The June figures have been launched and Australia is nudging 10% EV penetration. We are actually the place I used to be anticipating us to be on the finish of final yr. The Tesla Mannequin Y and the refreshed MG ZS EV arrived in November and boosted the figures, however the 10% bar appeared elusive. The primary 5 months of 2023 have seen a constant determine of round 8%.

Prime promoting Mannequin Y. Picture by David Waterworth.

The rostrum has the identical occupants, however the order has modified. Coming in at primary, the gold goes to the Tesla Mannequin Y, with 5,560 models bought. The silver is a shock. The Mannequin 3 has been overtaken by the BYD Atto 3, however not by a lot — 1532 models have been bought, whereas the Mannequin 3 was at 1458 models. To ease the ache, we be aware that within the year-to-date (YTD) figures, the Mannequin 3 continues to be second. YTD = Mannequin Y 14,002; Mannequin 3 = 11,575; Atto 3 = 6,196.

The #2 BYD Atto 3 on the former Toyota gross sales venue. Picture courtesy of Karen Maher.

Under the highest 3, the numbers are fairly small, with the very best (just like the Polestar 2 and the MG ZS EV) solely getting a number of hundred gross sales. Value a be aware is the surge in gross sales of the Porsche Taycan — maybe capitalising on the shortage of provide of the Tesla Mannequin S, which is now not out there in Australia.

“There have now been over 16 ships arrive in Australia within the second quarter and over 10,000 vin issued. Quite a lot of deliveries from the later ships will go into the third quarter.” Thanks, Veda Prime.

Based on the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, “Australian prospects took supply of 124,926 new autos throughout June to mark the top of the 2022-23 monetary yr. This end result is a rise of 25.0 per cent in contrast with June 2022 and an 8.2 per cent improve in contrast with the six-month interval of January to June 2022. It’s the highest June end result since 2018.” Maybe we’re over the Covid downturn in automobile gross sales?

“Gross sales of zero and low emission autos continued to develop with 16.6 per cent being battery electrical, hybrid or plug-in hybrid fashions. Battery electrical autos accounted for 8.8 per cent of June gross sales and make up 7.4 per cent of latest car gross sales throughout the first half 2023. The Tesla Mannequin Y recorded 5,560 gross sales, making it the second highest promoting car behind the Toyota Hello-Lux (6,142).”

If 8.8% are BEVs, then I make the leap to “nudging 10%,” as a result of there are some gross sales of PHEVs within the combine — though, the precise figures for June are elusive, and, sure, I did google it.

“The regular introduction of latest battery electrical fashions throughout all mannequin segments at extra aggressive value factors is critically necessary as we take care of the challenges of supplying electrical autos that meet enterprise and private shopper wants at costs the mainstream patrons can afford,” Mr Webber stated.

“Toyota led the market with a complete of 20,948 autos bought. Mazda recorded 9,706 gross sales adopted by Hyundai (8,215), Ford (7,753) and Kia (7,551).

“The Toyota Hello-Lux was the best promoting mannequin with 6,142 gross sales. Tesla Mannequin Y recorded 5,560 gross sales adopted by Ford Ranger (5,334), MG ZS (3,756) and Toyota RAV 4 (2,858).”

EV penetration is combined throughout car varieties. Out of 103,927 passenger autos bought, over 14% have been BEVs. About 9% of the 322,213 SUVs bought have been BEVs. CarExpert factors out that the diesel-dominated gentle industrial phase is ripe for EV plucking — solely 78 EVs have been bought on this phase out of a market of 129,025.

The Electrical Viking has predicted that there shall be one other 80 EVs coming into the Australian market within the subsequent 24 months. Not simply from China, but additionally from Europe. A few of these shall be vans and utes. They may discover a prepared market. You’ll be able to watch the video right here.

Within the first 6 months of 2023 in Australia, extra EVs have been bought than hybrids. Nevertheless, Toyota, the primary provider of hybrids is provide constrained in the meanwhile. Solely 3,532 PHEVs have been bought in Australia in H1 2023. With solely two fashions to select from, Tesla nonetheless dominates. The Mannequin Y is the highest promoting SUV no matter gas kind and the Mannequin 3 is the highest promoting passenger car no matter gas kind.

China continues to offer the majority of electrical autos which can be coming into the Australian market, with all the high seven EVs being made there: Tesla Mannequin Y and Mannequin 3, BYD Atto 3, MG ZS EV, Volvo XC40, Polestar 2, and Volvo C40.

The second half of the yr ought to properly and really exceed 10%, with the importation of no less than a trio of reasonably priced battery electrical autos. I’ve learnt to be affected person when a brand new automobile is introduced, as supply dates appear to slide. The MG4 was launched at Absolutely Charged Sydney a number of months in the past, however is nowhere to be seen. The BYD Dolphin is on show, however you possibly can’t guide a check drive and we don’t know when it’s going to arrive for buy. The ORA Cat is accessible at most Nice Wall sellers, might be taken for a check drive, and has already bought 62 models. Although, these 62 may be those sitting on the sellers awaiting your posterior.

These three vehicles, the MG4, the Nice Wall Ora, and the BYD Dolphin with present state authorities subsidies shall be out there for round AU$40,000 — they’re the identical value as a hybrid Corolla! Maintain my beer! (It’s okay, I drained the stubbie — since you actually can’t belief anybody along with your XXXX.) And there are already some rumours {that a} value struggle has begun at this decrease finish of the market. 

New chargers being put in at our native Woolworths procuring centre. Picture courtesy of Majella Waterworth.

In the meantime, the charging infrastructure continues to develop, with supermarkets and repair station giants getting concerned. The Westpac Financial institution is partnering with charging firm Chargefox to supply free charging as a part of a automobile mortgage. Tesla is taking up an industrial website in Brisbane to develop its operations. And a Toyota website in Canberra is being repurposed as a BYD showroom. It’s all taking place down below.

Queensland Police MG ZS EV Group Liaison Car. Picture by David Waterworth.

Even the police group liaison autos are going electrical, and sporting first nations art work. No marvel Australia is nudging 10% penetration.

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