Electric vehicle sales have halved, while plug-in hybrids (PHEV) continue their growth, according to the latest new vehicle sales data.
Only 73 electric vehicles have been sold in the Northern Territory in 2025, compared with 145 at the same time last year. Despite the axing of the Federal Government’s generous fringe benefits tax exemptions, PHEV sales are 140 per cent higher than at the same time last year.
Motor Trade Association SA/NT CEO (MTA) Darrell Jacobs said that PHEVs appeared to be emerging as a contender to meet Territory preferences for larger SUVs and utes, “It is not only new brands like the BYD Shark, but legacy brands like Ford with its Ranger plug-in hybrid fighting for a slice of the action”.
“With the NT’s third highest selling RAV4 offering a plug-in hybrid option in 2026, we expect more Territorians to be charging their vehicles in the years ahead” he added.
Sales data also indicated a challenging market for local dealers, with overall sales down by 2.1 per cent.
Mr Jacobs cautioned that recent rate relief was not an overnight fix to consumer buying power, “Industry reports tell us that consumers have become pickier and more patient with their purchase of their next vehicle.”
Mr Jacobs said that despite economic conditions, there has never been a better time to get a deal, “End of Financial Year sales have arrived and local dealers will have great offers on cars, accessories and extras to entice buyers.”
From July, the accumulation of emission units for potential penalties will commence for manufacturers under the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES).
Mr Jacobs cautioned there is a long road ahead in meeting ambitious NVES targets, “The NVES review scheduled for 2026 is vital to measuring its effectiveness and impact on motorists and local businesses alike.”
“Given local preferences for utes and SUVs, we don’t want to see Territorians left behind” he concluded.
TOP 5 New Vehicles – 2025 YTD
1 – Toyota Hilux 4×4 – 455*
2 – Toyota Prado – 392
3 – Toyota RAV4 – 231
4 – Toyota Landcruiser – 213
5 – Ford Ranger 4×4 – 171
*N.B. last month’s top 5 incorrectly stated 811 Toyota HiLux 4×4 sold due to a data source error, this should have been 332.
Zero and low emission vehicles sold in the NT in 2025
- Electric vehicles make up 1.7 per cent of all new cars sold in the Northern Territory, down 49.7 per cent compared to April 2024.
- Hybrid vehicles make up 15.5 per cent of all new cars sold in the Northern Territory, up 12.7 per cent compared to April 2024.
- Plug in hybrid vehicles make up 2.6 per cent of all new cars sold in the Northern Territory, up 139.1 per cent compared to April 2024.
ENDS
