72 stories tagged australia on EV Digest.
A comprehensive 144-page report from the Electric Vehicle Council details a decade of electric mobility progress across Australia. The retrospective showcases the nation's accelerating EV adoption rates alongside expanding charging networks and evolving policy support.
Ferrari has received regulatory clearance to sell its first all-electric model in Australia, where it will instantly rank as the market's priciest EV. The high-performance battery-electric supercar is expected to approach a $1 million Australian dollar sticker price ahead of deliveries. The certification marks a critical milestone in the iconic Italian brand's shift toward zero-emission powertrains.
The share of second-hand electric vehicles priced under AU$35,000 has doubled over the past year, now representing a quarter of total used EV transactions in Australia. Many of these vehicles are dealer demonstrator units that carry minimal mileage on their odometers. This shift provides budget-conscious car buyers with an increasingly accessible path toward clean vehicle ownership.
Australia's fringe benefits tax exemption has dramatically lowered the cost of leasing an electric vehicle, but upcoming rule revisions taking effect April 1, 2027, will shift eligibility. The update outlines how luxury car tax thresholds and phase-outs will impact buyers looking to secure tax-free novated leases. Drivers aiming to maximize savings will need to navigate which battery-electric models continue to qualify under the revised guidelines.
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency has awarded grant funding to a domestic startup developing pay-per-use EV charging outlets tailored for multi-unit dwellings and public garages. The initiative is designed to simplify shared charging in apartment buildings and short-term rentals without requiring costly dedicated charger installations. By automating billing directly at the power outlet, the project aims to expand charging access for drivers without private driveways.
Australia's conservative Federal Coalition has announced plans to scrap national electric vehicle purchase subsidies if victorious in the next federal election. The opposition claims ending the incentive program would save the government roughly $2.1 billion alongside cuts to clean energy programs. The proposal underscores deepening political debate over the pace and funding of zero-emission vehicle adoption across the country.
Chinese EV maker XPeng is establishing 66 retail and service locations across Australia and seven in New Zealand ahead of upcoming vehicle launches. The expansion follows the collapse of its previous Australian distributor, prompting a restructuring of its local presence. The expanded footprint is designed to reassure buyers and support the brand's growing portfolio in the region.
Declining electric vehicle prices could help cushion the Australian market as the federal government winds down its fringe benefits tax exemptions. Analysts caution that sharp EV sales drops following subsidy cuts in Germany and Canada serve as a clear warning for policy makers. Industry watchers emphasize that the arrival of more affordable entry-level models will be critical to sustaining adoption momentum.
A newly installed off-grid DC fast-charging station has bridged a critical charging gap between Broken Hill and South Australia. The addition enables electric vehicle drivers to travel the remote central western route to Adelaide relying entirely on DC quick chargers. The deployment marks an important milestone for long-distance regional charging access in outback Australia.
Renault is reintroducing the Megane E-Tech electric crossover to the Australian market with key performance updates. The refreshed model offers up to 480 km of WLTP driving range and faster charging capabilities. However, starting at $55,990 AUD, it faces stiff competition, undercut considerably by mainstream rivals like the Tesla Model 3.
XPeng is expanding its footprint in Australia with the planned arrival of its flagship G9L SUV in early 2027. The three-row family hauler will be offered in both pure battery-electric and range-extended configurations with seating for six or seven. Local pricing and detailed trim specifications are expected to be announced in the near future.
Chinese brand Rox Motor is preparing to enter the Australian market in late 2026 or early 2027 with its lineup of luxury range-extended electric vehicles. The company's rugged EREV SUVs feature an onboard combustion generator alongside electric powertrains, delivering up to 235 kilometers (146 miles) of pure electric range.
Fresh strata reforms are paving the way for multi-family housing residents to more easily install electric vehicle chargers in their parking bays. The updated rules lower the voting threshold required for body corporate approval, preventing owners corporations from unreasonably blocking charging infrastructure requests. The move addresses a critical roadblock for urban drivers looking to transition to electric mobility without private garages.
BYD has reached a milestone of 150,000 vehicle deliveries in Australia after just four years in the market, becoming one of the fastest brands to break into the country's top five sales rankings. The rapid surge has established the Chinese automaker as a dominant electrified vehicle player Down Under. Moving forward, the company plans to sustain momentum by expanding its showroom and service network into regional territories.
