Australians bought an EV every 77 seconds as June sales hit record 

Australia’s appetite for electric vehicles reached a new high in June 2026, with Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen claiming Australians bought an electric vehicle every 77 seconds during the record-breaking month.

The claim follows Australia’s biggest-ever month for new vehicle sales, with battery electric vehicles (BEVs) accounting for around 24 per cent of all new vehicle deliveries. When plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are included, electrified vehicles made up approximately 36 per cent of June sales.

The surge was driven by standout performances from Tesla and BYD. The Tesla Model Y was Australia’s best-selling vehicle for the second consecutive month, while the BYD Sealion 7 finished among the country’s top-selling models. BYD also came close to overtaking Toyota as Australia’s top-selling automotive brand for June.

EV adoption accelerates

Speaking over the weekend, Bowen said the latest figures highlighted how quickly Australians are embracing electric mobility.

“A total of 36 per cent of purchases in June were either fully electric or plug-in hybrid,” Bowen said.

“When we came to office in 2022, an Australian bought an EV once every 50 minutes. In June, an Australian bought an EV once every 77 seconds.”

Bowen also credited the Albanese Government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) with expanding consumer choice by encouraging manufacturers to introduce more low- and zero-emissions models to Australia.

Industry sees a long-term shift

June’s results have also prompted Australia’s automotive industry to acknowledge that the transition to electric vehicles is becoming more than a temporary trend.

Following the release of the June VFACTS sales figures, the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) described the market as undergoing a “structural shift” towards battery electric vehicles, reflecting growing consumer demand and a broader range of EV models now available.

The milestone comes as more manufacturers continue expanding their electric line-ups, particularly in the SUV segment, where buyers now have a wider selection of affordable and premium options than ever before.

EV incentives remain in focus

The National Automotive Leasing and Salary Packaging Association (NALSPA) said the federal government’s Electric Car Discount continues to play an important role in helping Australians transition to electric vehicles.

NALSPA Chief Executive Officer Rohan Martin said the fringe benefits tax exemption available through eligible novated leases has helped reduce the upfront cost of EV ownership, particularly for households facing higher living costs and fuel prices.

Martin added that newer brands, including Zeekr, Jaecoo and Geely, are increasingly appearing in novated lease purchases, suggesting buyers are taking advantage of a growing range of more affordable electric vehicles.

The leasing body also urged the government to retain the Electric Car Discount, arguing it remains a key policy supporting Australia’s growing EV adoption.