Electric Vehicle Sales in Australia Hit Record Highs, Driven by Chinese Carmakers

Australians purchased 72,758 electric vehicles in the first half of 2025, a 24.4 percent increase from the same period last year, with Chinese models making up most of the top-selling vehicles. The growth in electric vehicle sales has been driven by improving charging infrastructure and attractive products from leading Chinese carmakers. As of last month, Australia had over 410,000 electric vehicles in the national vehicle fleet, more than double the number two years ago.

Key Takeaways:

• Electric vehicle sales in Australia reached a record high of 72,758 units in the first half of 2025, representing a 24.4 percent increase from the same period last year.
• Chinese models made up most of the top-selling vehicles, with 153 models available in the market, up from 123 in June last year.
• The growth in electric vehicle sales has been driven by increased infrastructure investment, with 1,272 major fast-charging locations and 4,192 high-power public charging plugs available nationwide.
• Total new vehicle sales in Australia hit 101,992 in June, with 914,439 units sold year-to-date, a 5.1 percent increase from the corresponding period last year.
• Chinese automakers accounted for 77.5 percent of all battery-electric vehicle sales in 2025, with China becoming the second-largest country of origin.
• The Australian Automotive Dealer Association noted that the segment's strong growth will require a stronger focus on encouraging demand, particularly public recharging infrastructure, to support the rapid growth in sales.
• Australian accountant Shawn Williams noted that choosing a Chinese brand is an increasingly obvious choice for many local motorists due to attractive price points and utility offered by these EV manufacturers.

Statistics:

• 72,758 electric vehicles sold in the first half of 2025.
• 24.4 percent increase in electric vehicle sales from the corresponding period last year.
• 153 electric vehicle models available in the market.
• 1,272 major fast-charging locations available nationwide.
• 4,192 high-power public charging plugs available nationwide.
• 101,992 new vehicle sales in June.
• 914,439 total new vehicle sales year-to-date.
• 77.5 percent of all battery-electric vehicle sales in 2025 attributed to Chinese automakers.
• China became the second-largest country of origin of new cars in September 2025.
• 2 percent of all cars on Australian roads are electric vehicles.

Sources:

• State of EVs 2025 report released by Australia's Electric Vehicle Council.
• Australian Automotive Dealer Association.
• Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries.
• Xinhua.