Mitsubishi has teased the upcoming ASX VR-e, an all-electric crossover set to become the automaker's fastest passenger vehicle ever offered in Australia. Departing sharply from the utilitarian legacy of the early i-MiEV, the new model targets drivers seeking stronger electric performance. The vehicle represents a major step in Mitsubishi's renewed push into dedicated battery-electric crossovers abroad.
Australia's pre-owned electric vehicle market is rapidly expanding after cumulative EV sales surpassed 525,000 units nationwide. With the vast majority of those vehicles sold since 2021, an influx of three- to five-year-old models is creating a robust pipeline of affordable second-hand inventory. This surge is lowering the barrier to entry for prospective buyers seeking electrified transport across the country.
Luxeed, the premium electric vehicle brand developed jointly by Chery and Huawei, is preparing to enter the Australian market in 2027 with its Stormax electric SUV. The move reflects the automaker's wider push to export high-end battery-electric models beyond its domestic market in China. The upcoming launch aims to challenge established luxury EV contenders down under with performance-oriented specs and advanced software features.
Chery is preparing to expand into Australia's competitive truck market with the Stockman, an unconventional diesel plug-in hybrid ute. While most electrified pickups rely on gasoline engines, Chery is pairing compression-ignition efficiency with a plug-in battery pack to target long-distance towing and commercial demands. The model will test whether combining diesel power with plug-in capability can attract traditional truck buyers who remain skeptical of full electrification.
Mercedes-Benz has revealed Australian pricing for the electric CLA Shooting Brake, positioning the wagon at $72,990 AUD, barely $790 more than its sedan sibling. The stylish long-roof BEV delivers up to 511 kilometers of driving range on a single charge. Customer deliveries across the country are slated to kick off in January.
Tesla has officially scrapped its plans to bring the Cybertruck to Australia, ending anticipation nearly seven years after it began taking reservations. The automaker confirmed it will process refunds for local customers who placed initial deposits on the electric pickup. The move underscores persistent regulatory and manufacturing obstacles to building a right-hand-drive version of the angular stainless steel vehicle.
Tesla has officially canceled plans to release the Cybertruck in Australia and New Zealand, putting an end to years of anticipation for reservation holders down under. The automaker is refunding local pre-order deposits and offering impacted customers a complimentary one-year trial of Full Self-Driving if they choose an alternative Tesla model. The move underscores the steep hurdles in redesigning the oversized stainless-steel electric pickup for right-hand-drive markets and stringent pedestrian safety standards.
Tesla has officially scrapped plans to launch the Cybertruck in Australia and New Zealand, notifying reservation holders that their orders are void. The automaker is refunding deposits to customers, many of whom have waited nearly seven years since pre-orders opened in late 2019. The move confirms the polarizing stainless-steel electric pickup will not receive right-hand-drive production for the Oceanic market.
Tesla has officially canceled plans to sell the Cybertruck in Australia and New Zealand, ending years of speculation for local reservation holders. The automaker began notifying customers that their deposits will be refunded due to regulatory hurdles and production priorities. The decision confirms the stainless-steel electric pickup will remain unavailable in right-hand-drive Oceania markets.
A major Australian power tool supplier has finalized an agreement to add 130 Škoda Enyaq Sportline electric SUVs to its corporate fleet over the next three years. The transaction marks one of the country's largest commercial EV fleet commitments to date. The move highlights accelerating zero-emission fleet transitions across the Australian construction and service sectors.
Tesla has officially scrapped plans to bring the Cybertruck to Australia, ending years of speculation and issuing deposit refunds to local reservation holders. To soften the cancellation, the automaker is offering affected customers complimentary Full Self-Driving if they purchase a new Model 3 or Model Y instead.
Tesla has issued software update 2026.38.5.5, introducing Full Self-Driving V14.3.12 to vehicles in Australia. The release notes detail localized refinements tailored for right-hand-drive roads alongside the latest end-to-end neural network driving improvements.
Following a successful 1,671-kilometer trial, a major Australian transport company has purchased the country's first solar-powered battery-electric refrigeration unit. The zero-emission transport refrigeration system eliminates diesel consumption traditionally required to keep perishable cargo chilled during long-haul transit. The move highlights expanding fleet electrification efforts targeting heavy-duty auxiliary systems.
