Electric vehicle (EV) sales in Australia have dropped significantly, while plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are becoming more popular. This is according to recent combined data from the Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) and the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI).
In February 2025, EV sales decreased by 43.8 per cent compared to the same month last year. Meanwhile, PHEV sales jumped by 222.2 per cent, reaching 4871 units, largely due to the success pf the BYD Shark 6 Ute.
The Shark 6 quickly became the top-selling PHEV for the month, contributing heavily to BYD’s dominance in the market. Another popular model from the brand, the Sealion 6 SUV, recorded 860 sales, placing it second among PHEVs. Together, these two vehicles made up nearly 60 per cent of all PHEV sales in February.
Growing Popularity of Plug-in Hybrids
The sharp rise in PHEV sales reflects a changing trend in the Australian market. Many drivers are opting for plug-in hybrids, which offer the benefit of electric power combined with a petrol engine for a longer range. This shift comes as some consumers remain concerned about the availability of public charging stations and driving range limitations in fully electric cars.
Other popular PHEVs in February included the Mitsubishi Outlander (781 units sold), Mazda CX-80 (223 units sold), and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross (160 units sold). The newly introduced GWM Haval H6 GT also made an impressive debut with 102 sales giving it the 8th position among PHEVs.
EV Sales Face Challenges
While PHEVs are seeing a boost, fully electric vehicles faced challenges last month. Only 5684 EVs were sold in February, a sharp drop from previous months. Tesla, which has long been a leader in the EV market, experienced a notable decline in sales. This has impacted the overall market performance.
Despite this setback, EVs still outperformed PHEVs in overall sales. However, the growing interest in plug-in hybrids suggests that many consumers may still prefer the flexibility of having a petrol backup while enjoying electric driving benefits.
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