Australia sells more electrified cars than petrol cars for the first time

It seems that electric cars are not as popular as had been expected. Buyers’ distrust appears to have dampened the expectations placed on them. But the reality is that they are selling more and more and gaining market share at a pace that may not be as fast as anticipated, but a healthy one nonetheless.

The case of Norway is the best known, since electric cars are the most common type on the country’s market. But other countries are gradually giving this type of vehicle a greater presence on their roads. Australia has just become one of these countries, since for the first time, sales of electrified cars have overtaken those of petrol cars.

December’s figures mark a turning point in the electric car market in Australia. In the last month of the year, 35,058 hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles were sold, compared with 34,559 petrol vehicles sold over the same period.

The difference is minimal, but it marks a trend that is taking hold and could tip the Australian market in 2026. Throughout 2025, a total of 355,887 vehicles with some form of electrification were sold, representing a market share of 28.6%. Of these, 103,270 were electric. In other words, 8.3% of the market was battery electric cars.

It is important to note that most of these electrified vehicles originate in China. Brands such as BYD, Zeekr, MG, XPENG and Geely have led electrified car sales. Several small, affordable electric models are expected to reach Australia throughout 2026, which could push sales even higher in 2026.

On an annual basis, petrol cars still lead sales, although this year electrified cars could overtake combustion-engine cars without electric assistance for the top spot.