An EV sold every 100 seconds: Australian demand for electric cars more than doubles

The Electric Vehicle Council reports that 157,957 new electric vehicles were sold across Australia between January and June, setting a national record. This volume represents a 117 % increase compared with the same half‑year period last year, effectively more than doubling year‑on‑year sales. At that pace, an electric car is being purchased roughly every 100 seconds, underscoring the rapid uptake of clean‑technology transport. The surge reflects expanding model availability, growing consumer awareness of emissions reductions and the impact of government incentives such as rebates and reduced registration fees. While the data does not break down regional sales, the trend suggests a broadening market beyond metropolitan hubs into regional areas. Industry analysts attribute the growth to improved battery ranges, faster charging infrastructure and a shift in buyer preferences toward lower‑running‑cost vehicles. The council’s figures also hint at a looming need for expanded charging networks and grid capacity to support the accelerating fleet. Policymakers are watching the trajectory closely as it aligns with national emissions targets. What to watch: upcoming government announcements on EV subsidies and charging infrastructure expansion.

Editor's note: The article accurately conveys the statistics and context provided by the source summary.

This article is AI-generated and fact-gated. Original reporting: Guardian Environment