Electric vehicles reached 22.9% of new car sales in March 2026 — the highest on record — as more Australians chose EVs for long weekend travel, supported by lower running costs.

EVC and publicly recorded data showed that 24,054 (15,839 BEVs and 8,215 PHEVs) sold in March, with EV sales  growing 69.6% year to date compared to 2025.  

“The overall car market tightened by 3% in March but EVs bucked the trend, hitting 22.9% market share. We’ve just crossed half a million EVs on Australian roads,” said CEO of the Electric Vehicle Council, Julie Delvecchio. 

“This growth is being driven by two things – soaring petrol prices stinging household budgets, and the Electric Car Discount — which has put EVs within reach for more than 100,000 Australians.

“One is a crisis. The other is a government policy that’s working. But a fuel crisis is not a long-term strategy. The Electric Car Discount needs to stay — so the next wave of buyers can do what over half a million Australians already have, and save $3,000 a year by switching.”

The record sales coincide with a surge in public charging demand over the Easter long weekend, as more Australians than ever hit the road in electric vehicles.

“This Easter was one of the biggest tests yet for Australia’s public charging network,” said Ms Delvecchio.

“The surge wasn’t unexpected given the current fuel crisis, but it provides a clear sign of what lies ahead as more Australians make the switch to electric vehicles.

“Peak holiday travel will always be the most challenging time for any transport system. While some locations experienced congestion during peak travel periods, overall charging held up for most EV drivers.”

The NRMA reported strong performance across its charging network during the holiday period.

“The NRMA network performed strongly over the Easter weekend, even under record utilisation with total energy delivered increased by 100% year on year.” said an NRMA spokesperson.

In Adelaide, the RAA Charge network also reported a doubling of session times over the holiday weekend when compared to last year.

“We were prepared for this level of EV growth and are glad to see the network could handle the increased interest,” said an RAA Spokesperson. 

To meet the growing demand, the EVC is calling for a single national charging plan to guide rollout of infrastructure for both passenger vehicles and freight through to 2035 in line with Australia’s net-zero targets.

“We need a roadmap that supports passenger vehicles and freight, gives industry certainty, and ensures Australia is ready for the next decade of transport electrification,” Delvecchio said.

Media contact:

Todd Hayward: media@evc.org.au; 0412 205 151

The post EV sales hit all time high,  drivers hit the road for the Easter long weekend  first appeared on Electric Vehicle Council.

Electric vehicles reached 22.9% of new car sales in March 2026 — the highest on record — as more Australians chose EVs for long weekend travel, supported by lower running costs.

EVC and publicly recorded data showed that 24,054 (15,839 BEVs and 8,215 PHEVs) sold in March, with EV sales  growing 69.6% year to date compared to 2025.  

“The overall car market tightened by 3% in March but EVs bucked the trend, hitting 22.9% market share. We’ve just crossed half a million EVs on Australian roads,” said CEO of the Electric Vehicle Council, Julie Delvecchio. 

“This growth is being driven by two things – soaring petrol prices stinging household budgets, and the Electric Car Discount — which has put EVs within reach for more than 100,000 Australians.

“One is a crisis. The other is a government policy that’s working. But a fuel crisis is not a long-term strategy. The Electric Car Discount needs to stay — so the next wave of buyers can do what over half a million Australians already have, and save $3,000 a year by switching.”

The record sales coincide with a surge in public charging demand over the Easter long weekend, as more Australians than ever hit the road in electric vehicles.

“This Easter was one of the biggest tests yet for Australia’s public charging network,” said Ms Delvecchio.

“The surge wasn’t unexpected given the current fuel crisis, but it provides a clear sign of what lies ahead as more Australians make the switch to electric vehicles.

“Peak holiday travel will always be the most challenging time for any transport system. While some locations experienced congestion during peak travel periods, overall charging held up for most EV drivers.”

The NRMA reported strong performance across its charging network during the holiday period.

“The NRMA network performed strongly over the Easter weekend, even under record utilisation with total energy delivered increased by 100% year on year.” said an NRMA spokesperson.

In Adelaide, the RAA Charge network also reported a doubling of session times over the holiday weekend when compared to last year.

“We were prepared for this level of EV growth and are glad to see the network could handle the increased interest,” said an RAA Spokesperson. 

