Electric vehicles are gaining ground in Australia at a record pace, accounting for 16.4 per cent of all new car sales in April 2026 – roughly one in every six vehicles sold.

The latest figures come as the broader new car market also shows resilience, with 92,591 vehicles sold in April, up 2.2 per cent on the same month last year despite ongoing global uncertainty and the prospect of further interest rate rises.

Industry leaders say a combination of improved supply, rising fuel prices and government incentives is now translating into stronger demand for EVs.

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Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) chief executive Tony Weber said the growing availability of electric models has played a key role, alongside policy support such as the Electric Car Discount.

“There are now around 110 EV models available to Australian buyers, and supply continues to increase,” Weber said. “That’s helping drive stronger uptake across the market.”

Weber added that the continuation of the Electric Car Discount would help sustain momentum, though he warned infrastructure investment must keep pace.

“Stronger EV uptake is driving increased demand for public charging, and that demand must be matched by a step change in both public and private investment,” he said.

The April results also highlighted shifting brand dynamics. Toyota remained the market leader with 15,185 sales, but BYD sold the second highest number with 7,702 vehicles, capturing 8.3 per cent of the market. The result underscores the rapid rise of Chinese manufacturers, which collectively accounted for around 30 per cent of total sales during the month.

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Mazda, Kia, Ford and Hyundai rounded out the top-six selling brands.

Among individual models, the Toyota RAV4 led the charts with 3,729 sales, narrowly ahead of the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux. Notably, several electrified or hybrid-focused models featured strongly, including the Hyundai Kona and BYD Sealion 7, reflecting changing buyer preferences.

The figures point to a market in transition, with electric vehicles moving further into the mainstream as supply expands and more buyers weigh alternatives to traditional petrol-powered cars.