Electric vehicles (EV) sales have overtaken petrol cars for the first time in Australia, with new sales figures for August revealing a record 27,000-plus battery electric vehicles sold.
Electric vehicle sales increased 171% compared with the same month last year, while battery electric vehicles outsold petrol cars, with 25,824 sales.
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Battery electric, plug-in hybrid and conventional hybrid vehicles together accounted for more than half of all new vehicle sales.
Analysis from the National Automotive Leasing and Salary Packaging Association estimates working Australians who accessed the Electric Car Discount in the first half of this year are expected to save $76 million this year alone.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said the figures marked an important shift in Australia’s car market.
“This is a landmark moment as electric vehicles have overtaken petrol cars for the first time in Australia,” Minister Bowen said.
“Australians have seen through the scare campaigns and are voting with their wallets for cars that are cheaper to run, cleaner and reduce their exposure to international petrol prices shocks.
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“The Albanese Government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard is giving Australians access to more models, while our Electric Car Discount and investment in charging infrastructure are making it easier and cheaper to choose an EV.”
