With Q1 done and Q2 about to finish, electric vehicle sales in Australia have continued to climb despite Europe pushing the brakes on EVs and the lion’s share of EVs being gobbled up by Chinese domestic buyers. With more and more EVs that suit the Australian lifestyle coming to our shores – notably electric utes coming throughout 2024 and 2025 – the number of EVs in Australia means more choice for buyers than ever before; with some nearing price parity with their Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) counterparts. Here is the state of EV sales in Australia, and what’s available now and in the near future.

 

 

According to the Australian Automobile Association (using Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries data) 25.468 passenger/light Battery EVs (BEVs) were sold during Q1 of 2024; 35,003 hybrids, and 3,426 plug-in hybrids (PHEVs). One hydrogen fuel cell vehicle was sold in Q1 – a Toyota. The most popular BEV variant sold were medium SUVs (10,157), followed by medium cars (8,344) and small cars (2,635).

 

 

According to a comprehensive report on the best EVs in Australia, the cheapest EV you can buy at a list price is the BYD Dolphin hatch, coming in at $38,890. It features a 427km range on the premium model, 150kW of power and a 50kW fast charge time (10% to 80%) of just a shade over an hour (63 mins.) There’s a four-way tie for second place at $39,990, with the BYD Atto 3 mid-sized SUV; the decidedly Mini-inspired GWM Ora; the mid-sized sedan/hatch MG MG4; and the best-selling MG ZS EV medium SUV hatch. It seems, with all bells and whistles taken into consideration, EVs are becoming much more affordable.

 

 

The best selling EV in Australia during 2024 was the sleek and stylish Tesla Model Y hatch, selling 28,769 units. It’s easy to see why, by making the 0-100km/h dash in 3.7 seconds, featuring Tesla’s AI-powered Autopilot tech, and a whopping 533km of range on the Long Range AWD variant.  Tesla’s flagship sedan, the Model 3 followed far behind with 17,347 units sold; coming in third is the BYD Atto 3 with 11,042 units sold, the MG 4 at fourth with 3,134 sales, and the medium SUV Volvo XC40 Recharge selling 2,846.

 

MG’s aggressive marketing push into Australia has also seen them break into the top 10 manufacturers league tables (ICE and EVs).

 

 

The big market EVs have yet to crack is the uniquely Australian ute – a variation on the American style pick-up truck. BYD’s ute is already undergoing testing, as is Ford’s F-150 Lightning. One of the most popular cars in Australia, the Toyota HiLux may be getting an electric overhaul in the EPU concept. Of course, no future ute list could be complete without the love it or loathe it Tesla Cybertruck in all its angular, odd glory.

 

Will EVs take over ICE vehicles? In the short-term, it doesn’t seem likely. With government incentives and new emissions standards, EVs could soon be a viable mainstream alternative.