Electric vehicle sales are on the rise around the world, and while the trend might have taken some time to catch on in Australia, recent data has shown a huge surge in EV ownership Down Under.
Sales of electric vehicles in Australia nearly doubled in 2022 compared to the year prior – as Tesla remains the top-seller in the category in a year marred by stock shortages.
According to the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) show 33,410 electric vehicles were reported as sold in 2022 – up 94 per cent on the 17,243 figure in 2021 (when Tesla registrations are included), accounting for 3.1 per cent of all new motor vehicles sold.
New Big Auto Brands on the rise
Tesla was 16th on the Australian new-car sales charts.. Could it be the next Toyota? Keep in mind Volvo/Polestar are playing catchup.
When did we first start to see EVs in Australia?
EVs first become available in Australia in 2011, with less than 50 models being sold in that first year, a staggeringly small percentage of the more than 1 million vehicles sold that year. Numbers rose to 253 and 293 in 2012 and 2013, finally breaking the four-digit barrier in 2014, when 1,322 EVs were sold.
2017 saw the first time that Australian EV sales exceeded 2,000, and 2018 saw similar numbers, with 2,216 sales, but 2019 saw a massive leap up to 6,718 sales, representing 0.6% of the year’s total vehicle sales.
Which state wins the EV pub test?
EV ownership varies state by state. Victoria and New South Wales are the two states with the highest numbers of EVs. However the ACT (ok not a state) and South Australia tied in the top spot for highest EV sales per 10,000 vehicles.
Why are we buying EVs now? Why not years ago?
A big part of the increased interest in EV sales across Australia has to be the increased availability of new models and accessible charging technology. I like Tesla’s, but it’s really refreshing to see a Polestar, Taycan or even an MG on the road these days.
We’re still stuck in another century. In the beginning of the EV revolution, Australia was lagging behind due to a lack of support, lack of general awareness that EV technology was taking off elsewhere, but also a lack of Federal understanding in the benefits and advantages offered by EV technology. EVs can tow a boat, better than a V8!
Australian buyers had to choose between just a few possible electric options when deciding to buy an EV. It started with the Nissan Leaf, Renault Zoe, Tesla Model 3, Hyundai Ioniq, and BMW i3. But it has dramatically changed in just a few years. Buyers have a much wider range of vehicles to choose from.
Was it a cultural change?
In the last 3 years, there’s been a shift in attitudes towards EVs. But there’s no one definitive reason why, but many contributing reasons rather. Maybe it was covid or the spike in oil prices, or it’s the state incentives out there. In general, I’d say EV drivers are all conscious to the environmental and health benefits of EVs, forgetting just their wallets.
Better Infrastructure!
Charging technology and EV infrastructure has massively improved across Australia. On the Federal, Commercial, State and Council Level. There are also installers, suppliers and JUCER! Making it easier for people to own and operate their own vehicles, charging them up on the go or at home.
There’s never been a better time to make the upgrade.
Are you thinking about buying your first EV? Here are some helpful EV buying guides by JUCER.
Thinking of buying an EV? EV Charging basics Speed + Range. – JUCER
EV Chargers, what exactly is a Type 2 Portable Charger and how do I us – JUCER
EV Charging. Just got a KIA Niro? What you need to know. – JUCER
How Owning An EV In Australia Is More Affordable Than Ever! – JUCER
Polestar smashes global sales for 2021, here’s why. – JUCER
Disclaimer: JUCER does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the data and accepts no liability whatsoever arising from or connected in any way to the use or reliance upon this data.
