‘Unprecedented’ demand sees EVs dominate Aussie roads in record numbers

Australia is on track to shatter EV sale records across the country as new data emerges showing “unprecedented” demand for the environmentally-friendly vehicles, particularly amid intense and prolonged cost-of-living pressures.

Electric and hybrid vehicles are being spotted by drivers all over the country in unprecedented numbers, with new figures released today reflecting the fact “Australia has never had so many electric vehicles on the road.”

According to the nation’s Electric Vehicle Council, Australia is on track to hit an annual milestone of 100,000 EV sales this year, with 30,000 battery electric (BEV) and plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) sales recorded in the second quarter of 2024 alone — the first time Australia has cracked that figure in a single quarter.

‘Unprecedented figures’ highlight Aussies’ hunger for EVs, CEO says

Electric Vehicle Council chief executive office Samantha Johnson says “these sales figures are without precedent.” “Australia has never had so many electric vehicles on the roads,” she said. “It was a record-breaking quarter for combined battery and plug-in electric vehicle sales.”

“The continuing strength of electric vehicle sales means Australia remains on track to hit the 100,000 EV annual sales target in 2024. These sales figures are without precedent, which is extremely encouraging given the broader economic pressures with high interest rates and the cost of living limiting people’s ability to purchase new cars.”

Johnson argues the figures reflect the fact Aussies “want more electric cars”. “Governments need to listen to this demand by continuing to provide support for electric vehicles,” she said.

“We have seen several states prematurely withdraw incentives — it is critical that governments implement targeted programs that enable more Australian households and businesses to make the switch to electric vehicles. Misinformation is also hampering the electric vehicle transition. The facts are that EVs are cheaper to own and run than ICEs (internal combustion engine vehicles), they reduce air pollution and they’re essential to reducing our carbon emissions.

“We need to see the EV market grow to meet our climate targets — the National Vehicle Efficiency Standard will play a vital role but there is much more that needs to be done to reduce the nation’s transportation emissions.”

Aussies snap photos of EV cars all over the country

Online, an Australian EV owner shared how he’d saved big bucks since making the electric switch. I have posted photos that appear to reflect the data, highlighting that “EVs are everywhere.”

“It’s my Tesla Model 3 Long Range’s one year anniversary so a good opportunity for reflection and summary,” the driver wrote.

“It cost us $132.91 in charging effectively (with novated lease) for mixed commute plus road trip use of 16,439km, compared to $2375.44 it would have cost us for our previous ICE car.”

Meanwhile, late last month, another Aussie motorist who pulled up to a set lights to find there was not one or two, but a total of five EVs surrounding him, said he believed the sight highlighted that electric is “the future”. “EVs are just a passing fad,” he sarcastically wrote online. “There are five EVs in this picture I took while stopped at the lights today. The future is now.”

In the photo, there are two EVs in front of the Queensland man’s car — an ICE vehicle, although I have clarified he also owns an EV — and another three to the left, all in a row.

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