EVs on sales charge but utes still ride high
Full battery electric vehicles have outsold hybrids for the first time in South Australia, but SUVs are still the most popular purchase as total new car sales jumped by 11 per cent.
Photo: AAP
The Motor Trade Association said that EVs had recorded a sales boom since 2022.
“South Australian electric vehicle sales have increased this year by 254 per cent,” MTA SA/NT CEO Darrell Jacobs said.
“And for the first time ever in South Australia, battery electric vehicles have outsold hybrids.”
So far this year, 3515 EVs have been sold in SA, with 433 full battery EVs leaving showrooms in October alone, compared to 405 hybrids.
Tesla remains the most popular brand with 1716 local sales this year, with Chinese brand BYD second on 652 sales.
Kia, Hyundai, Cupra and Porsche also collectively accounted for more than 200 EV sales.
“Tesla commands its lead as the top EV brand in the state, but recent models released by BYD and other manufacturers are increasing competition in the race towards more affordable electric vehicles,” Jacobs said.
The MTA said the State of Electric Vehicles report for July, released on Monday, found sales of battery-powered cars soared by 121 per cent over the past year, with more EVs sold in the first six months of 2023 than throughout all of 2022.
The entry of three electric cars priced below $40,000 into Australian showrooms was expected to further boost sales.
But while EVs are on the rise, SUVs continue to rule the state’s roads.
Toyota Hilux was SA’s most popular vehicle, with 3090 sold so far in 2023.
Ford’s Ranger was second with 2911 sales, followed by Toyota’s RAV4 with 1845, Isuzu’s D-Max with 1801 and Mitsubishi’s Outlander on 1778.
More than 62,000 new cars have been sold in SA so far this year – an 11 per cent increase on the 55,704 sold in 2022.
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