Massive acceleration: Electric vehicle sales surge
Electric vehicle sales are continuing to surge in Australia as more drivers bid to reduce dependence on petrol and diesel.
Latest industry data shows full electric vehicle sales climbed 164 per cent in April. Compared to the same time last year, petrol vehicle sales dropped 30 per cent, diesels 22 per cent.
It’s a similar picture around the world.
Locally, industry analysts expect increased demand for electric vehicles to continue – with knock-on effects on residual values in the second-hand EV market, where prices are increasing.
According to Saxon Odgers, chief commercial officer at car industry data platform Autograb:
"This is not simply short-term volatility, it’s a structural response to rising fuel costs, which are fundamentally reshaping buyer behaviour.”
Attitude adjuster
Electric cars are one way to navigate fuel supply disruption, given Australia’s power grid is far less reliant on oil and gas with electricity generation predominantly coal and renewables.
The number of Australian households with rooftop solar is also, per capita, the highest penetration in the world. Charging electric vehicles can be one way of using excess generation while also helping to balance the grid, reducing energy costs for everyone.
In future, electric cars will be able to power homes (called vehicle-to-home) as well as the energy grid (vehicle-to-grid), with models like Volvo’s EX90 already equipped to support bi-directional charging.
Meanwhile, prices of new electric vehicles in relation to their fossil fuel equivalents are continuing toward parity: Volvo Cars lowest priced EX30, for example, is now available for $55,990^.
Many Australians have also become more comfortable with “range anxiety”, given most modern EVs are capable of more than 450kms on a single charge. Some models, like the Volvo ES90 and forthcoming EX60, have significantly higher stated maximum ranges.
Plug-ins power
Demand for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles – up 270 per cent in April and 77 per cent overall for the first four months of the year – remains strong.
PHEVs can effectively act as an electric car to handle daily journeys, then switch to fuel-powered motoring for long trips when the battery is close to empty, often more than halving fuel consumption and costs for drivers.
Reports suggest plug-in hybrids continue to gain traction in regional Australia, where charging infrastructure can be less developed than metro areas.
But Volvo has a plan to address that infrastructure gap – first by upgrading and increasing range across its existing PHEV line-up, and then by building a next generation of plug-in hybrids with significantly greater battery range.
For those seeking a PHEV or EV in the more immediate future, see Volvo Car Australia’s full range here.
^$55,990 driveaway applies to new EX30 Plus Single Extended (base) models ordered and delivered between 1/05/26 and 31/10/26. Subject to stock availability. Driveaway price is based on the base model with no optional extras. Overseas model shown is a MY27 EX30 Ultra featuring 20" 5-Y spoke wheels and panoramic roof which is not available on the base model and not included in the driveaway price. Australian specifications may differ. Please confirm exact specifications, features and availability with your local Volvo retailer. Offer may be subject to change at any time without notice.
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