EV market share tops 10% for the first time in Australia in September 2023

Australia’s vehicle sales surpassed a total of 110,000 units in September 2023, regardless of powertrain. Of that total, plug-in electric vehicles accounted for 10.6%.

According to Federal Chamber of Automobile Industries’ (FCAI) data, battery electrics (BEVs) contributed about 8% or 8,821 units. Meanwhile, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) sold 1,264 units.

“The record result shows that Australian car buyers value a broad choice of vehicles in a range of price brackets that suit the family or business budget. Consumers have a choice of vehicles across 20 light vehicle segments – from small passenger cars through to larger utes – confirming Australia’s position as one of the most open and competitive new vehicle markets in the world.

Our advice is that the supply of vehicles into Australia, including electric vehicles, continues to improve so those consumers who want to buy a new vehicle should visit a dealer or manufacturer.”

FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber

Presented below are the new car sales data by fuel type through September 2023:

Penetrate rate improves

The penetration rate of electric vehicles in Australia was only 0.8% a few years back, as per CleanTechnica. It expanded by threefold to 2.4% in early 2022 and reached 4% before the start of the new year.

Apparently, the arrival of popular models – Tesla Model Y, the revamped MG ZS EV, and the BYD Atto 3 – in late 2022 boosted the penetration rate in 2023 to 8%. However, the report noted that it dropped to 6.5% just last month.

Nonetheless, the EV market share managed to hit the 10% milestone in September. Cheaper model offerings like BYD Dolphin, Great Wall ORA, and MG4 can potentially further boost the market share to another record-breaking rate by the end of 2023.

Moreover, Tesla Model Y’s increasing popularity will certainly aid the country in hitting another milestone in the fourth quarter.

Top-selling electric vehicle models – September & YTD

As expected, Tesla’s all-electric Model Y dominated the EV sales ranking in September with 3,811 units. Its sibling, Model 3, followed with sales of 995 units.

BYD Atto 3 ranked third with sales of 702 EVs. Meanwhile, MG4 (685) and Volvo XC40 Recharge (230) completed the top five. Refer to the table below:

As for the overall vehicle ranking, the Tesla Model Y only ranked third. It trailed behind internal combustion engine-powered (ICE) vehicles Toyota Hilux Ute (5,776) and Ford Ranger Ute (5,429). Here are the top 10 in the overall vehicle sales rankings:

Top car brands

Japanese automaker Toyota continues to lead the overall automotive market in Australia in September 2023, with a total sales of 20,912 units.

All-electric automaker Tesla landed the eighth spot with just 5,177 unit sales in the same month.

Presented below are the top automotive brands in September 2023:

Australia’s electric vehicle adoption continues to progress owing to the emergence of more affordable options and technological advancements that meet customer preferences. The arrival of the Tesla Model 3 Highland in the country will also certainly boost EV sales in the coming quarters.