Home topics technology Credit: CHUTTERSNAP Tech Tech Aussies shatter electric vehicle sales records in 2023 Yajush Gupta January 5, 2024 A lot of Australians are now driving electric cars, breaking records for how many they’re buying in 2023. More people are choosing electric cars because they’re getting great discounts, there are many new models available, and more people are interested in them. This is a big moment for how we travel in cars. Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries data released today shows there were 98,217 new BEV and PHEV passenger and SUV sales in Australia in 2023 (11.03% of total passenger vehicle and SUV sales), up from just 39,294 (5.05% of total passenger vehicle and SUV sales) the year before. NALSPA chief executive Rohan Martin said the federal government’s EV Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) exemption has been a game-changer for everyday working Australians considering the switch to zero or low emissions cars. “The year 2023 witnessed a significant surge in new EV annual sales in Australia, with the FBT exemption being a crucial catalyst amongst other drivers, including improved new vehicle supply,” Mr Martin said. “More Australians than ever before are purchasing an electric vehicle. They are cheaper to run compared to petrol cars and through government discounts and novated leasing options they have never been more affordable. “We remain optimistic electric vehicle sales will continue to accelerate this year as awareness about the benefits of EVs and the EV FBT exemption grows, and supply continues to improve. Improved supply