To meet the growing demand, the EVC is calling for a single national charging plan to guide rollout of infrastructure for both passenger vehicles and freight through to 2035 in line with Australia’s net-zero targets.

“We need a roadmap that supports passenger vehicles and freight, gives industry certainty, and ensures Australia is ready for the next decade of transport electrification,” Delvecchio said.

Media contact:

Todd Hayward: media@evc.org.au; 0412 205 151

The post EV sales hit all time high,  drivers hit the road for the Easter long weekend  first appeared on Electric Vehicle Council.

 “The NSW fuel crisis has driven unprecedented interest in electric vehicles — but interest alone doesn’t put people behind the wheel. What matters now is removing the barriers between wanting to switch and actually making the switch,” EVC CEO Julie Delvecchio said.

“Every barrier removed gives Australians an exit ramp off high fuel prices while strengthening our fuel security. And the case is clear — EVs are cheaper to run, reduce exposure to global oil shocks, and deliver cleaner, quieter communities for everyone.”

Read the full media release and EVC comments: https://bit.ly/4t8sWHk

The post EVC joins release of NSW Electric Vehicle Strategy to Cut Costs and Boost Fuel Security first appeared on Electric Vehicle Council.

Families in Australia’s outer suburbs are turning to electric vehicles as petrol prices surge, but face new taxes on driving electric under plans by the Federal and NSW Governments, that would cut across their promise not to discourage EV uptake.

In September 2025, the Federal and State Treasurers pledged that reforms to road user charging “should be designed to not deter the continued take-up of electric vehicles.”

The Minns Government is set to begin taxing EVs 3c/km, potentially from next year, and the Albanese Government is actively planning its own tax. Twenty eight percent of Australian drivers who are likely to buy an electric vehicle would be dissuaded by these proposed road user charges, according to new behavioural research by Professor Simon Jackman, Honorary Professor at Sydney University.

“It’s clear that drivers aged 30-55, and those in outer suburbs and regions would be most discouraged from EV purchase intentions after being informed of the Road User Charge they would pay, ” said researcher, Professor Simon Jackman. “Older drivers and those in wealthier, more professional postcodes are the least affected.“

The behavioural research of 3,613 Australian drivers identifies that working families aged 30 to 55 living in the outer suburbs are the most interested in buying EVs, but also those most deterred by a road user charge. These families drive further than average, have longer commutes, are under-serviced by public transport. They are motivated primarily by fuel savings, and are driving the growth of EVs in Australia.

Just as Australians are struggling with higher fossil fuel prices as a result of the Iran War, the average driver would be hit with $353 a year in new taxes for driving an EV. Energy Minister Chris Bowen’s electorate is home to suburbs most turned off EV purchases by a road user charge.

In suburbs like Kemps Creek, 33% of likely EV buyers are discouraged. In Brisbane it’s Treasurer Jim Chalmers electorate that is most sensitive to the charge, Parkinson in the Treasurers electorate or Rankin similarly turned off.

Electric Vehicle Council CEO Julie Delvecchio said: “Australians are turning to electric vehicles to escape rising petrol — but a new road user charge could hit drivers with around $353 a year in extra costs, wiping out the very savings driving this shift.”

“The nation’s Treasurers have pledged not to implement a road user charge that discourages EV uptake but this research finds that a charge like the one being proposed would do exactly that – turn off interest from people who stand to gain the most by driving electric.”

“We know cost is everything. One in three Australians say the upfront price is the biggest barrier to buying an EV — and right now the FBT exemption is what’s helping households get over that hurdle.”

“At the same time, 47 per cent of EV drivers say lower fuel costs are the main reason they switched— so introducing a per-kilometre tax directly undermines the biggest benefit.”

“This isn’t evenly felt. In outer suburban areas like Kemps Creek, around 33 per cent of potential EV buyers are deterred by a road user charge — compared to about 20 per cent in wealthier inner-city areas.”

“EV drivers travel about 60 per cent further each week than petrol drivers— so adding a per kilometre charge hits the very people using EVs as a cost-of-living solution.”

“If the government removes the Electric Car Discount and adds a new tax on every kilometre, it’s a double hit — higher upfront costs and higher running costs — and that’s exactly what stops people switching.”

