The best selling electric cars in 2023

Electric vehicle sales have hit an all-time high in Australia in 2023 and show no sign of slowing down. In August, the number of new EVs to hit Australian roads tipped over the 55,000 mark. 

So, what electric vehicles (EVs) are Australian drivers choosing? 

• Tesla still the market leader with 58% per cent of EVs sold either a Model Y or a Model 3 
• Volvo is the only other carmaker with two vehicles in the top ten – and another on the way 
• MG and BYD may also achieve this milestone with electric hatchbacks 

What is the most popular EV in Australia? 

In 2023, the Tesla Model Y has leapfrogged the Tesla Model 3 as the most popular EV in Australia. As of the end of August, just shy of 20,000 new Model Ys were bought by drivers, compared to a little more than 13,000 Tesla Model 3s.  

Since orders opened for the Tesla Model Y in August 2022, nearly 30,000 Model Ys have hit the road – three times as many Model 3s were sold in all of 2022. However, the introduction of the upgraded “Highland” Model 3 could see interest in Tesla’s mainstay renewed – but not until 2024. 

Model Y

Starts at: $65,400
WLTP Range from: 455 km

A combination of efficiency and versatility makes the Tesla Model Y an attractive option for many Australian drivers. Its foldable rear seats offer up to 2,041 litres of storage (854 litres with the seats up), and with 117 litres additional space under the bonnet, it is the most spacious EV on the market. The Model Y is currently available in RWD, Long Range and Performance variants. Read the review here. 

Model 3

Starts at: $61,900
WLTP Range from: 513 km

With a sleek, aerodynamic design, the Tesla Model 3 impresses with its cutting-edge tech features, including a 15-inch touchscreen control panel and the advanced Autopilot capabilities it shares with the Model Y. Although not fully autonomous yet, its Full Self Driving system offers capabilities like lane change assistance, auto parking, and highway lane navigation. The Model 3 is currently only available in RWD and Long Range variants. Read the review here.

Which companies have the highest EV sales?

Currently, Tesla is the highest-selling electric carmaker in Australia, as well as in many countries worldwide. However, Chinese car manufacturers BYD and MG are also making gains in the fledgling Australian EV market.

BYD has sold a little more than 8,000 Atto 3s in Australia to the end of August, and MG has more than 2,200 all-electric versions of its ZS compact SUV so far in 2022. Both MG and BYD have electric hatchbacks priced under $40,000 before on-roads on the way, underscoring the increasing affordability for EVs in Australia.

BYD Atto 3

Starts at: $48,011
WLTP Range from: 345 km

This compact SUV from BYD has proven a winner with a balance of affordable price versus driving range, and it is in fact the Long-Range model that is in most demand. Its BYD Blade lithium-iron-phosphate battery claims market-leading thermal safety while it stands out from the crowd with unique interior styling as well as vehicle-to-load capabilities. Available in Standard Range and Extended Range variants, the latter offers 420 km WLTP range for just $3,000 extra. Read the review.

MG ZS EV

Starts at: $47,990
WLTP Range from: 262 km

As the all-electric version of MG’s popular ZS compact SUV, the ZS EV offers a familiar look and feel without the need to fill up at the pump.Its 105kW motor offers a decent 363Nm maximum torque for its price range, however its short-range variant has a low 262km WLTP. Available in three variants, the ZS EV offers 440km WLTP range in its long-range format.

EVs make up half of all Volvo sales in August

However, Volvo stands out in that it is the only other carmaker besides Tesla to have two EV models in the top ten best-selling electric cars in 2023. With more than 2,000 XC40 Pure Recharges and around 900 C40s now sold, Volvo has revealed that pure electric EVs made up almost 50% of all its car sales in August.

With 800 pre-orders for its EX30 also under its belt, Volvo is also proving to be a favourite for Australian drivers in 2023. This result also puts it well on the way to achieving it aim to sell only EVs in Australia by 2026.

Volvo XC40 Recharge

Starts at: $76,990
WLTP Range from: 460 km

The Volvo XC40 Pure Recharge compact SUV is an electric dynamo with Scandinavian aesthetic flair in a powerful package. It offers 460 km WLTP range from its 78kWh battery, plus an energetic 660Nm torque from its 330kW motor. With a 1.8 tonne towing capacity, it’s a favourite for those with trailers and boats to pull. Read the review here.  

Volvo C40

Starts at: $78,990
WLTP Range from: 476 km

The Volvo C40’s sleek, coupe-like design is something of a head-turner. It offers similar specs to its compact SUV XC40 Pure Recharge cousin, with an additional 16km WLTP range, complemented by a slightly faster acceleration (0-100km/hr in 4.7 seconds versus 4.9 seconds.)

What other favourite electric cars are there in Australia?

Following on from the above, there are four more EVs catching the attention of Australian drivers in Australia. These are the Polestar 2 (1,689 sold to date in 2023), the Mercedes-Benz EQA (1,010), the Kia EV6 (945) and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 (631.)

Polestar 2

Starts at: $63,900
WLTP Range from: 487 km

The Polestar 2 is a sleek fastback body style available in four variants; in its Standard Range format it houses an impressive 78 kWh battery, promising a WLTP range of up to 505 kilometres and a 300 kW dual-motor powertrain. While the Long Range offers up to 551 km WLTP range, the top-of-the line dual-motor variant sacrifices range for a blistering 4.7 seconds acceleration from 0-100 km/hr. Read the review here.  

Mercedes-Benz EQA

Starts at: $76,800
WLTP Range from: 456 km

The Mercedes-Benz EQA is a compact SUV that doesn't compromise on tech. Featuring a 140 kW electric motor and a robust 66.5 kWh battery 70.5kWh for the + option,) a recent August 2023 update brings the WLTP range offering up to 560km as well as a fresh design, plug and charge technology and improved user controls. This next gen EQA will arrive in Australia in March 2024.

Kia EV6

Starts at: $72,590
WLTP Range from: 504 km

The Kia EV6 is a showstopper with its sleek, aerodynamic design and futuristic cockpit. Available in five variants including both RWD and AWD options, it packs a 77.4 kWh battery giving it an impressive WLTP range of up to 528 km while its 168 kW motors deliver 350Nm torque. It’s 800-volt architecture, super-fast charging plus vehicle-to-load function also makes it an attractive vehicle for drivers.

Hyundai Ioniq 5

Starts at: $72,000
WLTP Range from: 454 km

This futuristic EV boasts a unique retro-modern design. Sharing the 800-volt architecture and vehicle-to-load capabilities of the Kia EV6, it's a tech-lover's dream. With a robust 77.4kWh battery under the floor, the Ioniq 5 Dynamiq can drive an impressive 614 km according to WLTP ratings, while the mid- and top-of-the range Techniq and Epiq variants offer 239 kW power and a hefty 605 Nm torque.