Summary
- About 8% of new cars sold in Australia in July were plug-in electric vehicles
- Xpeng recently launched in the Australian market and is expected to make an impact
- Tesla Model Y and Model 3 were the top selling BEVs in Australia in July
- EV sales in New Zealand are holding steady at 12%, with the BYD Atto 3 leading the market
- The transition to electric vehicles in both Australia and New Zealand is slowly progressing, with some challenges and opportunities ahead
Article
The electric vehicle market in Australia is experiencing some fluctuations, with a decline in new electric car sales in July compared to the first half of the year. Despite this, the introduction of Xpeng into the market is expected to make an impact. In neighboring New Zealand, the market is slowly recovering, with electric vehicle market penetration reaching 12% in July. The top-selling electric cars in Australia include models like the Tesla Model Y and Model 3, as well as vehicles from manufacturers like BYD, Volvo, MG, and BMW.
Overall, the Australian market saw a decline in electric vehicle sales in July, with battery electric vehicles (BEVs) experiencing a year-over-year decline of 1.5%. However, plug-in hybrids saw an increase in sales, reflecting the greater range of PHEV options available in the market. The top-selling cars in Australia in July were traditional gasoline vehicles, with the Tesla Model Y being one of the few electric vehicles to make it onto the list. The low numbers of Tesla vehicles can be attributed to shipping schedules out of China at the beginning of the quarter.
In addition to traditional passenger cars, electric vans are also gaining traction in Australia, with the LDV eDeliver selling 101 units year to date. The availability of electric vans is limited, but sales are increasing slowly. The market is expected to see more electric van options in the future, with manufacturers like Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz planning to introduce new models. Exciting events in Australia, such as the Melbourne Electric SUV Expo, showcase the growing interest in electric vehicles and future technologies like flying cars.
In Tasmania, Tesla has opened its first showroom, attracting over 60 Tesla drivers to a light show event. Tasmania is known for its green energy sources, such as hydropower, making it a fitting location for electric vehicle promotion. Meanwhile, in New Zealand, EV sales numbers are holding steady despite the loss of government support and high inflation. Prices for electric vehicles in New Zealand have fallen, with models like the Nissan Leaf and ORA available for under NZ$30,000. The top-selling electric vehicles in New Zealand include models from BYD, Tesla, Volkswagen, Kia, and MINI.
As the electric vehicle market continues to evolve, there is a need to shift public perception from fear of change to fear of missing out (FOMO). Car salespeople and buyers may soon experience FOMO as the rEVolution picks up speed, leading to a potential rapid acceleration in the adoption of electric vehicles. With new models and technologies being introduced, the future looks bright for electric vehicles in both Australia and New Zealand. Exciting developments, such as the launch of new electric car models and the expansion of electric van options, indicate a promising future for sustainable transportation in the region.
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