“We’ve seen what happens when policy gets this wrong. In New Zealand, EV sales dropped from 20.6 per cent of the market to just 3.8 per cent in months after incentives were cut and charges introduced.”⁴

“The Climate Change Authority is clear — Australia needs more than five million EVs on the road by 2035, which means around half of all new cars sold need to be electric.”⁵ “You don’t get there by making EVs more expensive to buy and run — especially for the working families in the suburbs who are driving uptake.”

Key findings

The research was conducted by Professor Simon Jackman using a nationally representative sample of 3,613 adult car owners, in December 2025. Each respondent was shown a personalised road user charge based on their actual driving at 3 cents per kilometre — the approximate trajectory of the NSW scheme. Purchase intention was measured before and after at an individual level.

The deterrent effect:

• 28% of all likely EV buyers are dissuaded after seeing their personalised road user charge
• 48% of “extremely likely” buyers downgrade their purchase intention • 34% of “somewhat likely” buyers are deterred

Who is most affected:

• Working families aged 30–55 — the most deterred age group.Over-60s are barely affected.
• Outer-suburban postcodes — ~30% of likely buyers deterred, vs ~20% in wealthy inner-urban areas.
• Blue-collar communities — significantly more deterred than high-professional postcodes.
• Most affected electorates: McMahon, Blaxland, Watson, Greenway, Werriwa,Fowler, Lindsay, Chifley (Sydney); Hotham, Gorton, Calwell, Holt (Melbourne); Rankin, Dickson, Forde (Brisbane).

Record EV sales at risk

These findings come as Australians are adopting EVs at record rates:

• Battery EV sales up 95.9% year-on-year in February 2026 (11,134 vs 5,684)
• Total EV sales up 60.9% in February (16,988 vs 10,555)
• Year-to-date EV market share at an all-time high of 16.8%, with BEVs at 10.5%
• February 2026 EV market share reached 18.6% — nearly one in five new cars sold was electric

The fuel security context

Australia imports 90 per cent of its liquid fuel and has lost 70 per cent of its refining capacity in the past 15 years. Last week, the government took the unprecedented step of releasing 760 million litres from the national fuel stockpile. Petrol prices have surged past $2.20 a litre, with analysts forecasting $3 while the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. Every EV on the road is a vehicle that does not depend on imported petroleum.

Methodology

The behavioural research was conducted by Professor Simon Jackman using a nationally representative online panel of 3,613 Australian adult car owners (December 2025). Each respondent was shown a personalised RUC based on their self-reported driving at 3c/km. Purchase intention was measured before and after on a five-point scale. Individual-level transition matrices were used to calculate downgrade rates. Accumulated Local Effects (ALE) analysis from a boosted regression model identified demographic and geographic predictors of deterrence.
— ENDS —

Notes to editor Professor Simon Jackman and EVC CEO Julie Delvecchio are available for interview.
The full research report, data tables, and city-level deterrence maps (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth) can be provided on request. EV sales data sourced from FCAI VFACTS, February 2026. Climate Change Authority, 2035 Targets Advice (September 2025).

Media contacts: Todd Hayward, Electric Vehicle Council +61 412 205 151 – media@evc.org.au

The post Planned EV Taxes will Slash Uptake in Suburbs first appeared on Electric Vehicle Council.

Australia is facing a fuel crisis. We import nearly all the diesel that powers our freight network, roughly 36 billion litres of petroleum products each year, shipped through some of the most contested sea lanes in the world. We understand the Government’s decision to halve the fuel excise until June 30. It shows that you are listening to the many Australians who are hurting badly from soaring fuel costs.

Making petrol and diesel cheaper costs taxpayers $2.55 billion for just three months, yet it fails to solve our fuel dependence. It only treats the symptom while worsening our underlying vulnerability.

The electric truck, commercial, and freight industry presents a clear answer: the solution to our fuel challenge is proven, ready, and Australian. Read the Industry’s Open Letter to the PM and State Premiers

The opportunity now is to make a small number of smart decisions that set Australia up for long-term success — building onshore capability, strengthening energy security, and play to our natural advantage: low-cost renewable energy, abundant sunshine and an industry ready to put that energy to work moving goods.

From multi nationals to small business owners – we all want to see that if this happens again, Australia can weather the storm, powered by clean, green power.

Who We Are

As an island nation, our farmers are used to managing water and keeping supply chains moving in extreme conditions — distance, drought and fire. In the outback, no one else is coming so Australians get on with solving the hard problems before them. Self-reliance is a part of daily life.

