Charging Networks Meet Holiday Demand
Electric vehicle sales in Australia soared to 22.9% of all light vehicle sales in March 2026, marking a historic high. This surge corresponded with increased road travel over the Easter long weekend, highlighting a growing shift towards EVs among Australians.
According to Julie Delvecchio, CEO of the Electric Vehicle Council, the overall car market tightened by 3% in March, yet electric vehicles captured a 22.9% market share. This marked the first time EVs reached such a significant portion of the automotive market.
A total of 24,054 electric vehicles were sold in March, breaking down into 15,839 battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and 8,215 plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Sales have grown by 69.6% year-to-date compared to 2025, demonstrating a robust upward trend.
Key factors driving this surge include soaring petrol prices and the Electric Car Discount, making EVs affordable for over 100,000 Australians. Julie Delvecchio remarked, “This growth is driven by a fuel crisis and the Electric Car Discount – a policy that’s working.”
Public Charging Networks Handle Increased Usage
Public charging networks experienced heightened usage during the Easter weekend. The NRMA reported a 100% increase in energy delivered year-on-year, reflecting strong network performance under increased demand. Meanwhile, the RAA Charge network in Adelaide saw session times double compared to the previous year’s holiday period.
To address growing demand, the Electric Vehicle Council is advocating for a national charging plan to guide infrastructure rollout for both passenger vehicles and freight, aligning with Australia’s net-zero emission targets by 2035. “We need a roadmap that supports passenger vehicles and freight,” emphasised an EVC spokesperson, highlighting the necessity of industry certainty for future transport electrification.
The record EV sales coincide with a broader shift towards sustainable transportation solutions, driven by economic incentives and pressing environmental needs. The council stresses the importance of sustained government support to maintain growth momentum, ensuring infrastructure keeps pace with future demands.
Last updated: 8 April 2026, 2:20 pm
