Australia’s new vehicle market has undergone a dramatic transformation so far in 2026, with a big influx of models and growing competition helping electric cars reach new sales highs. While Tesla continues to dominate the top of the charts, Chinese manufacturers are rapidly closing the gap, with brands including BYD, Geely, Zeekr and Jaecoo establishing themselves as major players.

It’s also clear that Australians have a preferred type of electric vehicle: the SUV. Nine of the 10 best-selling EVs so far this year are in that segment, with the Tesla Model 3 the only sedan to make the top 10. Regardless of bodystyle, electric cars outsold petrol-powered vehicles in Australia during August, September and October. But which electric cars are proving most popular?

Using sales figures for the first 10 months of 2026 from both VFACTS and the Electric Vehicle Council, we’ve counted down Australia’s 10 best-selling EVs, from 10th place all the way to the country’s undisputed favourite. Let’s get started:

10. Kia EV3: 5045 sales

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Kicking off the top 10 is the Kia EV3, the Korean manufacturer’s smallest dedicated electric SUV. Positioned below the larger EV5 and EV6, the EV3 combines distinctive styling with a practical cabin, competitive driving range and a relatively accessible price for an electric SUV.

Its compact dimensions make it particularly appealing to urban buyers, while the availability of larger battery options means it can also handle longer journeys. With 5045 sales recorded between January and October, the EV3 has helped Kia establish a stronger foothold in Australia’s increasingly competitive electric vehicle market.

9. BYD Atto 3: 5070 sales

White SUV driving on an elevated city highway with tall modern buildings in the background
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The BYD Atto 3 has been one of the most important EVs to arrive in Australia in recent years as it was BYD’s first mainstream product locally and helped introduce the Chinese manufacturer to thousands of local buyers. Although both newer and cheaper models have joined BYD’s line-up, the Atto 3 remains popular thanks to its packaging, generous standard equipment and competitive pricing.

The Atto 3 also helped establish BYD’s reputation for offering EVs with extensive equipment lists at prices that undercut many established manufacturers. Its 5070 sales so far in 2026 shows that the original BYD electric SUV continues to do a great job of attracting buyers, despite growing competition from within the brand’s own showrooms.

8. Kia EV5: 5175 sales

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The Kia EV5 medium electric SUV competes in one of Australia’s most popular vehicle segments, offering family-friendly dimensions, a spacious interior and a choice of battery and drivetrain configurations.

Its more upright SUV proportions also separate it from some of Kia’s more futuristic electric models, potentially making it an easier transition for buyers moving away from older vehicles. Together, the EV5 and smaller EV3 account for the majority of Kia’s electric vehicle sales in Australia this year.

7. Tesla Model 3: 6720 sales

Red Tesla car speeding along a winding coastal highway, with rocky cliffs on the left and blue sea on the right under a clear sky.
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The Tesla Model 3 remains Australia’s most popular electric sedan, although its sales are now considerably lower than those of its SUV sibling. With 6720 deliveries recorded to the end of October, the Model 3 is the only sedan to feature among Australia’s 10 best-selling EVs.

Despite the insane popularity of SUVs, the Model 3 continues to offer a strong combination of driving range, performance, technology and access to Tesla’s charging ecosystem.

Its aerodynamic design and efficient electric powertrain also make it particularly well suited to longer-distance driving. However, the arrival of newer electric sedans from Chinese manufacturers means the Model 3 now faces more competition than ever before.

6. BYD Atto 2 EV: 9126 sales

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One of BYD’s newer additions to the Australian market, the Atto 2 has quickly established itself as a popular choice among buyers looking for an affordable electric SUV. Smaller than the Atto 3, the Atto 2 offers compact dimensions, a practical interior and the appeal of a fully electric drivetrain without the higher price tag associated with many medium SUVs.

Its success also shows the growing demand for more affordable electric vehicles, particularly as Chinese manufacturers continue introducing models at increasingly competitive prices. Thanks to its competitive pricing and solid list of features, the Atto 2 has already overtaken several more established electric vehicles.

5. Jaecoo J5 EV: 10,266 sales

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Perhaps one of the more surprising entries in the top five is the Jaecoo J5 EV. The electric small SUV’s sales so far this year put it ahead of several better-known electric models. Jaecoo, which operates under the Chery group, has rapidly expanded its Australian presence with a range of competitively priced SUVs.

The J5 EV’s appeal centres on its value, contemporary styling and generous equipment levels. Its strong sales performance is a great example of just how quickly relatively new Chinese brands can establish themselves in Australia’s electric vehicle market.

4. Zeekr 7X: 12,241 sales

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The Zeekr 7X has emerged as one of Australia’s most successful premium SUVs in a relatively short timeframe. Owned by giant Geely, Zeekr positions itself as a more premium EV brand, with the 7X targeting established rivals including the Tesla Model Y.

The medium SUV offers a high-tech interior, distinctive styling and a choice of powertrains, including high-performance all-wheel-drive variants. It also features an advanced electrical architecture designed to support rapid DC charging. Its fourth-place ranking is particularly significant given Zeekr’s relatively recent arrival in Australia, demonstrating growing consumer interest in premium Chinese electric vehicles.

3. Geely EX5: 14,534 sales

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Geely’s return to the Australian market has been a major success so far, with the EX5 becoming the country’s third-best-selling electric vehicle so far in 2026. The medium SUV’s 14,534 sales during the first 10 months of the year, placing it ahead of established models from Tesla, Kia and BYD.

The EX5 was the first vehicle introduced under Geely’s latest Australian expansion, offering a spacious cabin, extensive standard equipment and competitive pricing. Its combination of practicality and value has helped it attract buyers in the increasingly crowded electric medium SUV segment.

2. BYD Sealion 7: 22,488 sales

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BYD’s Sealion 7 has established itself as the strongest challenger to the Tesla Model Y, combining coupe-inspired styling with a spacious interior, generous equipment and competitive pricing.

Available with rear- and all-wheel-drive powertrains, the Sealion 7 competes directly with Tesla’s best-selling SUV while offering buyers an alternative from one of the world’s largest electric vehicle manufacturers. Its popularity has helped cement BYD’s position as a major force in the Australian new-car market.

1. Tesla Model Y: 39,035 sales

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Despite increasingly fierce competition, the Tesla Model Y remains Australia’s undisputed electric vehicle sales champion, establishing a commanding lead over its nearest rival, the BYD Sealion 7. In fact, the electric SUV has even outsold the Toyota RAV4, one of Australia’s most popular vehicles regardless of powertrain, which recorded 35,927 sales over the same period.

The Model Y’s success can be attributed to its spacious interior, competitive driving range, strong performance and access to Tesla’s extensive charging network. Updates to the Model Y have also introduced revised styling, improved refinement and additional technology, helping maintain its appeal in a rapidly evolving market.

Although BYD and other Chinese manufacturers are continuing to close the gap, the Model Y remains the vehicle to beat. With almost 40,000 sales already recorded this year, the Model Y is not only Australia’s favourite electric car, but one of the country’s most popular new vehicles overall.