Today, 1 in 3 Australian homes has rooftop solar. Households are generating their own power, storing it, and using it to drive. This is not new. It is who we are.

The next chapter is freight.

On 30 March 2026, the road freight industry came together in Canberra at the Freight Forward summit. Operators, manufacturers, charging providers, and energy companies — representing the full breadth of the sector — reached universal agreement on the path forward.

The ask is straightforward: turn a proven set of technologies into a national fuel security strategy that cuts costs for operators, reduces import dependence, and positions Australia as a leader in clean freight logistics.

This is not one voice asking for change. It is an entire industry — aligned, ready, and asking Australian governments to move with them.

The Economic Case

The numbers speak for themselves:

• An electric truck can displace up to 45,000 litres of diesel per year cutting fleet fuel costs by up to 70% and eliminating exposure to volatile global oil prices.

• At scale, 50,000 electric trucks on Australian roads, that is 2.25 billion litres of diesel no longer imported each year, worth almost $7 billion at current prices. That is money retained in the Australian economy, flowing to local energy generators and operators rather than offshore oil producers.

• A recent report by Mandala showed a policy suite of freight decarbonisation measures could accelerate Australia to 1.5 million battery electric trucks by 2050 and generate $138 billion in economic growth.

ARENA and CEFC-funded trials have demonstrated that electric freight vehicles perform reliably in Australian conditions. The technology is no longer being proved, it is ready to be deployed. What stands in the way is fragmented policy, inconsistent regulation, and the absence of a coordinated national plan.

Australia Is Falling Behind

Australia has approximately 1,000 electric trucks on the road today. To put that in perspective: in 2025, China sold over 231,000 new energy heavy-duty trucks, reaching a market penetration rate of 29%. In the European Union, nearly 13,000 electric trucks were sold in 2025 alone, a 70% increase on the prior year, with Germany leading the way at 4,766 units. Australia is not in the same race. Without a step-change in policy, we risk being left behind by every major freight economy in the world.

The same vehicles being deployed at scale in Europe and Asia are available for purchase in Australia today. What separates us from our competitors is policy. China has purchase subsidies, trade-in schemes, and standardised battery-swap infrastructure. Germany offers direct purchase grants and is rolling out high-power charging corridors along its major freight routes. Australia has fragmented state-level trials and no national incentive scheme.

This can be turned around quickly. Electric trucks are available from multiple manufacturers in Australia now. Retrofit kits can convert existing diesel prime movers in under a week. Depot charging infrastructure can be installed in months, not years. A national incentive scheme and harmonised road access rules could put significant numbers of electric trucks on Australian roads within the first year of operation. This is not a transition that needs a decade of preparation. The building blocks exist. What is missing is the coordinated policy signal to deploy them.

What We Are Asking For

We are asking the Federal Government to act on four priorities, and State and Territory Governments to act on three.

Federal Government

1. Launch a national electric truck incentive scheme. Reduce the upfront cost barrier that prevents small and medium fleet operators from making the switch. The scheme should be simple to apply for, fast to assess, and open to all vehicle classes. It should prioritise the heaviest vehicles that consume the most diesel.

2. Harmonise road access and mass limits for zero-emission vehicles. End the patchwork of inconsistent state-by-state regulations that limit where electric trucks can operate. A national framework should allow heavier zero-emission vehicles onto the road network on consistent terms, removing a barrier that currently fragments routes and adds cost.

3. Accelerate a coordinated rollout of heavy vehicle charging infrastructure. Australia needs a coordinated plan for heavy vehicle charging infrastructure covering urban freight hubs, key corridor nodes, and a depot retrofit program so fleet operators can electrify without being stranded by infrastructure gaps. The UK has just committed £1 billion to such an initiative; Australia needs a similar level of ambition.

4. Give the zero-emission freight sector a seat at the table on fuel security. Include representatives from the electric vehicle and freight industries in the development of the national fuel security plan from the outset, not as consultees after the fact, but as partners in design.

State and Territory Governments

1. Grant electric trucks permanent, consistent road access. Allowing heavier zero-emission vehicles onto the full road network (including state and local roads) would allow the current fleet to deliver more freight without using more diesel. Any state-based concessions should be nationally harmonised and extend to LGA-owned roads, where the heaviest electric trucks are currently banned.

