EV sales boom comes with warning

EV sales continue to surge in South Australia, registering a 204 per cent year-on-year increase in 2023.

That record growth matched unprecedented new vehicle sales across all categories in SA (79,009) and nationally (1,216,780).

SA’s EV growth of 204 per cent compares to the national average increase of approximately 160 per cent.

The number of EVs on SA roads now totals approximately 8,400, which is 0.5 per cent of the total car parc.

However, future growth could be put at risk from a range of measures, including the axing of EV incentives (see story on page 25).

Nationally, battery electric vehicles accounted for 7.2 per cent of sales with combined battery electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid vehicles achieving 196,868 sales or 16.2 per cent of new vehicle sales in 2023.

There are now 87 EV models across 21 brands in Australia.

Tesla continues to be the top-selling EV brand accounting for more than 50 per cent of sales. Its Model Y ranked sixth overall in new car sales, selling 28,769 units nationally.

China manufactured approximately 75% of the 87,217 EVs sold in Australia last year.

MTA comment

“2023 was a game changer in the uptake of electric vehicles,” said Motor Trade Association CEO Darrell Jacobs.

“South Australia’s transition to zero and low emission vehicles is well underway.

“But vehicle affordability, charging and road infrastructure, and an appropriately skilled workforce remain top priorities if ambitions for the decarbonisation of transport are to be realised.”

SOUTH AUSTRALIA’S 2023 SALES DATA INCLUDED:

Full battery electric vehicles:

5.7 % of new vehicles sold

Traditional hybrids:

9.5% of new vehicles sold

Plug-in hybrids:

1.1% of new vehicles sold