Sales of electric vehicles have struggled to increase their market share in South Australia, while hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles continue their growth trend, according to the latest new vehicle sales data.
Despite the axing of the Federal Government’s generous fringe benefits tax exemptions, PHEV sales are 170 per cent higher than at the same time last year. In contrast, 25 per cent fewer electric vehicles were sold when compared to the same time last year.
Motor Trade Association SA/NT CEO (MTA) Darrell Jacobs said that PHEVs are meeting Australian 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 South Australia’s top selling RAV4 offering a plug-in hybrid option in 2026, fully electric vehicles have a lot of competition on the way” he added.
Sales data also indicated a challenging market for local dealers, with overall sales down by 5 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.”
TOP 5 New Vehicles – 2025 YTD
1 – Toyota RAV4 1,689
2 – Ford Ranger 4×4 1,285
3 – Toyota HiLux 4×4 1,078
4 – Toyota Prado 981
5 – Mitsubishi Outlander 923
Zero and low emission vehicles sold in SA in 2025
- Electric vehicles make up 5.6 per cent of all new cars sold in South Australia, down 25.7 per cent compared to May 2024.
- Hybrid vehicles make up 17.4 per cent of all new cars sold in South Australia, up 13.2 per cent compared to May 2024.
- Plug in hybrid vehicles make up 3.8 per cent of all new cars sold in South Australia, up 168.4 per cent compared to May 2024.
ENDS
