EV market gains ground as Australian buyer preferences shift

Australia’s new vehicle market edged higher in September, but a significant shift in buyer preferences continued as battery electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid vehicles gained ground. 

A total of 102,924 new vehicles were sold during the month, up 0.9 per cent compared with September 2025, according to VFACTS data released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI). 

A further 5,854 Tesla and Polestar registrations reported separately by the Electric Vehicle Council lifted the broader September market to 108,778 vehicles. 

FCAI acting chief executive Dianne O’Hara said the result showed the shift towards electrified vehicles was continuing. 

“Australian motorists are embracing a broader range of powertrains, following greater model choice offered by manufacturers and growing competition,” Ms O’Hara said. 

BEV share more than doubles 

Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) from all reporting sources accounted for 24.2 per cent of the Australian new-vehicle market in September, more than double the 11.3 per cent recorded in the same month last year. 

BEVs have also strengthened their position across the year to date, representing 18.9 per cent of the broader new-vehicle market year to date compared with 8.1 per cent at the same point in 2025. 

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) sales increased 122.7 per cent compared with September 2025, while conventional hybrid sales rose 20.7 per cent. 

The growth in electrified powertrains coincided with significant declines in petrol and diesel sales. Petrol sales fell 36.2 per cent during September, while diesel sales declined 18.4 per cent. 

Passenger and SUV sales offset commercial decline 

The overall market result was supported by stronger passenger vehicle and SUV sales. 

Passenger vehicle sales increased 6.3 per cent compared with September 2025, while SUV sales rose 6.1 per cent. 

This growth offset a 13.2 per cent decline in light commercial vehicle sales. 

O’Hara said buyers were increasingly selecting vehicles based on their individual requirements and the growing range of powertrains available. 

“The changes seen throughout this year are continuing. Many consumers are making practical decisions and selecting from the range of available technologies that best meet their needs,” Ms O’Hara said. 

China remains largest vehicle source 

China was the largest source of VFACTS-reported vehicles sold in Australia during September, accounting for 35.5 per cent. 

Japan supplied 22.5 per cent, followed by Thailand at 17.3 per cent and South Korea at 9.6 per cent according to VFacts. 

The September results also highlighted the growing diversity of brands and models competing in the Australian market. 

Top 10 models 

The Ford Ranger was the best-selling model in September with 5,062 sales, followed by the Toyota RAV4 with 4,624, Tesla Model Y with 4,476 and Toyota HiLux with 4,455. 

The BYD Sealion 7 ranked fourth with 2,687 sales, while the remaining positions were occupied by the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro, GWM Haval Jolion, Geely EX5, Toyota Prado, Isuzu D-Max and MG ZS. 

Toyota leads brands 

Toyota remained the leading manufacturer in September, recording 17,682 sales. 

BYD was second with 8,191 sales, followed by Ford, Kia, Mazda, Tesla, GWM, Hyundai, MG and Geely. 

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