Sales of electric vehicles (EV) have continued to climb during the past year despite ongoing cost-of-living challenges, says the Electric Vehicle Council (EVC).
The Australian Automobile Association’s EV Index quarterly update shows more than 85,000 battery electric (BEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) sales in the first three quarters of this year – up 17.7% compared to the same period the year before.
The index shows BEV/PHEV sales represented 9.5% of new light vehicles sold in the first three quarters of 2024.
“The rise of EVs in Australia has been very strong in recent years, climbing from less than 1% of all new car sales in 2019 to nearly one in 10 today,” says EVC legal, policy and advocacy head Aman Gaur.
“EVs are fantastic choices for consumers focused on cost of living, freeing drivers from high petrol prices and requiring far less maintenance – saving Australians thousands of dollars every year.
“Despite broader cost-of-living pressures, more than 85,000 new light electric vehicles have been sold so far this year, well above the same period the year before and we’re on track to crack a record 100,000 sales by year’s end,” says Gaur.
“The new year will bring new opportunities for electric vehicles in Australia and for reducing transport emissions even further. Affordable EVs are entering the Australian market, a trend that’s expected to accelerate as the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard takes effect in 2025.”
Guar says a long road lies ahead for EV adoption in Australia.
“The premature withdrawal of incentives for electric vehicles in several states coupled with lingering concerns about EVs is stifling rapid uptake,” he says.
“Governments must continue implementing targeted programs that make it easier and more affordable for Australian households and businesses to transition to electric vehicles.
“At the same time, the industry must continue to address misconceptions about EVs to attract the next wave of adopters.”
