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Electric Vehicles Nudge 30% Sales Share as Tesla Model Y Becomes Australia's Best-Selling Car

Electric Vehicle Council

Key Facts:

• EV sales approach 30% of total new vehicle sales in May 2026
• Battery Electric Vehicles accounted for 1 in every 5 sales
• The Tesla Model Y became Australia’s best-selling car

3 June 2026

Battery electric and plug-in hybrid EVs were 29.6 per cent of new vehicles sold in Australia in May 2026, setting a new benchmark for the national market – thanks to a combination of  lower running costs, supportive government policies and greater vehicle choice.  

30,618 EVs were sold in May, including 21,303 battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and 9,315 plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).

The result means BEVs and PHEVs combined accounted for almost 30 per cent of all new vehicle sales in Australia. BEV sales more than doubled year-on-year to one in five new vehicles sold (20.6%), while PHEV sales increased by more than 200 per cent compared with May 2025.

The Tesla Model Y was Australia’s best-selling vehicle in May with 5,605 sales, becoming the first electric vehicle ever to top the national monthly sales charts.

Tesla recorded total vehicle sales of 6,433 in May 2026 – the highest single-month result in the Electric Vehicle Council’s dataset, while BYD retained second place behind only Toyota in monthly brand vehicle figures, with 8,211 sales.

Electric Vehicle Council CEO, Julie Delvecchio said the figures marked a significant milestone in Australia’s transition to cleaner and cheaper transport.

“May 2026 represents a breakthrough moment for electric vehicles in Australia,” Ms Delvecchio said. “Almost 30 per cent of all new vehicles sold were electric in May, and an EV became the nation’s best-selling vehicle for the first time.

“On average, 687 battery electric vehicles were sold per day in May, equivalent to about 29 sold every hour or roughly one sold every 2 minutes.”

“We know Australians buy cars that save them money, suit their lifestyle and perform well. Record EV sales suggest more Australians are finding electric vehicles tick all three boxes.

"The Federal Government's decision to extend the Electric Car Discount (ECD) sends a clear signal: Australia is committed to making cleaner, more affordable transport a reality for households.

“The ECD and New Vehicle Efficiency Standard have been building the conditions for this moment - more models, more affordable prices, more choice. When petrol prices surged, Australians didn't just feel the pain at the bowser. They had an alternative. And they took it - in record numbers.”

Ms Delvecchio said cost-of-living pressures were continuing to drive interest in electric vehicles.

“When fuel prices rise, Australians naturally look for ways to reduce household expenses.

“Electric vehicles allow families to avoid the volatility of petrol prices while saving around $3,000 a year in fuel and maintenance costs.

“The combination of more vehicle choice, lower running costs and supportive government policy is helping more Australians make the switch.”

Ms Delvecchio said the record sales data and continued strong interest in EV ownership highlighted the urgent need for an accelerated national EV infrastructure plan.

“While the government has rightly invested in charging infrastructure, with adoption increasing, the federal, state and local governments all need to work together to redouble efforts to meet demand.

“We need to make sure the infrastructure keeps pace with the surge - so when Australians choose electric, the charger is there when they arrive.”

Contact details:

Todd Hayward - 0412 205 151