Tesla tops Aussie sales

Posted 20 July, 2026 Jeremy Rochow

In June, the Tesla Model Y was the nation’s best-selling vehicle for a second month running, according to VFACTS data.

More Australian new-car buyers bought the Tesla Model Y (8072 sales) in June 2026 than the ever-popular Toyota HiLux (5175 sales) and Ford Ranger (5999 sales). 

Accounting for more than 35 per cent of sales, electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles dominated the June rankings on the back of a recent increase in popularity. Chinese car maker BYD sold 18,881 vehicles in June – a mere 243 cars fewer than Toyota, the best-selling brand for the month. 

Fully electric vehicles (EVs) made up almost a quarter of all car sales for the last month of the financial year, with many of the car models in the top 10 being either hybrids or fully electric cars. 

Chinese-built vehicles – including Tesla, Polestar and BYD – accounted for about 39.6 per cent of all deliveries in June. 

RAA Principal Advisor Energy and Future Mobility Peter Nattrass says RAA expects EV interest to accelerate due to fuel prices remaining high. 

“South Australians are considering the cost of running their vehicles right now, and EVs are increasingly being seen as a good way to reduce the cost of driving,” Peter says. 

“The most-recent sales figures show that those who are in the market for a new-car are increasingly considering an electric option, whether it’s a plug-in hybrid or fully electric model. 

“We’re seeing a clear shift where more motorists are moving beyond thinking about buying to committing to buy electric vehicles, particularly after they learn more about the potential savings on fuel and maintenance.”

Looking to buy an EV? Here’s what you should consider before you start searching for a new vehicle.