2. Extend state incentives to all heavy vehicle classes. The vehicles consuming the most diesel are also the heaviest (e.g. 23 tonnes and over). It is critical that all electric trucks are eligible for state incentives, with the highest-impact classes prioritised first.

3. Reform curfews to enable overnight electric freight deliveries. Electric trucks are dramatically quieter than diesel. Allowing overnight deliveries for zero-emission vehicles would reduce diesel demand, ease daytime congestion, and improve amenity for communities near freight corridors – all while reducing diesel demand.

A Note on Timing: Road User Charges

We recognise the long-term need for a sustainable road funding model. However, imposing a road user charge on heavy zero-emission vehicles at this stage of the transition would directly undermine the economics of switching away from diesel. We ask they not take effect until the charging infrastructure and vehicle supply chains are mature enough to absorb them.

The Cost of Inaction

Without coordinated action now, Australia locks in diesel dependence for another generation of fleet purchasing decisions for a decade or more. At current consumption, that represents tens of billions of dollars flowing offshore to fuel imports, continued exposure to supply chain disruption, and higher costs passed through to every business and household in the country.

Subsidising fossil fuel consumption provides temporary relief but does not reduce our underlying vulnerability. Investing in the infrastructure and incentives to electrify freight does.

A Partnership Offer

This letter is not simply a list of requests. We are offering a partnership.

We propose a 30-day industry/government co-design process to develop the incentive scheme and charging roadmap, drawing on the operational expertise of fleet operators, vehicle manufacturers, charging providers, and energy companies who are already investing in this transition.

The technology is ready. The industry is ready. The economic and strategic case is clear. We are asking governments to match that readiness with coordinated national action.

Industry Voices:
 “As the largest EV charging infrastructure provider for road transport in Australia, we have seen firsthand how our customers have gone from pilots to business as usual with electric freight. All of our customers have proven that it can be done at scale, and that we can build the infrastructure to match. We can invest a lot more into the industry, but we need clear signals that now is the time to scale.”
Tim Washington, CEO, JET Charge

“Volvo Group Australia is absolutely on hand to supply and support the deployment of electric trucks into the Australian market. Many of these could be built locally at our production facility in Wacol, QLD. However, to do so we urgently require the amendment of current axle weight limits to allow access to all roads, state and local, to heavy duty electric trucks without compromising on payload. With our extensive local electric truck experience, we are ready to work with urgency to support government and industry to deliver safe, homologated and proven solutions.” 
Martin Merrick, President & CEO, Volvo Group Australia

“Australia’s fuel crisis shows why long‑term resilience can’t depend on imported diesel — and why forward‑looking companies must lead now, not later. IKEA has long recognised that zero‑emission freight would be essential for energy security, and we’ve invested early: moving from 5% to more than 80% electric truck deliveries in just four years, deploying 110 zero‑emission vehicles through our delivery partners, and investing over $4.5 million in dedicated charging infrastructure nationwide. We’ve proven that rapid transformation is possible — and now we’re calling for a national plan that enables every operator, large and small, to join Australia’s shift to cleaner, more secure freight.”
Mirja Viinanen, CEO & Chief Sustainability Officer, IKEA Australia

“Australia’s reliance on imported diesel is no longer just an economic issue —it’s a national resilience issue. At MyNu Energy, we see firsthand how exposed regional industries are to fuel price shocks and supply disruptions. Mobile battery and solar solutions allow businesses to generate and store their own power locally, reducing reliance on global fuel supply chains and strengthening energy security. We strongly support a coordinated national approach that accelerates the transition to clean, distributed energy across transport and infrastructure.”
John Myler, Co-Founder, MyNu Energy

“Kempower supports the call for a national approach to electrifying freight transport. As a leading global supplier of freight charging infrastructure, we stand ready to support Australia in this transition.”
Steve McLennan, Business Development Manager, Kempower

“Transport in Australia accounts for approximately 22% of the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions and will be the nation’s largest source of emissions by 2030. With road vehicles accounting for more than 85% of this, it is imperative that we accelerate the transition to zero emission vehicles across the national fleet. Electrification of public transport, logistics and mining fleets is accelerating, assisted by new vehicle and charging technologies, leveraged by companies that walk the talk on their commitments to sustainability.”
Sean Stove, Division Manger Emobility, ABB Australia

