Demand for electric vehicles (EVs) in Australia is increasing, with thousands of Australians hoping to celebrate World EV Day behind the wheel of an electric car. According to the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, electric vehicle sales in Australia have increased from less than 15,000 last year to almost 57,000 in 2023. Big-name automakers like BMW and Tesla have pledged to bring more electric vehicles into the country, and the federal government has promised to introduce an emissions cap to encourage the import of more electric vehicles.
However, experts point out that Australia still has a long way to go when it comes to electric transport compared to other nations. To catch up, Australia needs a greater variety of electric vehicle models, a larger vehicle fleet, and continued incentives. State-level incentives, such as rebates of up to $6,000 on new electric vehicles and tax breaks on fringe benefits, have helped encourage more drivers to invest in electric vehicles. However, some potential buyers from Europe, the UK, and the US are waiting for the Australian launch of their favorite models.
Electric Vehicle Council policy director Jake Whitehead believes the federal government’s promise to introduce a fuel efficiency standard will help provide Australian consumers with greater choice. This standard would set an emissions limit for vehicle fleets and encourage the import of low-emission cars. With the introduction of this standard, the electric vehicle market in Australia is expected to grow, allowing the country to catch up with the global average in the coming years.
Several car manufacturers are already planning to bring new electric models to Australia. BMW plans to launch three electric vehicles in 2024, with the iX1 eDrive20 being the first to launch between January and March. Hyundai plans to open pre-sales of its Ioniq 5 N sports hatchback in Australia next week, and Tesla plans to deliver the first redesigned electric Model 3s in the country in January.
Interest in electric vehicles is increasing in Australia, as evidenced by the significant increase in searches for electric vehicles on car sales platforms. Testimonials from Australian electric car owners highlight the fun and responsiveness that come with driving electric cars. Anneliese Alexander, from Holsworthy in Sydney, noticed the immediate difference in driving experience when her family bought a Nissan Leaf. They were so happy with the EV lifestyle that they replaced their diesel car with a Tesla Model 3 and are planning a trip through the Australian outback. In addition to the better performance of electric cars, their decision has also led to significant fuel savings and a reduction in vehicle pollution.
Although Australia still has some catching up to do in electric transport, increasing electric vehicle sales and demand overall indicate a positive trend towards the adoption of low-emission vehicles as Australians become more aware of the benefits of electric mobility.
