Australia’s electric vehicle (EV) market bounced back strongly in August 2025, with 10,003 battery electric vehicles sold, giving EVs a 9.7% share of all new car sales. After a slow July, the month saw BYD narrowly overtake Tesla to claim the top spot, highlighting the growing influence of Chinese brands in the local market.
BYD’s sales were powered by its Sealion 7, Seal, Atto 3, and Dolphin models, which together accounted for 3,064 units, just ahead of Tesla’s 2,927 units. Notably, this is the first month where four Chinese EV brands entered the top 10, signalling a significant shift in the Australian EV landscape.
Top-selling EV brands – August 2025
When it comes to overall brands, BYD edged out Tesla by just over 100 units, while Kia secured a strong third place. Here’s how the top 10 brands stacked up in August:
| Brand Name | August 2025 Sales |
| BYD | 3,064 |
| Tesla | 2,927 |
| Kia | 713 |
| Geely | 401 |
| Mercedes-Benz | 395 |
| MG | 390 |
| Polestar | 228 |
| Volvo | 178 |
| Hyundai | 121 |
| BMW | 114 |
Top-selling EV models – August 2025
On the model front, Tesla’s Model Y kept its crown as the most popular EV, but BYD wasn’t far behind thanks to the Sealion 7 and Seal. These were the top 10 models buyers drove home in August:
| Model | Units Sold |
| Tesla Model Y | 2,324 |
| BYD Sealion 7 | 1,413 |
| BYD Seal | 623 |
| Tesla Model 3 | 603 |
| BYD Atto 3 | 594 |
| BYD Dolphin | 434 |
| Geely EX5 | 401 |
| Kia EV5 | 367 |
| Kia EV3 | 295 |
| MG MGS5 | 284 |
Budget vs Mid-Tier vs Premium: How Aussies Bought EVs in August
With EVs taking a 9.7% share of Australia’s new-car market in August, sales were spread across three clear buyer groups.
Budget-friendly EVs (under $50k)
The BYD Dolphin, Atto 3, and Kia EV3 remained as wallet-friendly choices. These models continue to appeal to new EV adopters and families wanting practicality without stretching their budget.
Mid-tier EVs ($50k–$70k)
Sitting in the middle, models like the BYD Seal and Kia EV5 struck a balance between affordability and advanced features. Their solid sales numbers indicate that many buyers are leaning toward EVs that offer more technology and comfort without straying into full premium territory.
Premium EVs (over $70k)
At the top end, the Tesla Model Y led with over 2,300 units sold, cementing its position as Australia’s most popular EV. The BYD Sealion 7 also drew strong interest, proving that larger, tech-rich SUVs remain the go-to choice for buyers who want luxury and performance alongside electrification.
Key takeaways
- EV sales rebounded in August, reaching 9.7% of all new-car sales — a clear recovery from July’s slowdown.
- BYD overtook Tesla for the first time in months, with 3,064 units versus Tesla’s 2,927.
- The Tesla Model Y remained the top-selling individual EV, with more than 2,300 deliveries.
- Four Chinese EV brands entered the national top 10 for the first time, showing their growing influence.
- Budget EVs (under $50k) like the BYD Dolphin and Kia EV3 are helping new buyers step into electrification.
- Mid-tier EVs ($50k–$70k), such as the BYD Seal and Kia EV5, are striking the right balance between affordability and tech.
- Premium EVs (over $70k), led by the Tesla Model Y and BYD Sealion 7, continue to attract demand for larger, tech-heavy SUVs.
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