EVs hit 36% market share as Tesla Model Y becomes Australia's best-selling car for second consecutive month

Electric Vehicle Council

MEDIA RELEASE
3 July 2026

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More than one in three cars sold in Australia in June were battery electric or plug-in hybrid EVs - meaning almost 49,000 Australians drove home in an EV, according to the Electric Vehicle Council.

More Australians drove home in a new Tesla Model Y in June 2026 than in a Toyota HiLux, making the Model Y Australia's best selling car two months in a row.

Tesla Model Y's June 2026 sales were 8,072, an all time record, outpacing the Ford Ranger (5,999 sales) and the Toyota HiLux 4x4 (5,175 sales). 

Meanwhile, BYD sold 18,881 vehicles in June, a mere 243 cars fewer than Toyota and more than Toyota sold in the previous month (16,342). 

Polestar also sold an all time record number of EVs in the last financial year. 

CEO of the Electric Vehicle Council, Julie Delvecchio said more Australians drove home in a new electric vehicle in June than ever before. 

“Electric vehicles are now competing head-to-head with Australia’s legacy manufacturers and winning because they’re cheaper to run, there are more models to choose from than ever before, and they’re better to drive.

“The Tesla Model Y was Australia’s best-selling vehicle of any fuel type, while BYD delivered 18,881 vehicles in a single month. It’s not hard to see why. Once people switch, they don’t go back - driving electric costs four times less than petrol, so EVs just stack up.

“Behind every one of these sales is an Australian family choosing cleaner air, lower running costs, and a smarter way to drive. That’s not just a sales record - that’s a shift in how people are getting around.”

Country Director, Australia & New Zealand for Tesla, Thom Drew said: “June delivered strong results for Tesla in Australia. The Model Y L has resonated incredibly well with families, capturing a significant share of Model Y sales and reinforcing its position as a standout choice in the segment. These results reflect growing customer confidence in Tesla, from loyal owners to those experiencing electric for the first time.”

BYD Australia Chief Operating Officer Stephen Collins said: “As soaring fuel prices pushed more Australians to consider electric vehicles, orders more than doubled almost overnight.  We promised to move faster than ever to get vehicles into customers’ hands, and that’s exactly what we’ve done. BYD dealers went above and beyond, ramping up delivery centers and offering delivery in the evenings and weekends.”

Polestar’s Head of Australia, Scott Maynard said:“Polestar 4 remained a stand out performer and our best-selling model in 2026. Enquiry levels remain strong following the rush in orders earlier in the year that coincided with the fuel scarcity concerns and the subsequent price hike, and we see rising levels of customer interest in electric vehicles continuing through June and into the second half, showing a measurable shift in buyer confidence towards electric vehicles.”

Ms Delvecchio said the results were driven by unique factors which would not be easily repeated and stressed caution for sales in coming months.

“Some of this month’s strength reflects unique conditions - end of financial year sales, and pre-ordered deliveries arriving. These conditions aren’t likely to repeat anytime soon. But it’s a genuinely promising sign that EVs are matching the way Australians actually want to live and drive.”

Todd Hayward: [email protected]; 0412 205 151