“Fortescue backs the shift to electric vehicles across Australia. The faster we stop relying on imported fossil fuels, the stronger and cheaper our energy system will be. We’re already doing it in the Pilbara and seeing the benefits. Our electric excavators are saving about 1 million litres of diesel per unit a year, and by next year, we expect to save US$100 million in fossil fuel costs. As we electrify our heavy mining equipment, including our 240-tonne haul trucks, and build the renewable energy to power it, these savings will continue to grow. Capping diesel fuel tax credits for big miners will speed this up. It will push investment into electric equipment and bring the transition forward.”
Dino Otranto, Fortescue Metals & Operations CEO

“We’ve seen firsthand what electric freight can do. The pilots are over — now is the time to scale.” 
Ben Hutt, CEO, Janus Electric

“Australia’s fuel security depends on electrifying transport, but this only works if infrastructure can be deployed now, not in five years’ time. Battery-integrated, low-grid charging removes the biggest barrier to rollout and allows heavy vehicle electrification to move at the pace the market is demanding.”
Lisa Marsh, CEO, eLumina Global

“Foton Mobility Distribution supports an Australian strategy to transition the Australian truck fleet to zero emissions technology by firstly tackling the “last mile” fleet of light duty trucks of which some 15,000 diesel trucks are imported to Australia each year. Light duty Electric Trucks are ready to scale right now, and we support all government actions to enable this zero-emission transition.”
Bill Gillespie, General Manager Light Duty Vehicles, Foton Mobility Distribution

“In 2019, All Purpose Transport became the first transport company in Queensland to introduce an electric truck for big and bulky home deliveries in Brisbane. In 2026, that single vehicle has grown into a fleet of more than 40 owner-operated EVs completing over 2,200 home furniture deliveries each week – all untouched by the latest fuel shock. Combined with our investment in depot charging infrastructure, this proves the EV model works commercially, operationally and at scale for last-mile delivery.”
Paul Kahlert, CEO, All Purpose Transport

“Australia’s fuel vulnerability is a strategic risk we can solve. Electrifying freight shifts us from imported diesel to Australian energy, strengthening resilience while reducing costs for operators. With the right policy settings, Australia can rapidly scale electric freight and turn a vulnerability into a long-term economic advantage.”
Dan Bleakley, Co-CEO New Energy Transport

“SANY have seen firsthand what electric freight can do. The pilots are over — now is the time to scale.”
Stanley Choi, Senior Key Account Manager, SANY Group

“Solarh2e is very pleased to be able to actively contribute to the efforts taken by the EVC to push ahead with urgency on the issues addressed during the Canberra Summit. Our support for the electric truck transition is genuine and we have both the capacity and capability to deliver on what we said we are going to do.”
Richard Zee, CEO & Co-Founder, Solarh2e

“The evidence is clear: countries with coordinated national policy, incentives, and infrastructure lead in EV adoption. As fleet optimisation and EV transition specialists, we know that with aligned policy, procurement and infrastructure planning, Australia can electrify freight at scale, cut energy costs, reduce fuel risk, and start delivering real results now. The technology has arrived and the industry is ready to move at pace.”
Karen Whitehouse & Melvin Worth, Co-Founders, Fleetonomics

The post Open Letter to Australian Governments: Powering Australia’s Freight with Australian Energy first appeared on Electric Vehicle Council.

The post Seize the moment to accelerate electrification of Australian economy first appeared on Electric Vehicle Council.

When asked about opposition calls to cut EV support, the Prime Minister was clear:

“They’ve called for cuts to EV support. I don’t think there’s anyone out there today who has bought an electric vehicle who’s regretting the decision at this point in time.”

The Prime Minister added: “My Government has always been strong on cost of living measures. We’ll continue to do so…”

Julie Delvecchio, CEO of the Electric Vehicle Council, welcomed the Prime Minister’s position on electric vehicle support.

“On Friday, the Prime Minister said it plainly and we’re glad he did – support for EVs is a cost of living policy and he defended EV support.”

“We welcome that defence. Measures like the Electric Car Discount are practical, proven tools that put cleaner, cheaper transport within reach of ordinary Australians.”

