Australia's electric vehicle revolution reached an inspiring new milestone in 2025, with drivers across the country choosing cleaner, greener transportation in record numbers. According to new figures from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries and the Electric Vehicle Council, Australians purchased an impressive 156,753 electric vehicles throughout the year, marking a significant leap forward in the nation's journey toward sustainable transportation.

The numbers tell a story of growing environmental consciousness and changing priorities among Australian motorists. Electric vehicles now represent 13.1% of all new car sales, a meaningful jump from 9.6% the previous year. This steady climb demonstrates that eco-friendly transportation is becoming increasingly mainstream rather than remaining a niche choice for early adopters.

Particularly encouraging was the performance of plug-in hybrid vehicles, which saw sales more than double to 53,484 units, representing an extraordinary 130.9% increase compared to 2024. Battery electric vehicles also showed healthy growth, with 103,269 units sold, accounting for 8.3% of new car sales. These figures reflect Australians' growing confidence in electric vehicle technology and their commitment to reducing their carbon footprint.

The momentum built throughout the year, culminating in a spectacular finish. December 2025 marked one of the strongest months on record for EV sales, with electric vehicles accounting for 16.7% of all new cars sold during that month. This represented the highest monthly EV market share ever recorded in Australia, suggesting the trend is accelerating rather than plateauing.

The Ripple Effect

The implications of these sales figures extend far beyond individual purchasing decisions. Australia's total EV fleet has now surpassed 454,000 vehicles, representing a substantial collective reduction in emissions and fossil fuel dependence. Each of these vehicles contributes to cleaner air in Australian cities and towns, while collectively demonstrating that sustainable transportation choices are both practical and increasingly popular.

Electric Vehicle Council Chief Executive Officer Julie Delvecchio captured the significance of these results, noting they point to a sustained shift in buyer priorities. EVs are now firmly established as a growing part of Australia's automotive landscape, not a passing trend but a fundamental transformation in how Australians think about transportation.

The competitive landscape is also evolving in positive ways. While Tesla remained the top-selling EV brand, Chinese manufacturer BYD showed remarkable growth with a 77.3% increase year on year, delivering 25,287 vehicles. This healthy competition is driving innovation and providing Australian consumers with more choices at various price points, making electric vehicles accessible to a broader range of buyers.

The industry continues to invest heavily in supporting this transition. While there are calls for enhanced charging infrastructure and policy support, the underlying message is clear: Australians are ready and willing to embrace electric transportation when given the opportunity. Each purchase represents an individual commitment to a cleaner future, and together, these choices are reshaping Australia's automotive landscape for the better.

As more Australians experience the benefits of electric vehicles firsthand, from lower running costs to reduced environmental impact, this positive momentum shows every sign of continuing into 2026 and beyond.