NT electric vehicle sales take a dive as car sales hit record levels
The latest figures show Territorians are cautiously entering the EV age, but another type of car is stealing the show. Find out what’s selling.
Northern Territory
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Business and government purchases have helped drive record vehicle sales in the Northern Territory in 2024.
Figures released by Motor Trade Association NT showed 10,152 new vehicles sold in the Northern Territory in 2024, an increase of 2.4 per cent against 2023 figures.
Japanese marque Toyota again stole the Territory show, holding the top three spots in sales type.
The Territory’s biggest selling vehicle last year was the Toyota HiLux 4x4 with 1403 sales. Next highest was Toyota LandCruiser with 654 sales, Toytoa RAV4 with 595 sales, Ford Ranger 4x4 with 427 sales and the Mitsubishi Outlander with 310 sold across the NT.
While hybrid sales surged, growth in electrical vehicle sales screeched to a halt, slowing to just 2.8 per cent of total NT vehicle sales and considerably down on the 315 per cent growth increase in 2023.
Meanwhile, growth in hybrid sales increased 68.2 per cent, making up 14.1 per cent of all NT vehicle sales and plug-in hybrid sales increased by 238.9 per cent, making up 1.2 per cent of all new NT vehicle sales.
Motor Trade Association chief executive Darrell Jacobs said fleet sales to government and business helped compensate for the slowing private and rental market.
Mr Jacobs said combined, zero and low emission vehicles which include EV, hybrid and plug-in hybrid accounted for almost one in five new vehicles sold in the Territory last year.
“Without doubt, 2024 was the year of the hybrid, demonstrating evolving consumer preferences for flexible and versatile mobility,” he said.
“This is not only reflected in the Toyota RAV4 close to doubling sales in 2024, but also in the announcement of the BYD Shark plug-in hybrid ute.”
Mr Jacobs said the federal government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard commenced on January 1, and from July 1 penalties and credits would begin to accrue, with manufacturers expected to adjust their product offerings.
But he also acknowledged shifting targets in achieving higher EV sales, such as the UK government’s decision to delay its ban on the sale of combustion vehicles from 2030 to 2035.
“Territorians will see even more zero and low emission vehicles available for purchase in 2025,” Mr Jacobs said.
“Consumer demand is slowing, purchase power is under pressure, and our unique geography will continue to place strain on infrastructure requirements.”
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