“EVs aren’t a climate luxury — they’re a cost of living measure. The Prime Minister said so today, and we agree.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen has echoed the sentiment, stating: “We don’t think you make petrol cheaper by making electricity more expensive.”

“The EVC agrees with Minister Bowen.  The cheapest fuel is the one you never have to buy at a servo,” said Ms Delvecchio.

“Switching to an electric vehicle is saving households up to $3,000 per year in fuel and protecting them from volatile fuel prices.”

The Council warned that any move to cut the Electric Car Discount would increase pressure on household budgets at a time when Australians are already facing cost of living challenges.

Ms Delvecchio said that “scrapping or weakening the Discount would make it harder for everyday Australians to access these savings and would lock more families into higher fuel costs.”

Beyond household benefits, the EVC emphasised the role EV uptake is playing in strengthening Australia’s fuel security.

Ms Delvecchio said “every electric vehicle on the road reduces Australia’s reliance on imported petrol and diesel. That’s good for drivers and it’s good for the country.”

“As global fuel markets remain uncertain, policies like the Electric Car Discount are helping insulate Australians from international price shocks while keeping more money in local economies.”

The EVC called on all members of Parliament to support the continued success of the policy.

“This is a practical, popular reform that is delivering real benefits right now.”

“We urge policymakers to retain the Electric Car Discount so more Australians can lower their transport costs and Australia can continue strengthening its fuel independence.”

ENDS

Media contact: Todd Hayward: +61 412 205 151 – media@evc.org.au

About Us: The Electric Vehicle Council is the peak national body representing the electric vehicle industry in Australia. Representing members from across the value chain of the electric vehicle sector, the EVC is a trusted advisor and advocate to governments and decision makers across Australia. Our mission is to drive investment and awareness to accelerate the electrification of transport, for a more sustainable and prosperous Australia.

The post EVC welcomes Prime Minister’s defence of EV support as a cost of living measure first appeared on Electric Vehicle Council.

The post Australians driving EVs are saving more than ever before and getting comfortable doing it first appeared on Electric Vehicle Council.

December marked one of the strongest months on record for electric vehicles which accounted for 16.7 per cent of all new cars sold – the highest monthly EV market share ever recorded in Australia. Of 16,303 EVs sold last month, 10,384 were battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and 5,919 were plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).

Across the full 2025 calendar year:

• Total EV sales increased by 38 per cent compared with 2024.
• More than *157,000 electric vehicles were sold (*noting that not all EV brands supply sales figures), with BEV sales exceeding 100,000 for the first time (103,300) and PHEV sales almost doubling to 53,484.
• EVs market share of new-car sales grew to 13.1 per cent, up from 9.6 per cent in 2024.

The annual results bring Australia’s total EV fleet to more than 454,000 vehicles.

Julie Delvecchio, CEO of the Electric Vehicle Council, said the significant jump in sales shows electric vehicles are now an established and growing part of Australia’s car market.

“The annual scorecard is in, and a 38 per cent annual jump in sales shows an undeniable shift towards EVs,” Ms Delvecchio said. “Australians are choosing electric vehicles in record numbers because they are cheaper to run, cleaner and quieter.

“Battery electric vehicle sales passed 100,000 in a single year for the first time, and EVs now make up more than 13 per cent of all new car sales. That is a profound shift in a short period of time.

“Australians are doing the sums and seeing they can save money, choose from over 150 EV options in popular segments with improved range and charging access.

“The results show what can happen when growing consumer confidence is backed by government policies that are reducing carbon emissions while saving drivers money.”

Ms Delvecchio cautioned that continued momentum is not guaranteed without stable, long-term policy support.

“While 2025 has been a record year, Australia cannot afford to take its foot off the accelerator,” she said.

“Australians are choosing electric vehicles in record numbers, but we know to stay on track with the Government’s 2035 emissions target, we need to increase EV sales to at least 240,000 new vehicles in 2026.”

The EVC said policies such as the Electric Car Discount have played a key role in driving EV uptake, particularly for working households and fleets.

“With the Electric Car Discount review expected to feed into the next Federal Budget, these figures underline how important it is that the scheme continues to support affordable access to electric vehicles at a pivotal point in our uptake journey,” Ms Delvecchio said.

“With Budget decisions approaching, now is the time to build, not brake, EV uptake – and keep savings flowing to Australian households.”

