9 September 2026
Australia Hits Half a Million Battery Electric Vehicles – And the Real Race Is Just Starting
Australia has officially passed 500,000 battery electric vehicles (BEVs) on our roads, marking World EV Day with a milestone 16 years in the making.
From 2010 when a battery electric car was first available to buy in Australia – the 2010 Mitsubishi i-MiEV – we have come a long way to this milestone of half a million BEVs. Thanks to a combination of growing model choice (almost 200), falling costs and supportive policies, electric vehicles sales are breaking monthly records. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) hit a record high in August, accounting for around a quarter of all new car sales (24.9%), more than any other fuel type.
Electric Vehicle Council CEO Julie Delvecchio said World EV Day was a moment to celebrate how far Australia has come – and a reminder of how far there still is to go.
“Hitting 500,000 battery electric cars on Australian roads is a remarkable achievement that we always believed was possible, even when others doubted it.” Ms Delvecchio said. “EVs are one of the single most effective cost-of-living measures available today. Aussies are voting with their wallets – and right now, they’re choosing electric.
“When people realise they can save $3,000 per year driving electric, they don’t need convincing – they just buy one.”
“Yes, people want to reduce their carbon footprint. But they also want a car that will save them money. EVs tick both boxes: they are good for the environment and good for the household budget, delivering average running-cost savings of thousands of dollars each year.”
Ms Delvecchio said that while the EV transition is firmly underway, the challenge ahead is scaling without losing momentum.
“Australia needs to add another 4.5 million BEVs over the next nine years to reach the national target of five million on the road by 2035. That means achieving nine times the growth it took us 16 years to deliver – in little more than half the time.”
The road to five million BEVs
In August, BEVs accounted for almost one in every four new vehicles sold in Australia, while BEVs and plug-in hybrid EVs combined represented more than a third of the new car market. Petrol and diesel vehicles accounted for less than half of new sales for the first time and have fallen sharply over the last two years.
The next phase of the EV transition will require continued cooperation between governments and industry in three key areas:
- Choice & affordability: Almost 200 EV models are now available in Australia. Greater choice across segments and more affordability will continue to be a key driver of increased EV sales.
- Charging access: Co-ordinated planning and delivery of accessible and reliable charging for apartment residents, businesses, renters and regional communities.
- Policy certainty: Maintaining measures that support consumer and business confidence, vehicle supply and long-term private investment.
Ms Delvecchio said headline policies including the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard and Electric Car Discount have delivered everyday benefits for Australians. With an upcoming review of the Standard and the ongoing discussions around a road user charge, she cautioned that the Government needs to continue supporting policies that have helped Australians beat the cost of living via EVs.
“The review of the Vehicle Efficiency Standard is a crucial moment in our path to 5 million BEVs. If the Standard is allowed to stagnate after 2029, Australians will be forced to drive expensive petrol cars,” Ms Delvecchio said.
She also welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement of the latest round of the DRIVEN rebate.
“Dealerships and repair workshops right across the country need to be ready for the customers already walking through their doors,” Ms Delvecchio said.
“This round allows them to claim up to 80% of the cost of EV-specific tooling, protective equipment and workshop upgrades, up to $50,000.
“It will make it easier for dealerships to sell, demonstrate and service electric vehicles while giving even more Australians the confidence to make the switch.”
