Australia has just recorded its highest-ever month for electric vehicle sales, with seven different EVs each surpassing 1,000 units sold in June 2026. Remarkably, every one of these top sellers is either Chinese-owned or Chinese-built—including the Tesla Model Y, which leads the chart and is manufactured in Shanghai. This marks a notable moment in the evolution of the Australian EV market.
Record-Breaking Month for EV Sales
According to data reported by The Driven, June 2026 saw a significant milestone for electric vehicles in Australia. For the first time, seven EV models each achieved over 1,000 monthly sales. Previously, only one or two models—typically the Tesla Model Y, Model 3, or BYD Sealion 7—would reach this threshold.
In June, five new Chinese models joined the established leaders, while the Tesla Model 3 dropped to 12th place. The top seven EVs for the month were the Tesla Model Y (8,072 units), BYD Sealion 7 (4,730), BYD Atto 2 (2,482), Geely EX5 (2,303), Omoda Jaecoo J5 (2,096), Zeekr 7X (1,868), and MG4 Urban (1,015).
Chinese Brands Dominate the Australian EV Market
BYD, Geely, Omoda Jaecoo, Zeekr, and MG are all Chinese brands, with MG having been owned by China’s SAIC since 2007. This accounts for six of the seven best-sellers. The only exception by brand is Tesla, but the Model Y and Model 3 sold in Australia are produced at Gigafactory Shanghai.
Australia has imported right-hand-drive Model Ys and Model 3s from Shanghai since 2022. The new three-row Model Y L, which just launched in Australia, is also a Shanghai-built export, making Australia the first market outside China to receive it.
Affordability Drives Sales
Price is a key factor in the success of these models. The BYD Atto 2, Omoda Jaecoo J5, and MG4 Urban are all available for under A$40,000 (~$27,759) in Australia, while the Geely EX5 is priced below A$50,000 (~$34,698).
Notably, none of these models were present in the Australian market before June 2025, highlighting the rapid change in available options for buyers.
Japanese Brands Lose Ground
Japanese automakers, once dominant in Australia, now have a minimal presence in the EV segment. Only three Japanese EVs are among the top 50 electrics so far in 2026: the Toyota bZ4X (15th), Subaru Solterra (30th), and Subaru Trailseeker (47th).
EV Market Share Hits New Highs
Electric vehicles accounted for 23.5% of all new car sales in Australia in June 2026. The Australian Capital Territory led the way, with EVs making up 43.5% of the market.
The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries has acknowledged a ‘structural shift’ in the Australian car market, reflecting the growing role of electric vehicles.
Why this matters
The June 2026 sales figures provide a clear picture of the changing dynamics in Australia’s automotive sector. Chinese-made vehicles now dominate the EV market, and even the top-selling Tesla Model Y is produced in Shanghai.
This shift underscores the increasing influence of Chinese manufacturing and brands in Australia, while also highlighting the challenges faced by traditional automakers from Japan and elsewhere.
What this means for buyers
Australian consumers now have access to a wider range of affordable EVs, many of which were not available just a year ago. Buyers looking for electric vehicles under A$40,000 (~$27,759) have more options than ever before.
With EVs taking a larger share of the market, shoppers should expect continued competition on price and features, especially from Chinese brands. Those considering a switch to electric may find this a favorable time to explore the latest models.
Key Specs
- Tesla Model Y June 2026 Sales: 8,072 units
- BYD Sealion 7 June 2026 Sales: 4,730 units
- BYD Atto 2 June 2026 Sales: 2,482 units
- Geely EX5 June 2026 Sales: 2,303 units
- Omoda Jaecoo J5 June 2026 Sales: 2,096 units
- Zeekr 7X June 2026 Sales: 1,868 units
- MG4 Urban June 2026 Sales: 1,015 units
- EV Market Share (June 2026): 23.5% (Australia), 43.5% (ACT)
Source
Images sourced from: electrek.co, motortrend.com, capitalone.com
