The State of Electric Vehicles 2024 report showcases released by the Electric Vehicle Council, Australia’s progress and challenges in transitioning to electric mobility, a key strategy for reducing transport emissions and achieving net zero. With a surge in electric vehicle (EV) sales, expanded charging infrastructure, and growing interest in commercial EVs, the nation is on an upward trajectory. However, significant hurdles remain in policy consistency, regulatory reform, and incentives for light and heavy-duty vehicles.
Record EV Sales in 2024
Electric vehicle adoption has surged in Australia, with 85,319 units sold by September 2024, representing 9.5% of all new vehicle sales—a significant jump from 8.4% in 2023. By year-end, sales are projected to exceed 110,000 units, marking a new milestone in the Australian market.
- Market Leaders: Tesla continues to dominate, with the Tesla Model Y accounting for 20% of all EV sales. BYD models, including the Seal and Atto 3, are gaining traction, alongside the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.
- Global Context: Despite local growth, Australia’s EV adoption lags behind global leaders like Norway (90% EV market share) and the EU. Policy inconsistencies and premature withdrawal of incentives in states like New South Wales and Victoria have dampened momentum.
Expanding Model Availability
In 2024, Australians have access to 122 electric car models, comprising 78 battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and 44 plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). This marks a 50% increase in model variants since 2023, driven by manufacturers responding to policy shifts such as the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), set to commence in 2025.
- Commercial EVs: The availability of electric utes and vans has expanded, with 10 models now available, some remanufactured locally to meet Australian demand.
- Electric Trucks: Australia offers 18 distinct electric truck models, predominantly in the light- and medium-duty segments, catering to urban deliveries and ‘last-mile’ logistics.
Charging Infrastructure: Bridging the Gap
Australia’s charging network has seen significant growth, with over 1,059 fast and ultra-fast charging locations housing 1,849 chargers as of mid-2024. This represents a 90% increase compared to the previous year.
| Charging Type | Number of Locations |
|---|---|
| Fast (24-99 kW) | 680 |
| Ultra-Fast (100 kW+) | 379 |
Regional Highlights:
- New South Wales leads with 294 charging sites, followed by Victoria (268) and Queensland (192).
- Urban hubs remain well-serviced, but rural areas still lack adequate coverage, posing challenges for inter-regional travel.
Decarbonising Heavy Transport
Road freight accounts for nearly a quarter of Australia’s transport emissions. Electrifying trucks and vans is crucial to achieving the national target of a 43% emissions reduction by 2030 and net zero by 2050. The report highlights:
- Light Commercial Vehicles: Electrification is accelerating in last-mile delivery, with IKEA Australia achieving 60% zero-emission deliveries.
- Regulatory Barriers: Australia’s unique regulations, such as narrower allowable truck widths, limit access to internationally available models. Additionally, inconsistent road access rules hinder adoption.
- Incentives: Financial support for heavy EVs is fragmented. While corporate fleets benefit from grants, owner-operators—who account for 70% of trucks on Australian roads—often miss out.
| Vehicle Type | Number of Models Available |
|---|---|
| Light Rigid | Predominant (>80%) |
| Medium/Heavy Rigid | Growing Market |
| Prime Movers | Limited Availability |
Challenges in Policy and Incentives
Policy inconsistencies across states remain a significant barrier to EV adoption. While the Fringe Benefits Tax exemption has driven fleet uptake, the premature removal of state incentives risks shocking the market. The report urges governments to:
- Sustain financial incentives until EVs constitute at least 30% of national sales.
- Support used EV markets to improve affordability and accessibility.
- Harmonise regulations for EV model approvals and charging standards.
Future Outlook: Opportunities for Growth
The State of Electric Vehicles 2024 identifies several opportunities to bolster Australia’s EV transition: Released by the Electric Vehicle Council, this report provides insights into future pathways for growth:
- National Target: Achieving 50% EV sales by 2030 requires continued investment in infrastructure and incentives.
- Public Awareness: Addressing misinformation through education campaigns and EV experience events can dispel myths and build consumer confidence.
- Local Industry: Encouraging domestic manufacturing and recycling of EV components can create jobs and enhance economic resilience.
Conclusion
Australia’s journey towards electrified transport is well underway but requires sustained commitment from all levels of government and industry. Addressing regulatory barriers, expanding incentives, and investing in infrastructure will be critical to accelerating the transition. With strong policy frameworks and continued public-private collaboration, Australia has the potential to lead in the global shift towards sustainable mobility.
