Model Y Reigns Supreme in EV Market as 2023 Sales Break the 55,000 Barrier

In 2023, the Tesla Model Y maintained its strong foothold in Australia’s expanding electric vehicle market, which saw over 55,000 EVs sold this year. 

August data from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries showed a 15.4% increase in new car sales, totaling nearly 110,000 for the month.

Even though the EV market share dipped slightly to 6.4% of all cars sold, Tesla remained a top player, ranking eighth overall with 32,820 cars sold this year. The Model Y didn’t make it to the list of the Top 5 cars sold in August, despite 2,314 units sold. 

Tesla is expected to record more sales in September, having shipped over 10 vessel-loads of cars.

Tesla’s Model 3 came back as the second most popular EV, narrowly beating the BYD 3. The MG4, an affordable model priced under $40,000, sold 296 units in August and secured the fifth position. Another budget-friendly model, the GWM Ora, sold 90 units.

The Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, and Toyota Rav4 led the month’s overall vehicle sales, which also included contributions from EVs like the MG ZS. Tony Weber, CEO of the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, said that increasing consumer interest in eco-friendly tech contributed to the growth in sales of electric, plug-in, and hybrid vehicles. 

In August, over one in six new cars sold featured low-emission technologies.