EVs bounce back in new car sales race

Almost one in 10 new cars sold last month was powered by electricity, undermining the car industry’s argument surrounding vehicle emissions.

Aussie motorists are making the switch to EVs, with battery-powered cars representing nearly 10 per cent of sales during a record month for the car industry.

Automotive industry figures show car makers delivered more than 105,000 cars in February, a 20 per cent increase on the same month last year.

Electric cars accounted for almost 10 per cent of new vehicle sales, led by the new Tesla Model 3 sedan.

2024 Tesla Model 3.

The Tesla finished on the podium for monthly sales, helped by extra deliveries as the brand worked to overcome biosecurity issues that turned a ship full of cars around last year.

Tesla delivered more than 5600 cars last month, putting it well ahead of established brands such as Volkswagen or Subaru, and just behind the likes of Hyundai and Kia.

High-riding utes took out the first two places, with Ford’s Ranger (5353 sales) leading the Toyota HiLux (4403) ahead of the Tesla Model 3 (3593).

Isuzu’s D-Max (2941) took out fourth place, and Toyota’s RAV4 rounded out the top five (2843 sales).

Ford Ranger Raptor at Finke Desert race.

While it was a great month for electric vehicles, FCAI chief executive Tony Weber said the dominant performance of dual-cab utes shows Australia is not ready to make the switch to EVs in all vehicle classes.

“Australian motorists’ strong preference for Utes, accounting for 20.3 per cent of sales this month, demonstrates the challenges with the proposed New Vehicle Emissions Standard,” he said.

“Out of 21,327 utes sold in February, only one was an EV.

“Growing sales of electric vehicles across other market segments proves that where a battery electric product exists which suits the driving habits of Australian motorists, work and recreation needs they will purchase these vehicles.”

The car industry has lobbied for changes to the proposed New Vehicle Efficiency Standard that looks set to punish manufacturers that sell thirsty cars.

Car makers who sell cars that use more fuel – and emit more carbon – than agreed standards face heavy fines that will make it hard to justify sales of thirsty vehicles in the near future.

Automotive groups including the FCAI made submissions to the Department of Infrastructure as part of a survey that closed on Monday night.

The new standard is likely to go before parliament this year before coming into effect in 2025.