Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) accounted for 23.1% of Australia’s new vehicle sales in October 2026, nearly three times their 7.3% share a year earlier, as the market recorded 24,845 BEV sales.
According to data from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), Australia recorded 103,325 new vehicle registrations during the month, an increase of 3.8% compared with October 2025. Including brands such as Tesla and Polestar, which are not covered by the VFACTS reporting system, total sales across all channels reached 107,493 units, up 6.8% year over year.
The growth in electric vehicle sales contrasted with declines in conventional powertrains. Petrol vehicle sales fell 35.9% year over year in October, while diesel sales decreased 14.7%.
BEV Demand Supported by Market Competition and Fuel Prices
FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber said consumers were benefiting from increased competition among vehicle brands, models and technologies. He noted that BEVs accounted for 23.1% of sales from all sources, compared with 7.3% in October 2025.
“Australia’s open and competitive market has put consumers in the driver’s seat, with more choice across brands, technologies, features and price points,”
Weber said competition, continuing instability in the Middle East, higher fuel prices and federal government tax concessions had contributed to strong BEV demand throughout 2026.
“Consumers are making rational choices and are attracted to options that reduce their costs. Despite continuing pressure on household budgets and higher borrowing costs in 2026, the October result shows there is extraordinary resilience in new vehicle demand,”
He also highlighted the need for charging infrastructure to expand alongside electric vehicle adoption.
“This increase in new vehicle demand, especially BEVs, must be supported by reliable and accessible charging infrastructure that keeps pace with demand.”
China Becomes Australia’s Largest Vehicle Import Source
China supplied 37,503 vehicles under the VFACTS reporting scope in October, an increase of 94% year over year. The total represented 36.3% of Australia’s reported new vehicle market.
Japan was the second-largest source, accounting for 23.3% of imports, followed by Thailand at 17.9% and South Korea at 9.2%.
The figures reflect the growing presence of Chinese automakers in Australia’s vehicle market, with several brands featuring among the country’s leading manufacturers and models.
Toyota Leads Brand Sales as BYD Takes Second Place
Toyota led Australia’s new vehicle sales in October with 20,649 units. BYD ranked second with 10,025 vehicles, followed by Ford with 7,310.
Kia recorded 5,801 sales, while Mazda delivered 5,730 vehicles. Other brands in the top 10 were MG with 4,676 units, Hyundai with 4,571, GWM with 4,417, Geely with 4,365 and Chery with 4,317.
Toyota HiLux Tops Model Rankings
The Toyota HiLux was Australia’s best-selling vehicle in October, with 5,954 units, followed by the Ford Ranger at 4,841 and Toyota RAV4 at 4,718.
BYD’s Sealion 7 ranked fourth with 2,524 sales, ahead of the Toyota Prado at 2,397. The Chery Tiggo 4 Pro recorded 2,178 sales, while the BYD Atto 2 reached 1,943.
The BYD Shark 6 and Geely EX5 also entered the top 10, with 1,843 and 1,789 sales, respectively. The Ford Everest completed the ranking with 1,741 units.
