Australia is on track to hit an annual milestone of 100,000 electric vehicle (EV) sales this year despite tough economic conditions, according to the Electric Vehicle Council.
The Australian Automobile Association's EV Index shows there were more than 30,000 battery electric (BEV) and plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) sales in the second quarter of this year - the first time Australia has cracked that figure in a single quarter.
The Index shows that BEV/PHEV sales represented 9.6 percent of new light vehicles sold in Q2.
Electric Vehicle Council chief executive Samantha Johnson said that the increasing sales were encouraging and acknowledged the long road ahead.
"Australia has never had so many electric vehicles on the roads. It was a record breaking quarter for combined battery and plug-in electric vehicle sales," said Ms Johnson.
"The continuing strength of electric vehicle sales means Australia remains on track to hit the 100,000 EV annual sales target in 2024.
"These sales figures are without precedent, which is extremely encouraging given the broader economic pressures with high interest rates and the cost of living limiting people's ability to purchase new cars.
"These figures demonstrate that Australians want more electric cars and governments need to listen to this demand by continuing to provide support for electric vehicles.
"We have seen several states prematurely withdraw incentives - it is critical that governments implement targeted programs that enable more Australian households and businesses to make the switch to electric vehicles.
"Misinformation is also hampering the electric vehicle transition. The facts are that EVs are cheaper to own and run than ICEs, they reduce air pollution and they're essential to reducing our carbon emissions.
"We need to see the EV market grow to meet our climate targets - the National Vehicle Efficiency Standard will play a vital role but there is much more that needs to be done to reduce the nation's transport emissions."
