# Australian automotive market transition to electric vehicles

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/australian-automotive-market-transition-to-electric-vehicles
> Updated: 2026-10-08T05:44:52.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

The Australian automotive market is undergoing a significant transition as electric vehicle (EV) adoption rises and traditional fuel sales decline.

Toyota Australia has lobbied the federal government for more ‘equitable’ emissions laws, specifically regarding the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES). The company warned that current regulations could increase prices for diesel models like the HiLux and LandCruiser 70 Series, potentially impacting regional areas with limited charging infrastructure. Market data from late 2026 showed diesel-powered vehicle sales falling by 25.5 per cent year-on-year.

By September 2026, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) outsold petrol cars for the second consecutive month, capturing approximately 24.2% to 24.9% of the new vehicle market. When including plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), electrified powertrains accounted for over one-third of all new car sales. This shift coincided with a 36.2% drop in petrol sales and an 18.4% decrease in diesel sales, driven by rising fuel costs and increased model availability.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-08: Australia EV market share hits record as electric sales outsell petrol

Battery electric vehicles have outsold petrol cars in Australia for two consecutive months, with electrified vehicles now accounting for more than one-third of all new car sales.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australia-ev-market-share-hits-record-as-electric-sales-outsell-petrol

### 2026-10-07: Toyota Australia seeks fairer emissions laws amid shifting vehicle market

Toyota Australia is calling for fairer emissions laws as diesel vehicle sales decline and electric vehicle adoption surges across the country.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/toyota-australia-seeks-fairer-emissions-laws-amid-shifting-vehicle-market

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Cite as: Australian automotive market transition to electric vehicles. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/australian-automotive-market-transition-to-electric-vehicles
