# EV market competition in Asia‑Pacific > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ev-market-competition-in-asiapacific > Updated: 2026-09-06T23:41:04.000Z. Sources: 19. Developments: 7. By September 2026, the rapid expansion of Chinese manufacturers and Tesla has significantly reshaped the electric vehicle (EV) landscape in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in Australia and South Korea. In Australia, EV sales have tripled compared to the previous year, reaching 116,000 units through August. A structural shift occurred in August when battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales surpassed petrol and diesel models for the first time. BEVs accounted for 24.9% of all new car sales in August, marking a 171% year-on-year increase. Specifically, BEV sales reached a record of over 27,000 units, with 25,824 units outselling petrol cars. When including plug-in hybrids and conventional hybrids, electrified vehicles represented more than half of all new vehicle sales in the country. Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen described these figures as a ‘landmark moment,’ attributing the transition to the federal government’s Electric Car Discount and the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard. Furthermore, 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. The Tesla Model Y remains a dominant force in Australia, recording 6,414 sales. Chinese manufacturers have also disrupted the market, with five of the top ten best-selling models originating from China, including brands such as BYD, GWM, MG, Geely, and Chery. In South Korea, a similar trend is emerging. Tesla continues to lead the import market, maintaining over 10,000 monthly sales for six consecutive months, driven primarily by the Model Y. Simultaneously, Chinese brands are gaining substantial ground, with five of the top ten best-selling imported models being Chinese-made. ## Claims - The Tesla Model Y was the best-selling vehicle in Australia in August 2026. (disputed by 3 sources) - Toyota remained the most popular automotive brand in Australia in August 2026. (disputed) - BEV market share in Australia reached 24.9% in August 2026. (corroborated by 4 sources) - BEV sales in Australia grew 171% compared to August 2025. (corroborated by 2 sources) - BYD was the second best-selling brand in Australia in August 2026. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Geely's sales in Australia grew by more than 1,000% in August 2026. (corroborated by 2 sources) - In August 2026, BEV sales in Australia surpassed petrol vehicle sales for the first time. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Chinese-manufactured vehicles held a 40.4% market share in Australia in August 2026. (single source) - Battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales in Australia reached 27,089 units in August 2026. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-06: Electric vehicle sales overtake petrol cars in Australia For the first time in Australia, electric vehicle sales have surpassed petrol cars, with battery electric sales hitting a monthly record of over 27,000 units in August. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/electric-vehicle-sales-overtake-petrol-cars-in-australia ### 2026-09-01: Australia electric vehicle sales surpass petrol cars for the first time Electric vehicle sales in Australia surpassed petrol cars for the first time in August 2026, with BEVs capturing 24.9% of the market. Chinese brands now hold a 40.4% market share. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/china-made-evs-disrupt-australian-market-as-sales-hit-record-high ### 2026-08-30: Chinese automakers projected to capture 58% of Australian market by 2035 Chinese automakers are poised to capture 58% of the Australian new car market by 2035, fueled by rapid electric vehicle development and aggressive expansion in the region. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chinese-automakers-projected-to-capture-58-of-australian-market-by-2035 ### 2026-08-20: BYD and Chinese automakers expand presence in Australia Chinese automakers are gaining significant ground in Australia, with BYD nearly matching Toyota in monthly sales as demand for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles rises. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/byd-and-chinese-automakers-expand-presence-in-australia ### 2026-08-15: Chinese EVs challenge Japanese dominance in Australia Chinese EV makers like BYD are rapidly gaining market share in Australia, challenging Japanese dominance as rising fuel prices and affordable electric models drive a surge in EV adoption. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chinese-evs-challenge-japanese-dominance-in-australia ### 2026-07-28: Tesla Leads Philippines EV Sales as Avita Tops Russian Market Tesla became the Philippines' top EV brand in June 2026 with 984 sales, while Chinese EV maker Avita led Russia's weekly EV market in late July, recording 155 registrations. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tesla-leads-philippines-ev-sales-as-avita-tops-russian-market ### 2026-07-25: Australia EV Sales Soar as BYD Overtakes Tesla in 2026 EVs made up 16.4% of new Australian car sales in H1 2026, up sharply from 7.6% in 2025. BYD overtook Tesla as the top EV brand, holding 28.1% of the market. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australia-ev-sales-soar-as-byd-overtakes-tesla-in-2026 --- Cite as: EV market competition in Asia‑Pacific. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ev-market-competition-in-asiapacific