One in four new Australian cars sold was electric in first half of 2026
Electric vehicles captured more than 25 per cent of Australia's new car market in the first half of 2026.
A record 157,958 electric vehicles were sold in the six months to June. Sales were more than double the previous year's total.
Battery-electric vehicles accounted for 103,716 of those sales, with plug-in hybrids making up 54,241. Rising petrol and diesel prices pushed drivers to switch.
The US-Iran conflict disrupted oil supplies and made prices worse. Cheaper Chinese brands brought EV prices closer to conventional cars.
August marked a historic milestone: EVs outsold petrol-only cars for the first time. The public charging network has expanded to over 4,000 locations.
Experts warn that infrastructure growth must keep pace with demand.
- 157,958 EVs
- Sales first half 2026
- 103,716
- Battery-electric vehicles
- 54,241
- Plug-in hybrids
- More than 25 percent
- Market share
Why it mattersAustralians face fuel costs that change a lot. Switching to EVs can save money on energy over time. They also protect against oil-price shocks. But this only works if charging infrastructure stays reliable.
AustraliaAustralian drivers saving money on fuel and electricity are reshaping the car market, though rural and regional Australians may face barriers without sufficient public charging networks.
Corroborated bytheguardian.com
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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