Record-breaking momentum for low-emission vehicles has reshaped the South Australian new car market, with electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) cementing a noticeable shift in consumer behaviour over the first six months of 2026.
The half-year results reveal a consistent month-on-month trend: motorists are shifting away from traditional fuel types according to the latest vehicle sales data. EVs and PHEVs now account for a historic 23.1 per cent of all new vehicle sales in South Australia for 2026. This milestone means that nearly one in every four new vehicles sold in the state now plugs in to recharge.
Motor Trade Association SA/NT (MTA) CEO Darrell Jacobs said the mid-year data highlights that the transition to low-emission motoring has moved past early adopters.
“What we have seen over the last three months is a sustained, structural realignment of consumer preferences,” Mr Jacobs said. “The recent spikes in fuel prices fundamentally changed people’s attitudes and preferences.
More motorists are considering an electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid vehicle than ever before. While our regions may take longer to convince, it is definitely on the metro motorist’s mind.”
The shifting supply dynamics also triggered a historic shake-up in the monthly standings
Industry indicators show a significant increase of EV sales in June. The Tesla Model Y secured a dominant spot in the top five selling vehicles for South Australia for June. The Electric Vehicle Council does not publish state-specific data on individual models, but all indications point to the Tesla Model Y potentially being South Australia’s best-selling vehicle in June.
However, Mr Jacobs warned that a growing divide in industry reporting is threatening the transparency needed to guide the sector’s future, particularly ahead of major federal policy milestones. “This continued fragmentation of vehicle data is unhelpful,” Mr Jacobs said.
“With a critical review of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) approaching, decision-makers need consistent and comprehensive data to make informed decisions.”
“Unfortunately, Tesla, Polestar, and the Electric Vehicle Council have taken an ideological approach by choosing not to report their figures through the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries VFACTS report. Restricting data makes it harder for the industry to plan and harder for governments to build effective policy. If we want to bring everyone along for the ride, we need transparency, not selective reporting” Mr Jacobs concluded.
As the market enters the second half of the year, all eyes will be on whether this rapid trajectory will sustain.
“While pain at the pump accelerated this transition, we are now entering a period of stabilising fuel prices,” Mr Jacobs noted.
“The big question for the next six months is whether the explosive growth in EVs and PHEVs will sustain its current pace, or if it will be tempered by a cooling global oil market.”
Top 5 selling new cars in SA in June 2026 YTD
- Ford Ranger: 1,627 purchased
- Toyota HiLux: 1,541 purchased
- Mitsubishi Outlander: 1,170 purchased
- Toyota Rav4: 1,105 purchased
- Mazda CX-5: 1,041 purchased
Zero and low emission vehicles sold in SA in June 2026
Electric vehicles make up 15.3 per cent of all new cars sold in South Australia, up 143.8 per cent compared to June 2025.
Hybrid vehicles make up 17.8 per cent of all new cars sold in South Australia, up 7.1 per cent compared to June 2025.
Plug in hybrid vehicles make up 7.8 per cent of all new cars sold in South Australia, up 98.4 per cent compared to June 2025.
ENDS