Chinese automaker GAC plans to expand its Australian footprint with the Aion UT Cross, an entry-level electric crossover expected to arrive by 2027. Projected to sell for roughly $30,000 AUD, the compact EV will compete directly with upcoming rivals such as the BYD Atto 2 and Leapmotor B03X. The launch underscores intensifying rivalry among Chinese brands to dominate affordable zero-emission segments abroad.
Australia is rolling out its largest commercial vehicle-to-grid pilot, deploying up to 130 government fleet EVs to evaluate bidirectional charging capabilities. The multimillion-dollar project will assess how parked electric vehicles can supply power during peak demand periods to support the grid. Researchers will also explore potential revenue streams generated by returning stored battery energy to the energy market.
Hyundai has adjusted pricing for its Inster electric vehicle lineup in Australia, aiming to reposition it as a more competitive, budget-friendly option against Chinese rivals. While the price drop could attract more buyers, it comes with a simplification of features across the range, potentially impacting value perception.
Australian pricing for the upcoming Mercedes-Benz C-Class Electric has surfaced via the brand's local configurator, indicating a starting price around A$106,000. This new electric model aims to compete in the premium compact EV segment, offering a battery-electric option to Australian consumers.
Chinese automaker Chery is preparing to introduce its upscale Exlantix electric vehicle brand to Australia by 2027. The launch is expected to begin with a 'shooting brake' model, offered in both battery-electric (BEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) configurations, aiming to compete in the premium EV segment.
Mitsubishi is re-entering the Australian electric vehicle market with the 2027 ASX VR-e, a new model that promises local tuning, official range figures, and an advanced infotainment system. This move signals Mitsubishi's renewed commitment to EVs, with production support from Taiwanese tech giant Foxconn playing a key role in its development. The ASX VR-e aims to be a competitive offering in the growing Australian EV segment.
In an effort to accelerate EV adoption among ride-share operators, the Jaecoo J5 electric SUV is being offered at a significant discount to Uber drivers in Australia. This initiative aims to reduce fuel costs for drivers and promote the transition to electric vehicles within the taxi and ride-share sectors. The program highlights a growing trend of automakers partnering with ride-share platforms to boost EV sales and infrastructure.
A major petrol retailer in Australia has unveiled the country's largest electric vehicle charging hub, featuring 24 bays designed to serve growing EV demand. However, this record may be short-lived as Tesla has plans for an even larger 37-bay Supercharger station, indicating a rapid escalation in charging infrastructure development down under.
Tesla has activated its newest Supercharger facility in Sydney, Australia, featuring its most advanced and powerful charging technology to date. This marks a significant upgrade for EV drivers in the region, offering faster charging speeds at a key urban location.
The BYD Atto 2 DM-i, poised to be Australia's most affordable plug-in hybrid, offers an electric-like driving experience at a compelling price point. While its performance mimics a pure EV, reviewers note that its ride quality might be firmer than some rivals in the segment.
Australia is facing significant challenges in its electric vehicle transition, including a lagging charging infrastructure rollout that creates 'missing charger' anxiety for drivers. This situation is further complicated by persistent 'EV culture wars' and ongoing debates about EV pricing and adoption rates, reflecting a broader struggle to accelerate EV uptake in the country.
Chery's new Jaecoo brand has officially launched its J6 battery-electric SUV in Australia, revealing competitive pricing starting from $47,990 AUD. This strategic entry aims to challenge established Chinese EV players like BYD, Geely, and Leapmotor in the growing Australian market. The J6, a rebadged version of the iCAR 03, marks a significant expansion of Chery's electric vehicle offerings Down Under.
Australia and New Zealand are emerging as global leaders in electric vehicle adoption, demonstrating some of the fastest growth rates worldwide. This rapid transition to EVs has significantly reduced reliance on oil imports, collectively saving importing nations over $29 billion since the 2019 Strait of Hormuz crisis. The report highlights the economic and environmental benefits of accelerating EV integration.
Suzuki's first dedicated battery electric vehicle, the e Vitara, has launched in Australia with a starting price of nearly $59,000. This new BEV enters a rapidly expanding electric SUV segment, and early reviews are assessing whether its features and value proposition can stand out against established rivals.
