‘A new trajectory’: EVs now almost quarter of Australia’s new car sales as fuel crisis bites

The Guardian (World)IndependentCenter4 hr. ago

In the first half of 2026, Australians purchased more electric vehicles (EVs) than in the entire previous year, marking a significant shift in the automotive market. According to data from VFacts and the Electric Vehicle Council, 103,855 battery electric vehicles were sold between January and June 2026, compared to 103,269 in 2025. This represents a doubling of EVs' share of new car sales, reaching 23.4% in June 2026, up from 10.3% in June 2025. Plug-in hybrid sales also increased, with 54,121 units sold in the first six months of 2026, compared to 53,249 in 2025. Industry leaders attribute this surge to rising fuel prices due to the Middle East crisis, growing awareness of reliance on imported oil, and legislative changes promoting vehicle efficiency standards. While the trend is promising, experts note that Australia lags behind European markets, where EV adoption rates are significantly higher.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual data on EV sales and provides balanced quotes from industry representatives, including both proponents of EV growth and analysts noting Australia's lag behind other regions. There is no overtly biased language, and multiple perspectives are included without emphasis on a