The electric vehicle landscape in Australia is undergoing a significant transformation, and the recently released Electric Vehicle Council's (EVC) "State of Electric Vehicles Report" for July 2023 provides a comprehensive overview of the current trends and developments in the Australian EV market. This report sheds light on the strides made in EV adoption and highlights the dominant players driving this transition.

Original report
Electric Vehicle Council | State of Electric Vehicles Report July 2023

Over the past year, interest in electric vehicles in Australia has grown substantially. While the nation is still working to align local EV adoption with emission reduction targets, positive signs are emerging in the light vehicle market. In 2023, electric vehicles accounted for 8.4% of all new car sales, marking a remarkable 120% increase compared to the previous year. Notably, the vast majority of these EV sales can be attributed to just three models: the Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model Y, and BYD Atto 3, collectively representing a staggering 68% of the EV market share. This extraordinary dominance by Tesla and BYD highlights the appeal and impact of their vehicles in Australia.

Currently, Australia boasts a total of 91 electric car, van, and utility vehicle models. However, most of these models are only available in limited quantities due to the absence of a new vehicle efficiency standard. The lack of such a standard hinders car manufacturers' ability to supply EVs to the country effectively. The EVC is advocating for the introduction of a globally competitive new vehicle efficiency standard in Parliament by the end of the year. Such a standard would not only contribute to achieving emission reduction targets but also ensure the availability of a variety of affordable EVs for Australian households and businesses.

While Australia is making progress in EV adoption, it is still playing catch-up with leading EV nations. Nevertheless, every state, territory, and the federal government are actively supporting the transition to zero-emission technology. The release of Australia's first national EV strategy in early 2023 is a significant step forward. However, heavy EVs like buses and trucks are lagging due to regulatory challenges that inhibit their uptake. While industry interest is high, the lack of suitable vehicles and restrictive regulations hampers progress.

Key highlights from the EVC's 2023 report include

• Sales Growth: Year-to-date EV sales up to June 2023 have already exceeded the total EV sales for the entire year of 2022, showcasing a 121% increase. EVs now account for 8.4% of all new car sales, compared to 3.8% in 2022.

• Top Models: The Tesla Model Y leads the pack with 14,000 units sold, followed by the Tesla Model 3 with 11,500 units and the BYD Atto 3 with 6,100 units.

• Charging Infrastructure: New South Wales boasts the highest number of fast and ultra-fast charging stations, with 174 available. The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) leads in EV sales as a proportion of new vehicle sales, with 21.8% of new cars being EVs.

• Policy and Incentives: The report highlights varying levels of support and incentives across states and territories, with New South Wales and the ACT leading the way.

• Challenges and Opportunities: Australia needs to address regulatory barriers, incentivize EV adoption, and create a competitive new vehicle efficiency standard to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles.

• Future Prospects: The report forecasts continued growth in EV adoption for the remainder of 2023, driven by favorable policies and increasing consumer interest.

Conclusion

The dominance of Tesla and BYD models in the market underscores the impact of these manufacturers in shaping the Australian EV landscape. As the country works towards its emission reduction targets, the continued collaboration between governments, industry players, and advocacy groups will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of transportation in Australia.