Chinese automaker Great Wall Motor (GWM) is set to significantly expand its electric vehicle and plug-in hybrid lineup in Australia, aiming for a 16-model portfolio by 2025. This aggressive push will introduce new models like the Ora Touring electric minivan and a larger Jolion PHEV SUV, broadening consumer options in the Australian EV market.
Chery's new electric vehicle brand, Lepas, has introduced its inaugural model, the L6 electric SUV, to the Australian market. Priced from A$47,990, the vehicle boasts an estimated 440 kilometers (273 miles) of range, positioning it as a competitive offering in the growing Australian EV segment.
EVX, an Australian charging company, has introduced a new pole-mounted DC fast charger designed to integrate seamlessly into urban streetscapes. This compact unit aims to provide convenient rapid charging options for electric vehicles in residential and commercial districts, addressing a critical need for accessible charging infrastructure beyond traditional stations.
Australia is developing its first national electric vehicle (EV) charging roadmap, outlining the strategic buildout of infrastructure necessary to support the country's growing EV fleet. This plan aims to address charging needs for both passenger vehicles and heavy-duty trucks through 2035, guiding the next phase of the electric transition. The initiative reflects a commitment to ensuring robust and accessible charging solutions across the continent.
BMW is expanding its electric SUV offerings in Australia with the confirmation of the high-performance iX3 M60 xDrive. This new variant will serve as the flagship model for the iX3 line-up, bringing a significant power boost to the luxury electric SUV segment down under.
A government-funded initiative aimed at establishing a comprehensive national EV charging network in Australia has reportedly fallen short of expectations. A critical report detailing these shortcomings, compiled by NRMA, has been withheld from public view, sparking concerns about transparency and the true state of the country's EV infrastructure rollout.
A new analysis examines the evolving premium electric vehicle market in Australia, highlighting top contenders across various price segments. The report provides a comparative look at luxury EVs available now and projected for 2026, including models under $100,000, $150,000, and $250,000.
A new electric bus depot is slated for development in Melbourne's western suburbs, designed to accommodate and charge at least 130 electric buses. This significant infrastructure project aims to bolster public transport electrification efforts and includes provisions for future expansion, supporting the region's transition to a greener bus fleet.
Chinese manufacturer DeepWay is testing its new battery-electric prime mover in Australia, with the heavy-duty truck completing multiple deliveries. This marks a significant step for the company as it demonstrates the vehicle's capabilities in a new international market.
Chinese automotive giant Geely has dramatically increased its footprint in Australia, opening 100 dealerships in just 18 months. This rapid expansion aims to capture a larger share of the country's growing electric vehicle market and reach regional buyers. The move positions Geely to further introduce its diverse EV models to Australian consumers.
BMW has officially announced the upcoming iX4 electric coupe SUV for the Australian market, set to arrive in early 2027. This new model, part of the brand's 'Neue Klasse' lineup, boasts an estimated range of up to 828 kilometers (514 miles), positioning it as a strong contender in the premium EV segment.
Lexus has announced its entry into the full-size, three-row electric SUV segment with the upcoming TZ model, slated for release in Australia by 2027. This new luxury EV is positioned to directly compete with established players like the Kia EV9 and Volvo EX90, expanding Lexus's electric vehicle portfolio in key international markets.
Nissan engineered its upcoming Navara Pro plug-in hybrid ute with a larger petrol engine specifically to meet the demanding towing and touring requirements of Australian drivers. This strategic powertrain upgrade was a direct result of local market testing, ensuring the PHEV pickup can handle heavy loads in diverse conditions.
Australia witnessed a substantial surge in electric vehicle adoption during September, with BEV sales more than doubling compared to the previous year. This growth marks the second month in a row that electric models have outsold traditional petrol-powered vehicles in the country, driven by strong performances from brands like Tesla, BYD, and Geely.
Nissan has officially announced plans to introduce a plug-in hybrid pickup truck, the Navara Pro, to the Australian market by 2027. This PHEV ute will be built in China and boasts significant power output at 300kW, alongside a robust 3.5-tonne towing capacity, positioning it as a strong contender in the utility vehicle segment.
Hyundai has reportedly scrapped its plans to introduce the IONIQ 3 electric hatchback in the Australian market. The automaker determined that importing the vehicle would render it too expensive to effectively compete with the influx of more affordable Chinese EVs already present in the region, leading to a challenging market entry.
