EVs are charging ahead in Australia.
Moves by some regions, such as New South Wales releasing its EV strategy and incentives, may partially reflect in the latest boost for electrics demonstrated in the VFACTS figures released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI).
Electric passenger vehicle sales rose by 78.9% in June this year (161) compared with the previous June (90) and were up 106.7% year-to-date (YTD) from 415 in 2020 to 858 now.
June is traditionally strong for new vehicle sales, marking the end of the financial year, FCAI chief executive Tony Weber saying the result is consistent with buying patterns usually recorded at this time of year.
He says that’s in spite of some states being forced into COVID-19 lockdowns towards the end of June.
EVs also did well in the popular SUV category during June – rising 311.6% from 86 in June last year to 354 for June 2021.
That’s reflected in YTD sales as well – electrics going from 343 to 1330, up 287.8%.
Hybrid sales went well in the SUV category too, increasing by 100.6% from 1905 in June 2020 to 3822 for the month just gone, and rising 98.2% in YTD sales (11,396 to 22,587).
Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) recorded 272 sales in June 2021 – up 67.9% on the previous June’s 162, and recording a 113.8% increase in YTD sales (from 578 to 1236).
Hybrids, hydrogen powered fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs) and PHEVs didn’t fare too well in the passenger segment, hybrid sales dropping 13.6% in June comparisons, and both PHEVs and hydrogen showing zero growth.
Light commercial electrics showed 11 sales during June with zero recorded in June last year, while YTD figures were up 123.1% from 13 to 29.
If other regions follow New South Wales’ example in encouraging EV uptake then later VFACTS figures should reflect that.
But Weber sounds a cautionary warning, saying delivery challenges “caused by microprocessor shortages and bottlenecks in the supply chain” have yet to be fully resolved.
“It is our expectation that these issues will begin to be resolved as the global economy continues to recover from the impacts of COVID-19,” he says.
“Right now, we would expect customer demand across all segments to remain strong in the second half of 2021 which has the market on track to return to a result in excess of one million vehicles.”
Of course, whether the federal government steps up on EVs is another question hanging over Australia, although EV incentives coming from various states could force its hand.
