Electric vehicle sales overtake petrol cars in Australia

Electric vehicle (EV) sales have overtaken petrol car sales in Australia for the first time. In August, battery electric vehicle sales reached a record of over 27,000 units, representing a 171% increase compared to the same month last year.

Battery electric vehicles specifically outsold petrol cars with 25,824 sales. When combined with plug-in hybrids and conventional hybrids, electrified vehicles accounted for more than half of all new vehicle sales in the country.

Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen described the figures as a ‘landmark moment,’ attributing the shift to the federal government’s Electric Car Discount and the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard. Analysis from the National Automotive Leasing and Salary Packaging Association suggests that Australians utilizing the Electric Car Discount in the first half of the year are expected to save $76 million in 2026 alone.