Tesla Commands 70% of Australia's EV Market Despite Government's Pro-Coal Stance

Tesla commands 70% of Australia’s pure electric car market, according to The Driven’s estimates. The Tesla Model 3 was instrumental to the company’s leading position in Australia’s all-electric vehicle sector. 

Tesla’s growing presence in the country is quite a feat. The Australian government still strongly supports coal power, making it difficult for new energy tech, like plug-in vehicles—hybrid or all-electric--to break into the country. However, Tesla, along with other EVs in Australia, are starting to gain notice. 

In 2018, there were 2,216 electric vehicles sold in Australia, wrote the AU's Electric Vehicle Council in a report. For comparison, an estimated 2.1 million electric vehicles were sold worldwide, showing how much Australia lagged behind some other countries in the new energy transportation sector. 

However, 2019 showed some promise. In the first half of the year, EV sales increased by 90% compared to the same period in 2018 when just 670 electric vehicles were sold. In contrast, 1,277 vehicles were sold in the first half of 2019—excluding Tesla vehicles. 

The Driven estimates that Tesla sold a little over 3,000 Model 3 units in Australia last year, based on the EV company’s private estimates and confirmed registry data from registries, like NSW, until September 2019. Up until the third quarter of the year, Tesla sold 1,400 Model 3s, according to registry data. 

The Hyundai Kona was the second most-sold EV in 2019 with a record of 500 vehicles of the model. Next came the Nissan Leaf at 408, then the Hyundai Ioniq at 352. Based on The Driven’s EV sales model, Tesla also sold 250 Model X units and 150 Model S vehicles. 

Credit: The Driven

In total, over 5,216 EVs were sold in Australia last year. Out of all EV sales, 3,700 Tesla vehicles were sold, which means the Elon Musk-led company sold roughly 70% of pure electric cars in the country. For some perspective, the Model 3 alone accounted for about 60% of EV sales in Australia last year.

So within Australia's pure electric car market, Tesla’s sales are quite strong and show promise for growth in the future as interest in new energy vehicles continues to spread and develop within the region. This is especially impressive, especially considering the Australian government’s stance on coal. 

According to CGTN, Australia is the world’s largest exporter of coal. The country’s economy and growth have depended on coal for so long. As such, it won't be easy for Australia to transition to renewable energy. 

However, Australia does seem to be making strides in its private vehicle sector, as shown by Teslas growing presence and its competitors' increasing presence in the country. This means that Australia's transportation sector is making the transition to renewable energy, albeit slowly. 

Featured Image Credit: Tesla