Australian Electric Vehicle Sales Hit Record 24.9 Percent

Battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales in Australia reached a record high in August 2026, accounting for 24.9 percent of all new vehicle sales. This figure surpasses the previous record of 23.3 percent set in June and marks the fourth consecutive month that BEVs have exceeded 20 percent of the market.

According to the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, BEV sales increased 171 percent compared to August 2025. This growth was driven largely by Chinese manufacturers, with BYD becoming the second most popular brand in the country for August after delivering 8,231 vehicles. Geely reported a sales increase of over 1,000 percent, while GWM, MG, and Chery also ranked among the top 10 most popular brands.

Tony Weber, chief executive of the FCAI, described the trend as a significant structural shift in the automotive market. He stated that the sustained level of sales and changing brand preferences show how quickly consumer choice and competition are reshaping the industry.