About the EVC: The Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) is the peak national body representing the electric vehicle industry in Australia. Representing members from across the value chain of the electric vehicle sector, the EVC is a trusted advisor and advocate to governments and decision makers across Australia.

The post EV Sales Hit Record Highs in 2025 with 38% Rise and New Monthly Record in December first appeared on Electric Vehicle Council.

Independent modelling by Magenta Advisory and Pragmatic Policy Group (PPG) has found continuing the Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption for battery electric vehicles (BEV) and reinstating it for plug-in hybrids (PHEV) until 2035 would likely result in 50 per cent lower carbon emissions compared to a scenario where the discount ends in 2027. 

The research also estimates that every $1 spent on the EV Discount has delivered $2.25 in environmental, economic and health benefits – a return that is expected to rise to $3 by 2030. 

Commissioned by the Electric Vehicle Council (EVC), the National Automotive Leasing and Salary Packaging Association (NALSPA) and the Australian Finance Industry Association (AFIA), the research also found:

• The EV Discount is estimated to have placed an extra 105,500 new BEVs and PHEVs on Australian roads between 2022 and 2024.
• Since Q1 2022, used EV sales have increased by 157%, with 61,000 EVs entering the second-hand market – this would be much smaller without the exemption.
• If the EV Discount continues for BEVs and returns for PHEVs until 2035, it could deliver an additional 1.5 million new BEVs, 200,000 new PHEVs, and 870,000 used EVs.
• In every country with strong EV uptake, governments have paired demand-side incentives with supply-side measures over a sustained period of time.
• The top 10 postcodes for EV novated lease sales are in the outer suburbs of Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane, averaging 44 km, 37 km, and 31 km from their city centres respectively.

The findings will form the basis of the EVC’s, NALSPA’s and AFIA’s evidence to the Productivity Commission with submissions to its net zero transformation interim report closing today. 

Electric Vehicle Council CEO Julie Delvecchio said: “This modelling shows the Electric Car Discount has already put 105,500 new EVs on the road and boosted the used EV market – a real win for Aussie families who want to make the switch and save on fuel.

“Keeping this support until 2035 and bringing back plug-in hybrids into the scheme could deliver hundreds of thousands more new and second-hand EVs, making them affordable for more households, including young people and lower-income families.

“When more Australians can afford an EV, we all benefit. Quieter streets, cleaner air, and healthier neighbourhoods are the ripple effects of a strong EV market.

“With transport on track to be Australia’s largest emitting sector, incentives like the EV Discount are critical to hitting our climate goals. Every new vehicle purchased today locks in another fuel guzzler or a cleaner car for decades to come.”

NALSPA chief executive Rohan Martin said: “Australia’s EV uptake is rising thanks to the EV Discount, but we still trail global leaders. This research confirms that every country with strong EV adoption has paired buyer incentives with supply measures – clear proof that continuing government support through the EV Discount is vital to keep momentum and grow the market.

“The modelling shows the EV Discount is making the switch within reach for everyday Australians and boosting the supply of affordable second-hand EVs. The Electric Car Discount has been helping tens of thousands of everyday working Australians afford the upfront cost of an electric vehicle, and once they’re behind the wheel, they’re saving thousands each year on running costs.

“From Werribee and Baulkham Hills to Springfield and beyond, the Electric Car Discount is popular with families on middle incomes who live in the outer suburbs. Teachers, nurses, and firefighters all tell us that they wouldn’t have made the switch without the Discount.”

AFIA chief executive officer Diane Tate said: “The EV Discount is a proven policy that’s driven real change by helping over 100,000 Aussies get behind the wheel of vehicles that are cleaner, cheaper to run and increasingly affordable.

“To make cleaner vehicles accessible for all Australians and stay on track for net zero, we need a suite of national policies that are proven to deliver such as upfront discounts, fast-tracked charging infrastructure and stronger public-private partnerships like those with the CEFC. Now is the time to double down, not pull back. In fact, we shouldn’t just be continuing our support for the EV Discount, we should bring it back for plug-in hybrids – these vehicles are really popular, especially as Australia lags on our charging infrastructure.

“The finance industry is already doing the heavy lifting to fund Australia’s transition, but we can’t do it alone. Without clear, consistent, and future-focused policy from government, we risk stalling just as momentum is building.”

The report can be accessed here and key findings can be found here.

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