Australia Hits 10% BEV Sales — Tesla, BYD, Geely Lead the Charge

Summary

In June 2025, Australian battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales reached a historic milestone, surpassing 10% of total new car sales. Major players like Tesla, BYD, and Polestar led the charge, with the Tesla Model Y dominating sales. The discussion highlights key models, including the BYD Seal and MG5, and examines the influence of discounts and demand shifts. With rising EV adoption, the panel reflects on the future of EV sales and infrastructure, such as charging sites, and anticipates sustained growth in the market. The conversation also touches on challenges for apartment dwellers in accessing charging stations.

Takeaways

• 😀 Australian battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales reached over 10% of all new car sales for the first time in June 2025.
• 😀 The surge in EV sales is primarily driven by Tesla, BYD, and Gile, with the Tesla Model Y leading the charge.
• 😀 In June 2025, a record 13,000 BEVs were sold in Australia, marking a significant increase from the previous months and last year.
• 😀 Tesla Model Y topped the sales list with 3,457 units sold, though sales slightly decreased compared to May.
• 😀 The BYD Dolphin made a mini comeback, surpassing competitors like the MG4 in its segment.
• 😀 The Kia EV5 and Polestar 4 were praised for their design and performance, both ranking in the top 12 best-selling EVs in June.
• 😀 The MG5, despite being new, showed promise with 171 units sold, positioning it as a strong competitor in the EV market.
• 😀 The 10% sales milestone is seen as a psychological barrier for Australia, signaling a stronger transition toward EV adoption.
• 😀 There is a growing trend of EVs being spotted more frequently on Australian roads, especially in areas like Sydney.
• 😀 The availability of DC charging stations in Australia is increasing, but the infrastructure is still limited compared to the number of petrol stations, indicating more work is needed for broader EV adoption.

Q & A

What milestone did Australian battery electric vehicle (EV) sales achieve in June 2025?

Australian battery electric vehicle sales reached over 10% of all new car sales in June 2025, marking a historic milestone for the country.

Which brands dominate the Australian EV market according to the transcript?

The brands dominating the Australian EV market are Tesla, BYD, and Gile.

How many battery electric vehicles were sold in Australia in June 2025?

13,000 battery electric vehicles were sold in Australia in June 2025, representing a 10.3% market share.

What was the market share of EV sales in Australia in May 2025?

In May 2025, EV sales in Australia accounted for 9.2% of the total new car sales.

Which vehicle took the largest share of EV sales in June 2025?

The Tesla Model Y took the largest share of EV sales in June 2025 with 3,457 sales.

Why did June 2025 sales of the Tesla Model Y drop compared to May 2025?

The Tesla Model Y saw a slight drop in sales in June 2025 compared to May, which is noted as an interesting development.

What is the significance of EV sales reaching over 10% in Australia?

Reaching over 10% in EV sales is considered a psychological barrier, signifying a major milestone for Australia's transition to electric vehicles.

What is the role of the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCI) and the Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) in EV sales data?

The FCI and EVC are two main sources for EV sales data in Australia. Tesla and Polestar report to the EVC, while other brands report to the FCI.

Why is the Polestar 4 significant in the context of Australian EV sales?

The Polestar 4 is notable for being a luxury EV that is still performing relatively well in the market, even though it's one of the most expensive cars in its segment.

What is the difference between sales and deliveries in the context of EV vehicles?

Sales refer to vehicles that have been driven away by customers, while deliveries refer to when the car is actually in the customer's possession, which may involve a waiting period between ordering and receiving the car.

What factors could influence the future of EV sales in Australia?

The future of EV sales in Australia could depend on the sustained demand for popular models like the Tesla Model Y, as well as improvements in charging infrastructure and potential changes in government policies or incentives.