Electric vehicle sales hit record highs, high-power charging plugs expanded and many new EV models launched over the past year, according to a new Electric Vehicle Council report released today.
The EVC's State of EVs 2025 report shows in the 2024-25 financial year, Australia witnessed:
- Record EV sales: Australians bought 72,758 BEVs and PHEVs in the first six months of 2025, up 24.4% on the same period in 2024
- Increasing EV share: EVs now account for 12.1% of all new car sales, up from 9.61% in 2024. June 2025 was the strongest month in the first half of the year, with market share reaching almost 16% for the first time. But EVs only account for 2% of all cars on Australian roads
- Growing EV fleet: Australia now has more than 410,000 EVs in the national vehicle fleet as of September 2025
- More choice: The New Vehicle Efficiency Standard has helped deliver more EV models, with 153 models now available (94 BEVs, 59 PHEVs), up from 123 in June 2024
- Expanding charging infrastructure: There are 1,272 fast-charging locations for motorists to visit to plug in (20% growth from June 2024) and at least 4,192 high-power public charging plugs (≥ 24 kW DC) (22% increase) across Australia.
The EVC has also rated each government on their EV policies with the federal government scoring the highest (8/10), and the Queensland, Tasmanian and Northern Territory governments scoring the lowest (3/10).
Electric Vehicle Council CEO Julie Delvecchio said: "More Australians are steering towards electric vehicles because they are better for your budget, better for the climate, and better for Australia whether or not you drive an EV. Electric vehicles are the future – our climate targets depend on them.
"Australia is making progress in the transition to electric cars. In just one year we've seen electric vehicles reach record highs, high-power charging locations have been increasing at pace and dozens of new EV models hit the roads.
"EVs are winning over more Australians every day because they're cheaper to run, fun to drive, better for the planet, and cater to every lifestyle from hatchbacks and sedans to utes and SUVs.
"Today, we have more than 410,000 Australians driving EVs which is contributing to cleaner air, quieter streets and less reliance on dirty, expensive foreign oil. With nearly 4,200 high power charging plugs available and counting, more Australians are charging their cars across the country's public network.
"The surge in EV uptake reflects the success of government policies. The federal government's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard is bringing more EV choice, and the Electric Car Discount is helping more Australians afford the upfront cost.
"With three major electricity retailers offering vehicle-to-grid trials with four leading car brands, EV owners can now enjoy all the best benefits of electric vehicles at home and on the road."
Despite the progress made, the report also highlights that more needs to be done to achieve the EV uptake required to meet Australia's emissions reduction targets.
According to the report, Australia will need at least 1 million EVs on the road before 2028 meaning a total of 145,000 EVs sold in 2025, an additional 240,000 EVs sold in 2026 and a further 320,000 in 2027.
"Australia is moving from the early adopters to the early majority where consistent policy support is crucial to sustaining EV growth," Ms Delvecchio said.
"We are making inroads in EV uptake as a nation, but the road ahead is steep. We need to shift gears from steady to more rapid growth in EV uptake to meet emissions reduction targets.
"EVs now make up more than 12 per cent of new car sales, which is progress, but we need that to hit 50 per cent within the decade.
"Transport will become Australia's largest-emitting sector within years. Meeting emissions reduction targets means getting millions of Australians to drive electric and that demands strong, coordinated action from all governments and industry.
"Now is the time for all levels of government to double down on measures that are boosting EV choice and affordability, including the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard and Electric Car Discount. At the same time, future road pricing must be well-designed, fair and well-timed so it doesn't slam the brakes on EV adoption.
"We're calling on the government to set EV targets and a date for a ban on petrol and diesel registrations, like the UK and France. We're also calling for more incentives to get Australians behind the wheel of electric cars and trucks including GST exemptions and energy bill credits.
"Just when we need to accelerate, states and territories have been pulling back EV incentives. No country has reached mass EV adoption without sustained government support so withdrawing it now risks stalling the momentum we desperately need.
"Industry also has a role to play, including developing local battery manufacturing and recycling, upskilling the workforce, and raising EV awareness."
Read the report here and the factsheet here.
