Over 180,000 EVs Now Present on Australian Roads, Signifying Significant Growth in Electric Vehicles

EVs are surging in popularity in Australia, with over 180,000 electric vehicles now on the roads. According to a report from the Electric Vehicle Council, EV sales more than doubled in 2023, with a 120 percent increase compared to the previous year. This growth continues the trend of the new EV market doubling every year since 2020. While it may be challenging to maintain this level of exponential growth in percentage terms due to the increasing volume of overall sales, the Electric Vehicle Council is confident that with continued policy support, the market can continue to grow at a rate of 30-50 percent per year.

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) emerged as the most popular jurisdiction for EV sales, with 21.9 percent of new vehicle sales being electric. This can be attributed to the high number of ACT residents working in public service, as well as the government’s support for EV uptake. Other states and territories trailed behind, with New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria all hovering around 9 percent EV sales.

The Electric Vehicle Council emphasized the importance of government incentives to drive EV adoption. They encouraged Australian governments to actively support EV uptake until at least 30 percent of new car sales are EVs, after which incentives can be phased out progressively. The Council believes that support from all levels of government will be crucial in achieving a 100 percent zero-emission vehicle fleet by 2050.

In terms of charging infrastructure, Australia saw a significant increase in the number of charging stations in 2023. There were 348 new charging areas added across the country, representing a 75 percent surge. Out of these locations, 130 provide ultrafast charging, indicating that charging infrastructure is keeping up with the growth in EV numbers.

The report also provided insights into the U.S. market, where a record 1.4 million EVs were sold in 2023. This surpasses the total number of new vehicles sold in Australia during the same year. Battery electric vehicle sales in the U.S. experienced a 46 percent growth, which the report describes as a monumental achievement.

The Australian government continues to show its support for vehicle electrification. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recently launched a fleet of 43 electric trucks in partnership with parcel delivery company Team Global Express. The federal Labor government is providing $20.1 million in taxpayer funds to support this initiative through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).

Overall, the rapid growth of EV sales in Australia indicates a promising future for electric mobility in the country. With increasing government support and the expansion of charging infrastructure, EV adoption is expected to continue its upward trajectory, contributing to the nation’s climate targets and reducing fuel costs for Australians.