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As the global shift towards sustainable transport gains momentum, Australia is experiencing a remarkable surge in the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs).
Released this week, the Electric Vehicle Council’s 2023 State of EVs report shows a remarkable 269% uptake in EV sales so far, surpassing the entire sales of 2022.
Every state and territory has seen their share of EV sales more than double in 2023 so far, compared to 2022, with EV car sales now representing 8.4% of all new cars sold in Australia.
South Australia experienced a notable 143% increase in its EV market, accounting for 6.5% of all car sales across the state.
The report estimates that there are now 130,000 EVs on Australian roads, consisting of around 109,000 battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and 21,000 plug-in-hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).
While these sales figures are encouraging, in order to Australia to achieve its climate targets, it is expected that more than 50% of all new cars sold in 2030 will need to be EVs, according to the EV Council of Australia report.
The number of EVs are available on the Australian market has continued to increase into 2023.
Motorists can now choose from an extensive range of models now available in Australia including 74 electric cars, 7 electric Utes (including conversions) and 10 electric vans.
The top 15 EV models sold in Australia so far in 2023 are:
| Tesla Model Y (BEV) |
| Tesla Model 3 (BEV) |
| BYD Atto 3 (BEV) |
| MG ZS EV (BEV) |
| Volvo XC40 (BEV) |
| MG HS (PHEV) |
| Polestar 2 (BEV) |
| Volvo C40 (BEV) |
| Kia EV6 (BEV) |
| BMW iX (BEV) |
| Ioniq 5 (BEV) |
| Hyundai Kona (BEV) |
| Kia Niro (BEV) |
| Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross (PHEV) |
| Mercedes-Benz EQA (BEV) |
RAA CEO Nick Reade said, the rollout of the RAA Charge network is playing a pivotal role in eliminating range anxiety and addressing the barriers to purchasing an EV.
“We’re proud to be delivering the state’s first border-to-border EV charging network in partnership with the South Australian Government.
” In July 2023, five new sites were added to the network, taking the total operational charging sites to 41″.
Once complete in 2024, the RAA Charge network will span across 140 sites, with 75% of charging sites in regional locations.
“From Wallaroo in the northeast to Naracoorte in the southeast, these new sites will continue to unlock our regional towns and tourist destinations for EV drivers,” he said.
EV Charging sites completed in July:
The RAA Charge network is being delivered with the assistance of $12.35 million grant from the Government of South Australia.
To locate your nearest charger, initiate charging and complete payment, download the Chargefox app.
To learn more about the network, including what’s currently under construction, visit: www.raa.com.au/charge