinary record-breaking year. Another record-breaking month underscores the dynamic and competitive nature of Australia’s automotive landscape, showcasing the wide array of choices available to consumers,” he said.

“As the challenges of the past year’s supply chain disruptions recede, consumers have greater access to a broad range of choices and increased accessibility in the market.”

Looking ahead, Mr. Weber expressed cost of living pressures could lead to a market cooling in 2024.

“The automotive sector remains a testament to the resilience and adaptability of both industry players and consumers alike. However, as cost-of-living pressures hit we may see a market cooling in the coming months, and we anticipate a more challenging 2024,” he said.

An electric vehicle charging station in Irvine, Calif., on Nov. 28, 2023. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

Toyota was the top-selling market with 21,002 sales in November, followed by Mazda, Ford, Hyundai and Mitsubishi.

The most popular type of vehicle in Australia was the Ford Ranger with 6,301 sales, followed by Toyota HiLux, Isuzu Ute D-Max, Tesla Model Y and Toyota Prado.