Australian fuel retailer Ampol is set to acquire Evie Networks for A$360 million (US$156 million), significantly bolstering its position in the electric vehicle charging market. This strategic purchase will integrate one of Australia's largest fast-charging networks into Ampol's operations, expanding its footprint across the continent. The move highlights the increasing consolidation and investment in EV infrastructure as traditional energy companies adapt to the shift towards electrification.
An Australian EV enthusiast recently completed an epic journey, circumnavigating the continent in his electric vehicle, predominantly powered by solar energy. This ambitious trip aimed to challenge common misconceptions that electric cars are solely reliant on fossil fuel-generated electricity, showcasing the viability of renewable energy for long-distance EV travel.
BYD has expanded its plug-in hybrid lineup with the introduction of the Sealion 8 SUV in Australia. This new model, featuring a PHEV powertrain, arrives as the Chinese automaker continues its aggressive global expansion into key markets.
BYD has introduced its new Sealion 8 plug-in hybrid SUV to the Australian market, offering a family-friendly vehicle with impressive power. This launch signals BYD's continued global expansion, with speculation that the UK could be the next destination for the new PHEV model.
Cadillac is expanding its global footprint, announcing plans to bring the high-performance Lyriq-V electric SUV to Australia. This move marks a significant step for the luxury brand's EV strategy in the Oceania market, with deliveries expected by the 2027 model year.
Australia's Queensland state is actively expanding its high-speed electric vehicle charging network, particularly targeting inland tourist destinations. This initiative aims to support local economies by ensuring EV drivers can confidently explore regional attractions, addressing the current gap in charging availability beyond major coastal routes.
A new energy storage facility in New South Wales, Australia, has commenced operations, utilizing 144 Tesla Megapacks to provide an unprecedented eight hours of continuous discharge capacity. This RWE-developed project, known as Limondale, marks a significant milestone as the country's first long-duration grid battery, quadrupling the typical two-hour storage duration found in most Australian installations.
Finnish charging tech provider Kempower, in partnership with Australian EV charging specialist JET Charge, has completed the setup of a significant electric bus depot in Western Australia. This initiative supports the state's ambitious A$250 million plan to electrify its public bus fleet, replacing diesel models with locally built electric buses and upgrading necessary charging infrastructure.
Australia marked a significant milestone in August, with electric vehicles (EVs) collectively outselling gasoline-powered cars for the first time ever. Tesla played a pivotal role in this achievement, with the Model Y securing the top spot as the best-selling vehicle and Tesla becoming the third best-selling brand overall in the country.
Electric vehicle sales in Australia reached a historic milestone in August, surpassing conventional gasoline-powered cars for the first time. This surge, largely driven by Chinese-made models and Tesla's strong performance, saw BEVs capture nearly a quarter of the new car market.
Tesla has confirmed it is actively developing a localized version of its Full Self-Driving (FSD) v14 Lite software specifically for right-hand-drive markets in Oceania. This move marks a significant step toward expanding advanced driver-assistance features beyond North America, with a focus on adapting the system to unique regional road conditions and regulations.
Australian Clean Energy Electric Vehicles (ACE EV) is touring its new battery-electric utility vehicle, the 'Yewt,' and a corresponding minivan model across Australia. This move aims to showcase the vehicles' capabilities and reignite the country's domestic automotive manufacturing sector with locally designed and built EVs.
The U.S. government is bolstering its critical minerals supply chain by supporting an Australian rare earth mining company. This strategic move aims to reduce reliance on China for essential materials used in EV batteries and motors, particularly those sourced from the Lynas mine in Western Australia. The investment underscores a broader effort to secure the raw materials necessary for the burgeoning electric vehicle industry's growth.
Australia experienced its strongest month ever for electric vehicle sales, with seven different EV models each selling over 1,000 units. Notably, all of these top sellers are either built in China or come from Chinese-owned brands, highlighting China's growing influence in the global EV market. Even the chart-topping Tesla Model Y sold in Australia is manufactured in Shanghai.
Ford is currently selling a plug-in hybrid version of its Ranger pickup truck in Australia, offering a glimpse into what may eventually arrive stateside. This electrified Ranger pairs a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine with an electric motor, promising both efficiency and capable performance.
