In September 2023, out of the 110,000 vehicles sold in Australia, about 10.6% were equipped with a plug. Among these, approximately 8% (8,821 units sold) were battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and 2% (1,264 units sold) were plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).

This achievement signals that Australia’s EV market share has exceeded 10%.

Australia’s EV explosion

Australia’s adoption of EVs has experienced rapid growth, though not without fluctuations.

Just a few years ago, only 0.8% of Australian new car sales were EVs. By the beginning of 2022, this figure tripled to 2.4%. It further increased to 4% by the year’s end.

The arrival of the refreshed MG ZS EV, BYD Atto 3, and Tesla Model Y in late 2022 set the stage for further progress in 2023. Throughout most of the year, the penetration rate remained around 8%.

According to CleanTechnica, here were no new hydrogen cars sold in September. On the other hand, PHEVs witnessed a 141% increase compared to the same month last year.

The majority of new cars in Australia originate from Japan, followed by Thailand (where most utes are manufactured) and then China (where most EVs are produced). By the end of this year, it’s projected that Australia’s EV fleet will have doubled in comparison to 2022 figures.

The Tesla Model Y and Model 3 both made it to the list of top twenty selling vehicles for September. The Model Y occupied the #3 position and the Model 3 was at #20. Surprisingly, the Model 3 even outsold the Toyota Corolla.

Other notable EVs in the top 20 include the MG ZS EV and Mitsubishi Outlander. Sales data for these models would include PHEVs.

Detailed sales data

Here’s the detailed sales data:

– Tesla Model Y sold 3,811 units, marking a 50% increase from the previous month. Year-to-date (YTD) sales are at 23,457.
– Tesla Model 3 sold 995 units, also experiencing a 50% increase. YTD sales reach 14,540.
– BYD Atto 3 sold 702 units, showing a 15% decrease. YTD sales stand at 8,700.
– MG4 sold 685 units, doubling the previous month’s figure. YTD sales amount to 941.
– Volvo XC40 Recharge sold 230 units, nearly half of the August numbers. YTD sales of XC40 and C40 combined equal 3,200.
– Cupra Born sold 218 units, double that of August. YTD sales reached 594.
– Kia EV6 sold 202 units. YTD sales are at 1,147.
– MG ZS EV sold 145 units. YTD sales amount to 2,359.
– Kia Niro sold 113 units. YTD sales reach 717.
– Polestar 2 sold 111 units, half the figure of August. YTD sales stand at 1,789.

It’s challenging to pinpoint the exact reasons for cars moving up or down the top 10 chart. However, it’s clear that demand is not the issue, but rather supply and logistics.

Previously, there seemed to be a tight competition for the third position among the Atto 3, Polestar 2, and MG ZS EV. However, the MG4 and Volvo have changed the dynamics.

The MG4 is performing exceptionally well and is expected to continue on that path. Furthermore, the upcoming release of the Volvo EX30 early next year will introduce more excitement to the leaderboard. This compact SUV boasts impressive statistics.

What’s next for the Australian EV market

The Ford Mustang Mach-E will soon arrive in Ford Australia’s showrooms, with test drives currently available in Brisbane. However, its availability seems limited, as NSW, ACT, and Victoria are listed as “coming soon.”

Some experts question whether it can compete with the Model Y, considering the latter’s superior specifications and lower price.

Renault is re-entering the Australian EV market with the new Megane, after previously withdrawing the Zoe. In France, the Megane secured the 7th position on the top ten chart for August and ranked 14th across the entire European market. The Zoe, on the other hand, continues to be a popular choice in Europe and is still being sold there.

Hopefully, Renault has made improvements to the Megane, and the EV will perform well in Australia.

In addition, Remserv is encouraging teachers in government schools to consider adopting the Atto 3 through salary sacrifice or novated leasing. Remserv was actively promoting EVs at a recent event called the “Teacher Career Fair.” In the past, government employees did not have access to EV options.

With luck, 2024 will mark another significant progress as more EVs become available in the Australian market.