Australia's EV Sales Beat Petrol for the First Time, Driven by Chinese Brands

For the first time, electric vehicles have outsold petrol cars in Australia. In August, battery-electric vehicles reached 27,078 sales, capturing 24.9% of the new-car market — edging past petrol’s 25,824 units and diesel’s 23,608. It’s a landmark shift in a market long dominated by traditional fuels.

The Tesla Model Y was the single best-selling model across all powertrains. Yet beneath that headline, the record is largely a Chinese story: the surge in EV volume is overwhelmingly powered by Chinese brands, which have rapidly expanded their presence in Australia.

The milestone signals how quickly consumer preferences can move when affordable electric options arrive in force. With Chinese manufacturers leading the charge, Australia’s August figures may mark the start of a lasting change in what Australians drive.