Top 10 best-selling EVs in Australia for May 2025

After a sluggish first quarter, electric vehicle sales in Australia have rebounded (at least for one key player). In May 2025, a total of 10,065 electric vehicles (EVs) were sold nationwide, a third of which were accounted for by the 2025 Tesla Model Y.

According to the latest data from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) and the Electric Vehicle Council (EVC), electric vehicles (EVs) accounted for 9.2% of all new car sales in May, up from 6.6% in April, and comfortably ahead of the 8.1% share reported in May 2024.

This is the first time monthly EV sales have surpassed the 10,000 mark since March 2024, when Tesla still held a 60% market share. While Tesla’s dominance has since softened, its impact remains undeniable, especially with the Model Y’s big comeback.

Here are the EV models that topped the charts in May:

Budget vs. Premium: Split in demand

Budget EVs (Under $50,000):

• The affordable segment remains highly competitive and popular among buyers seeking value, but remains behind premium EVs in total sales.
• Models like the BYD Atto 3, MG MG4, and Kia EV3 remain strong contenders.
• New entries such as the MG S5 and Hyundai Inster with prices around the $40,000 mark are beginning to make an impact, adding more choice and affordability to the market.
• These vehicles appeal especially to first-time EV buyers or those upgrading from traditional petrol cars, thanks to their accessible pricing and improving features.

Premium EVs (Over $50,000):

• The premium segment is led overwhelmingly by the Tesla Model Y, which dwarfs other premium contenders in sales volume.
• Other high-selling premium players include the BYD Sealion 7 and the Kia EV5, which are gaining traction as more affordable luxury or mid-size SUVs.
• The drop in Tesla Model 3 sales indicates that while premium sedans are losing some appeal, SUVs and crossovers continue to be the preferred body styles in this segment.

Quick takeaways

• With 3,580 units sold, the refreshed Model Y reclaimed its position as Australia’s best-selling electric vehicle (EV) by a large margin.
• The new Kia EV5 (703 sales) and Geely EX5 (511 sales) took second and third spots, showing rising interest in newer entrants.
• BYD had four models in the top 10—Sealion 7, Seal, Dolphin, and Atto 3—highlighting its balanced mix of budget and premium offerings.
• Tesla’s Model 3 slipped to 9th place with 317 units, continuing its downward trend in popularity.
• Newer budget-friendly models like the MG S5 (106) and Hyundai Inster (101) entered the scene, signalling increased competition at the lower end.
• Despite May’s spike, 2025 EV sales (33,976 units) to date are still trailing the same period in 2024 (40,966 units).

Final thoughts

May 2025 marked a major shift in Australia’s EV landscape—Tesla is back on top, but rivals aren’t backing down. With new models and aggressive pricing, the coming months could bring even bigger surprises for the battery electric vehicle segment. Which EV are you betting on? Share your thoughts below!