Australia hits ev milestone as gas cars drop below 70% market share

Australia has reached a significant electric vehicle milestone, with battery-powered cars capturing nearly 10% of new vehicle sales for the first time while traditional gas-powered vehicles slipped below 70% market share—a historic shift in the country’s automotive landscape.

According to the latest data from the Australian Automobile Association (AAA), electric vehicles represented 9.7% of all new car purchases during the third quarter of 2024, marking the highest proportion ever recorded in Australia. When combined with hybrid vehicles, alternative fuel cars now command more than 30% of the new car market, signaling a dramatic acceleration in the country’s transition away from fossil fuel-powered transportation.

This surge in EV adoption reflects growing consumer confidence in electric vehicle technology, improved charging infrastructure, and increasing model availability from major automakers. The trend also suggests Australian buyers are responding to both environmental concerns and the long-term economic benefits of electric driving, including lower fuel and maintenance costs.

The milestone comes as Australia continues to lag behind other developed nations in EV adoption rates, but the rapid growth indicates the country may be entering a critical tipping point. With government incentives, expanding charging networks, and more affordable EV options entering the market, industry experts predict this momentum will continue accelerating through 2025. The shift represents a crucial step toward reducing Australia’s transportation emissions, which account for nearly 20% of the nation’s total greenhouse gas output.