EV Sales Surge in Australia as Gas-Powered Cars Plummet in April 2026

EV Market Share Jumps to 16.4% in April 2026

New data from Australia’s Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries and the Electric Vehicle Council reveals that 16.4% of all new vehicles sold in April 2026 were battery-electric, up from just 6.5% in April 2025. This translates to 15,185 EVs sold out of a total of 92,591 new cars, SUVs, pickups, vans, and trucks—a 2.2% increase over April 2025.

Hybrids Gain Momentum as Gas-Powered Sales Collapse

While EVs surged, hybrids also saw strong demand, with 18,162 new hybrids sold in April 2026. The Toyota RAV4, now in its first full month of sales, became Australia’s best-selling car. Plug-in hybrids also performed well, with 9,628 new units sold.

In stark contrast, gasoline-powered vehicle sales plummeted by 30.1% compared to April 2025, while diesel sales dropped by 21.7%. Analysts attribute these declines to rising fuel prices and supply chain disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict, which has impacted crude oil deliveries to Australia.

Top-Selling EVs in April 2026

• BYD Sealion 7 SUV – 1,780 units sold
• Tesla Model Y – 1,000 fewer units than BYD but up 193.6% year-on-year due to model refresh
• Geely EX5 – 1,202 units
• Zeekr 7X SUV – 973 units
• Tesla Model 3 – 403 units, narrowly beating BYD’s Seal (370 units)

Toyota Retains Overall Lead Despite Sales Dip

Toyota remained Australia’s top-selling automaker in April 2026, shifting 15,185 units—a 21.6% year-on-year decline. BYD secured second place with 7,702 new units, pushing Ford and Mazda out of the podium. Ford’s Ranger, however, held onto the second-best-selling vehicle spot, trailing only the Toyota RAV4 and Hilux.

New Top 10 Automakers in April 2026

• Toyota – 15,185 units
• BYD – 7,702 units
• Kia – 6,450 units
• Hyundai – 6,002 units
• Ford – 5,748 units
• Mazda – 5,636 units
• MG – 4,890 units
• Chery – 4,721 units
• Isuzu – 4,512 units
• Mitsubishi – 4,305 units

Several automakers in the top 10, including Kia, Hyundai, Chery, and MG, also offer electric and hybrid models, reflecting the industry’s shift toward electrification.

"The rapid adoption of EVs and hybrids in Australia marks a turning point in the automotive market, driven by consumer demand, tax incentives, and supply chain adjustments."