US EV giant Tesla has posted its best ever monthly sales in Australia, hitting a new peak of 6,443 sales in the month of May as interest in electric vehicles continued to surge in light of the global fossil fuel supply crisis.
The Electric Vehicle Council said combined Tesla and Polestar sales also set a new high, reaching 6,681 in May – an all-time monthly record. Their combined EV sales are 61.4% higher than May, 2025, and 358% higher than April 2026.
The numbers set the scene for another record month for EV sales in Australia, with more data to be released this week, and as a ship sent by Tesla’s Chinese rival BYD arrives in Australia with another 4,900 vehicles, most of them fully electric.
EVC CEO Julie Delvecchio described the results as an “important moment” for Australia’s EV transition.
“More Australians are choosing electric. When fuel prices hurt, people look for alternatives. Electric vehicles offer exactly that – no trips to the servo, no price spikes at the pump, savings of around $3,000 a year,” she said.
“We know Australians buy cars that save them money, suit their lifestyle and perform well. Record EV sales suggest more Australians are finding electric vehicles tick all three boxes.”
Full new car sales data for Australia will be released later this week when the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries releases its figures. You can see the full historic data here:Australian electric vehicle sales by month in 2026; by model and by brand.
Tesla country director, Australia and New Zealand, Thom Drew said in a statement that a growing number of Australians are choosing Tesla for the first time.
“This is not an isolated result. It reflects our sustained commitment to delivering world-class electric vehicles and an ownership experience that continues to raise the bar for the industry,” Drew said.
“A standout contributor to our momentum is the Model Y L, the only six-seat battery electric vehicle available in the Australian market. Starting from $74,900 plus on-roads, it offers exceptional value in the three-row electric SUV segment, making it an option that resonates incredibly well with families and fleet buyers alike.”
Model Y sales surged to 5,605 in the latest month, meaning it will re-establish itself as the best-selling EV in the country. Model 3 sales were also up nearly three-fold from a year ago with 828 sales. The May sales beat the company’s previous monthly record of 6,017 set in March 2024.
Polestar also scored well with its Polestar 4, up to 202 sales for the month, a 52 per cent increase. Its Polestar 3 recorded no new sales, while the Polestar 2 was down to 48 sales for the month.
“It is pleasing to see a sustained level of strong enquiry on electric vehicles through the month, with Polestar closing on a year-to-date growth rate of 14%,”Polestar Australia managing director Scott Maynard said.
“Polestar 4 remained our standout performer as we eagerly await arrivals of the new Polestar 2 and Polestar 3.”
Tesla sales for the year are up 56 per cent compared to 2025, when it struggled with the rollout of the updated Model Y and consumer pushback against CEO Elon Musk’s political activities as a close adviser to Donald Tump.
See The Driven’s detailed EV sales data here: Australian electric vehicle sales by month in 2026; by model and by brand.
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