EV sales double as fuel costs soar

The numbers are in and sales of EVs have doubled compared to March last year, as the fuel crisis shows little or no signs of easing up.

But experts have warned State Government need to ensure that charging infrastructure needs to keep pace with the growth.

Figures released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) show electric vehicle sales increased significantly in March, reaching their highest share of the Australian market to date.

A total of 15,839 battery electric vehicles from all sources were sold in March, accounting for 14.6 per cent of total sales.

By comparison, battery electric vehicles accounted for 7.5 per cent of sales in March, 2025.

Overall, 105,058 vehicle sales were recorded by VFACTS in March 2026, which is 3.3 per cent lower than March 2025.

FCAI chief executive Tony Weber said the March report showed strong growth in EV demand but cautioned that the increase may reflect short-term influences.

“It is too early to determine whether this represents a structural shift in the market. More consumers are considering EVs due to the disruption to fuel supply caused by conflict in the Middle East, along with the review into the fringe benefits tax concession for EVs,” he said.

“The automotive industry would welcome a sustained shift to EVs, given its substantial investment in bringing more than 100 EV models to the Australian market and the industry’s efforts to meet ambitious NVES targets.

“A long-term shift to EVs will require Australian governments to sharpen their focus on public charging infrastructure, particularly in regional areas and locations where home charging is not practical.

“Ensuring infrastructure keeps pace with consumer demand will be critical to enabling sustainable growth in EV adoption beyond short-term influences.”

Toyota was the market leader in March with sales of 16,574, followed by Kia (7320), BYD (7217), Mazda (7156) and Ford (7149).

The top 10 models for March were Ford Ranger (4452), Toyota HiLux (4167), Nissan X-Trail (2438), Mitsubishi Outlander (2318) and Hyundai Kona (2316), Chery Tiggo 4 (2258), Isuzu D-Max (2167), Hyundai Tucson (2042), Haval Jolion (2013) and BYD Sealion 7 (1970).

Toyota’s champion Corolla is for once conspicuously absent from the top 10.

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But in other news the fully electric Hilux utility is due to go on sale next month.

Meanwhile, the woes continue for mainstream brands such as Jaguar, with sales down a massive 95 per cent so far this year, and Jeep which is down 65 per cent, Fiat down 47 per cent, KGM down 40 per cent and Peugeot down 32 per cent. Such losses cannot be sustained.