# Australia EV market expansion via leasing incentives

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/australia-ev-market-expansion-via-leasing-incentives
> Updated: 2026-07-25T13:00:48.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 2.

In early July 2026, Australian electric‑vehicle sales reached a record high, with EVs accounting for 36 % of all new‑car purchases. The surge was attributed to the popularity of novated leasing and the government’s Electric Car Discount, which removes fringe‑benefits tax for eligible EVs. BYD emerged as the dominant brand, delivering 18,800 units in June and topping the sales chart with its Sea Lion 7 model, while Tesla’s Model Y also recorded strong numbers.

By the end of July, BYD partnered with Smart, the country’s largest novated‑leasing provider, to create a direct pathway for employees across the public and private sectors to acquire BYD or DENZA vehicles through salary‑packaging arrangements. The deal leverages the same tax‑saving incentives and aims to make EV ownership more affordable. BYD’s Australian sales had already more than doubled year‑on‑year to over 52,000 vehicles, and the partnership is expected to further accelerate adoption by addressing cost barriers.

Together, the record sales and the new leasing partnership illustrate how government incentives, employer‑driven leasing schemes, and manufacturer collaborations are jointly driving rapid growth in Australia’s EV market.

## Claims

- BYD and Smart announced a strategic partnership to make electric‑vehicle ownership more accessible and affordable in Australia. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The partnership creates a pathway for eligible employees to consider BYD or DENZA vehicles through a Smart novated lease at purchase. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The partnership provides customers access to specific tax savings for EVs through the government’s electric car discount. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Battery electric vehicles accounted for 23 % of the new‑vehicle market in Australia in June 2026. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- BYD Australia’s year‑to‑date sales reached 52,335 vehicles by the end of June 2026, more than double the figure a year earlier. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Smart provides access to more than 2.5 million Australian employees across government, healthcare, education, corporate and not‑for‑profit sectors. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Smart supports over 580,000 salary‑packaging customers and manages more than 120,000 novated‑lease and fleet vehicles. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- BYD Australia General Manager Wing You said the company is focused on making new‑energy vehicle ownership simple and accessible. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-07-25: BYD and Smart team up to expand affordable EV leasing in Australia

BYD and Smart partner to offer Australian employees novated‑lease options for BYD/DENZA EVs, tapping tax discounts and growing EV market share (23% in June 2026) as BYD sales hit 52,335 units YTD.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/byd-and-smart-team-up-to-expand-affordable-ev-leasing-in-australia

### 2026-07-05: Australia's June 2026 EV sales hit record as novated leasing drives growth

Australian EV sales reached a record 36 % of new cars in June 2026, boosted by novated leasing, the Electric Car Discount, and strong BYD and Tesla sales.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australias-june-2026-ev-sales-hit-record-as-novated-leasing-drives-growth

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Cite as: Australia EV market expansion via leasing incentives. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/australia-ev-market-expansion-via-leasing-incentives