EV sales in Australia hit new record in August

Canberra (ANTARA) - Electric vehicle (EV) sales in Australia reached a new record high in August 2026 as the popularity of Chinese-made cars continues to rise, according to data from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI).

The FCAI announced on Thursday (3/9) that battery electric vehicles (BEVs) accounted for 2int 24.9 per cent of total new vehicle sales across the country in August, surpassing the previous record of 23.3 per cent recorded in June.

This figure marks the fourth consecutive month in which BEVs have contributed at least 20 per cent of total new vehicle sales, following the milestone being first achieved in May amidst surging fuel prices.

The FCAI revealed that BEV sales in August increased by 171 per cent compared to August 2025.

According to the data, Chinese automotive manufacturers, including BYD, GWM, MG, Geely, and Chery, were among the top 10 most popular brands in Australia in August.

BYD delivered 8,231 new vehicles to customers in Australia in August, ranking second among all manufacturers and sitting only behind Toyota, compared to 4,877 units in August 2025.

Geely sold 4,504 new vehicles in Australia during the same month, a surge of more than 1,000 per cent from the 401 units sold in August 2025.

FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber stated that the Australian automotive market is undergoing a significant structural change.

“The sustained BEV sales rate, alongside changing brand preferences, demonstrates how rapidly consumer choice and competition are reshaping the Australian new vehicle market,” said Weber.

As of the end of August 2026, BYD has sold 68,423 new vehicles in Australia in 2026, an increase of 108 per cent from the 32,839 units recorded during the same period in 2025.