Home topics news via pexels News News Australians bought 157K EVs last year, it needs to hit 240K in 2026 Yajush Gupta January 8, 2026 More than 157,000 EVs hit Australian roads last year, a record high, yet the nation needs 240,000 sales in 2026 to meet emissions targets, according to Electric Vehicle Council CEO. What’s happening : Electric vehicle sales in Australia increased 38% in 2025, with more than 157,000 EVs sold throughout the year. EVs now account for 13.1% of all new car sales, up from 9.6% in 2024. Why this matters : Industry leaders warn that continued growth depends on stable government policies, including the Electric Car Discount scheme currently under review ahead of the Federal Budget. The Electric Vehicle Council has released annual sales data showing electric vehicles achieved their strongest year yet in Australia, with a 38% rise in sales and a record-breaking December finish. December saw 16,303 EVs sold, capturing 16.7% of the new car market, the highest monthly share ever recorded. Of these, 10,384 were battery electric vehicles and 5,919 were plug-in hybrids. For the full calendar year, battery electric vehicle sales exceeded 100,000 for the first time, reaching 103,300, whilst plug-in hybrid sales almost doubled to 53,484. Julie Delvecchio, CEO of the Electric Vehicle Council, said the figures demonstrate electric vehicles have moved from niche to mainstream. “The annual scorecard is in, and a 38 per cent annual jump in sales shows an undeniable shift towards EVs,” Ms Delvecchio said. “Australians are