Model Y now second best selling car in Australia as EVs hit record 8.8 per cent

The Tesla Model Y has leapfrogged the Ford ranger ute to become the second best selling car of any type in Australia as the share of electric vehicles in the new car market hit a record 8.8 per cent in June.

According to data from the Federated Chamber of Automotive Industries, the Tesla Model Y – already the best selling SUV of any type in May – recorded 5,560 sales, making it the second highest selling vehicle behind the Toyota Hi-Lux ute (6,142).

The FCAI said battery electric vehicles accounted for 8.8 per cent of June sales – 11,042 for the month – and make up 7.4 per cent (a total of 43,092) of new vehicle sales during the first half 2023.

“The early adopters of the new powertrain technology continue to push up the sales of electric vehicles across the country,” CEO Tony Weber said.

EVs including battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles made up 16.6% of the overall sales.

The share of EVs is expected to jump further in coming months with the release of the first models priced below $40,000 (before on roads) – the MG4 and the BYD Dolphin.

“The steady introduction of new battery electric models across all model segments at more competitive price points is critically important as we deal with the challenges of supplying electric vehicles that meet business and personal consumer needs at prices the mainstream buyers can afford,” Weber said.

The top-selling models overall for the month of June were:

1. Toyota Hi-Lux – 6,142 sales

2. Tesla Model Y – 5,560 sales

3. Ford Ranger – 5,334 sales

4. MG ZS – 3,756 sales (including 387 EVs)

5. Toyota Rav4 – 2,858 sales

Tesla by far led the market once again with 7,018 sales during June, which also happened to be the brand’s biggest month of sales this year. It is also 57 per cent above May, which was the previous highest sales month for the EV leader in 2023.

So far this year, Tesla has sold 25,577 EVs in Australia, which exceeds Tesla’s 2022 total national sales, accounts for 60 per cent of the EV total of 43,092 in the first six months of the year.

BYD also did quite well having its best month of sales so far with 1,532 sales. This brings the total year-to-date sales to 6,196. The Atto 3 also overtook the Tesla Model 3 for the first time this year.

Looking at pure EVs, the best-selling vehicles included:

1. Tesla Model Y – 5,560 sales

2. BYD Atto 3 – 1,532 sales

3. Tesla Model 3 – 1,458 sales

4. MG ZS EV – 387 sales

5. Polestar 2 – 251 sales

6. Volvo XC40 recharge – 156 sales

7. Kia EV6 – 154 sales

8. Volvo C40 recharge – 151 sales

9. Kia e-Niro – 125 sales

10. Mercedes-Benz EQA – 121 sales

The Driven is waiting to hear back from Hyundai and BMW pure EV model sales for some models. The article will be updated once they have been received.

With EV uptake reaching an all-time high, the demand for EVs is only heading in one direction. 8.8% in pure electric vehicle sales is great to see and only comes months after the national EV strategy was finally released.

With more affordable EV options like the BYD Dolphin and MG4 now on the way, many more options will be available for those looking at making the switch. This will ensure EV sales remain above 8.8% every month to reduce transport emissions while saving everyday drivers thousands on fuel.