New BEV market growth continues at pace in Australia
22 April 2026
February continued a strong start to 2026 for battery-electric vehicle (BEV) sales in Australia. New and established carmakers are competing for ground in the country, but which models are leading the way so far? James Roberts, Autovista24 web editor, investigates.
In total, 11,101 new BEVs were sold in Australia during February, according to the latest data from EV Volumes. This was a rise from 5,707 in February 2025, marking a year-on-year increase of 94.5%.
After the first two months of 2026, BEV sales reached 18,656 units, up from 9,577 in the same period of 2025. This meant that BEV numbers increased by 94.8% in Australia.
So far, 2026 has confirmed Australia’s BEV market as a crucible of intensifying competition. In particular, the established fixture of Tesla is facing a challenge to its supremacy with multiple model offerings from BYD. Added to this mix, Geely, along with its Zeekr brand, are disrupting the established all-electric order.
Tesla on top in February
For now, Tesla remains at the top of Australia’s BEV model chart, thanks to a strong performance from its Model Y in February. It captured 25.1% of the overall BEV market, up 8.9 percentage points (pp) compared with 12 months prior.
The venerable BEV saw 2,791 units delivered in the month, ensuring a 202.1% year-on-year volume upswing. This was a record February result for the model, with Tesla often posting more sales during end-of-quarter months.
Taking into account total BEV sales two months of the year, the Model Y led the way with 3,079 units. This was good enough for a 16.5% market share.
In second, BYD’s BEV challenger the Sealion 7 saw 1,327 vehicles reach customers in Australia. A huge 745.2% boost in year-on-year sales affirmed the domestic popularity of the all-electric SUV. This was coupled with a BEV market share of 12%, up 9.2pp year on year.
February marked 12 months of sales for the Sealion 7, recording 15,908 deliveries in that period, according to EV Volumes. This places it as the fourth best-selling BEV overall in Australia.
Combining January and February’s data, the Sealion 7 was hot on the heels of the Model Y. It trailed the US BEV by 581 units, with 2,498 sales and a 13.4% market share.
Changing of the BEV market guard?
The Zeekr 7X rounded out Australia’s BEV top three in February. After six months on the market, the mid-sized SUV saw 628 units leave forecourts in the month. This ensured a 5.7% share. It also held third place after two months of the year, with 1,046 deliveries and a 5.6% market share.
Despite a 27.7% year-on-year volume drop, the Tesla Model 3 secured fourth with 483 units sold. This did mean the US BEV’s market share fell to 4.4%, a year-on-year decline of 7.3pp.
February confirmed the Geely EX5 as a serious player in Australia. The Chinese SUV saw 416-unit sales, putting it fifth. This continued an unbroken streak of triple-digit sales since its launch in March 2025. It carved out a 3.7% BEV market share in the month.
Sixth went to a relative BEV market veteran in the shape of the MG4. Since its launch in August 2023, the compact hatchback has sold 13,719 units. In February it saw a robust 406 deliveries, a respectable result for the model.
However, this performance was overshadowed by increased competition. Amid a 10% year-on-year fall in sales, the MG4 saw its market share slide by 4.2pp.
BYD making wider BEV market waves
On the back of a promising January, a trio of BYD BEVs continued a strong top 10 showing in February. More importantly, the Chinese manufacturer made a considerable impact in the year-to-date table.
After almost three and a half years in the Australian market, the BYD Atto 3 remained popular in the month. This was affirmed by the model taking seventh with 384 units sold, marking a 178.3% year-on-year surge. This helped increase the Chinese BEV’s market share up by 1.1pp to 3.5%.
The BYD Atto 1 secured ninth place. Joining the Australian BEV market in late 2025, this small and affordable EV has hit the ground running. The month returned a second, triple-digit volume, with 349 sales and a 3.1% market share.
Rounding out the top 10 was the BYD Atto 2. This small SUV is emerging as a popular choice for BEV customers in Australia. It is also proving to be a genuine market disruptor. February saw a fourth month on the market, and 347 sales.
However, it is in the year-to-date stakes where this small BEV impresses. Cumulative sales so far this year place the Atto 2 as the fourth best-selling BEV, with 909 units. As Australia’s most affordable SUV, according to RACV, its impressive 4.9% market share will surely grow this year.
Despite not making the February top 10, a consistent performance helped the BYD Seal finished eighth two months into 2026. It gained with 597 sales in that period.
Will Chery be on top in 2026?
February also saw strong showings from Chery-owned brands. In just its second month on the BEV market, the Jaecoo J5 secured eighth with 369 sales and a 3.3% market share.
This strong start was enough to ensure 10th place in the cumulative standings. In total, 584 units made their way to customers across January and February.
Sister brand Omoda also enjoyed a strong start to 2026. The company’s E5 BEV reached 299 sales, placing it 16th with combined January and February volumes.
