The New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) is helping more Australians switch to cheaper-to-run, lower-emissions vehicles, with new figures showing EV sales remain resilient in a declining new car sales market.
Data compiled from the Electric Vehicle Council and public sources reveals battery electric vehicles (BEV) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) represented 11.3 percent of recorded car sales in February 2025 – higher than last year's EV market share of 9.6 percent.
Sales of PHEVs have exploded, accounting for nearly 50 percent of all EV sales in a single month, including sales of Australia's first PHEV ute – the BYD Shark – hitting the roads.*
EVs are gaining market share despite an overall contraction in new vehicle sales, with new vehicles suffering an almost 10 percent drop compared to February last year.
Electric Vehicle Council CEO Julie Delvecchio said: "Electric vehicle sales in Australia remain resilient at a time when new car sales are trending downwards and the high cost of living continues to hit families hard.
"Last month, more than 11 percent of recorded new car sales had a plug, much higher than we have seen in previous years. Plug-in hybrid vehicles are booming largely thanks to brand new models – including the BYD Shark, Australia's first PHEV ute. We also know Australians are anticipating new BEV models, including the new Tesla Model Y and a range of exciting new models from China.
"These numbers demonstrate the NVES is achieving precisely its intended purpose: expanding access to zero and low-emission vehicle options for Australians. Australians are actively embracing these new choices and this trend will continue.
"The NVES is helping Australians cut the cost of driving a car by helping them break free from volatile petrol prices. Owning an EV can save drivers up to $3,000 per year on fuel and maintenance costs.
"Australian drivers have put more than 300,000 electric vehicles on the road and counting. This is good news for everyone because it means cleaner, more sustainable transport. With a wider range of affordable options starting at under $30,000, these numbers will grow strongly across 2025."
*February sales figures included aggregated sales data across January and February for some new models. This may affect year-on-year comparisons.
