Chinese carmakers drive record Australian EV sales

Electric vehicle sales in Australia have hit record highs, as improving charging infrastructure and attractive products from leading Chinese carmakers encourage consumers to shift to environmentally friendly automobiles in greater numbers, according to the latest industry figures.

Australians bought 72,758 EVs in the first half of this year, up 24.4 percent from the corresponding period last year, with EVs accounting for 12.1 percent of all new car sales and Chinese models making up most of the top-selling vehicles, according to the State of EVs 2025 report released by Australia's Electric Vehicle Council on Tuesday.

June saw a new monthly high with EVs making up almost 16 percent of new vehicle sales. As of last month, Australia had more than 410,000 EVs in the national vehicle fleet, more than double the number two years ago, said the council, which positions itself as the peak national body representing the industry in Australia.

The growth has been driven by increased infrastructure investment and new industry standards.

A new vehicle efficiency standard has helped deliver more EV models, with 153 models now available, up from 123 in June last year, while expanded charging infrastructure nationwide includes 1,272 major fast-charging locations — representing a 20 percent year-on-year growth — and at least 4,192 high-power public charging plugs, a 22 percent year-on-year rise, as per the report.

"The car manufacturers that are embracing electric cars are playing it smart and thinking ahead," said Aman Gaur, head of legal, policy and advocacy at the council.

"Electric vehicles are charging ahead in Australia with year-on-year growth, and are winning over more Australians because they are cleaner, cheaper to run, and support lifestyles," Gaur said.

"Chinese automakers are bringing in EVs that are popular in Australia, and the statistics back this," he said, adding that automakers are "providing Australia with EVs that are increasingly affordable, high-quality, have attractive features and give consumers choice with a diverse range of models and vehicle types".

Total new vehicle sales in Australia hit 101,992 last month, bringing the year-to-date figure to 914,439 — 5.1 percent higher than the corresponding month last year, said the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries.

"China's rise as a source of new cars continued in September, becoming the second-largest country of origin," the chamber, which is the peak body for Australia's motor vehicle sector, said in a statement. "In addition, China accounts for 77.5 percent of all battery-electric vehicle sales this year."

The chamber's chief executive, Tony Weber, said the results showed encouraging signs, but what is needed now is "a stronger focus on encouraging demand, in particular public recharging infrastructure".

Despite the segment's strong growth, EVs currently account for only 2 percent of all cars on Australian roads, according to the Electric Vehicle Council.

Quality products

Chinese automakers' major share in the EV market underscored "how much of Australia's electric car uptake is being driven by China", according to a statement from the Australian Automotive Dealer Association, which represents franchised new car and truck dealers.

The association's CEO James Voortman said: "Australians are responding positively to the quality products with competitive price points that Chinese automakers are importing into Australia, which has been reflected in an increase in sales across the country.

"This momentum has given increased confidence to the Australian dealership network to continue to invest in quality showrooms to showcase the vehicles Australians are now asking for."

Meanwhile, Voortman noted some challenges, such as competition between brands, that can adversely affect dealers and automakers.

In addition, the rapid growth in sales will need to be matched with the supply of parts and training of technicians to service and repair vehicles, he said.

"Support from locally based experienced dealers will be critical in navigating these challenges, and truly independent dealer councils should be developed to assist in consulting and negotiating with Chinese automakers."

Australian accountant Shawn Williams, who recently bought an EV to replace his gasoline-powered sedan, said that choosing a Chinese brand is an increasingly obvious choice for many local motorists.

"The price point and utility offered by these EV manufacturers are very attractive, especially with rising costs such a major consideration for many households now," he said.

alexishooi@chinadaily.com.cn