Australia’s electric vehicle market continued its strong growth in August, with Tesla and Polestar recording one of their best monthly sales results to date.
According to the Electric Vehicle Council’s (EVC) August 2026 Vehicle Sales Report, the two manufacturers delivered 7,821 battery electric vehicles (BEVs) across Australia during the month. This was a 148% increase compared with the 3,156 vehicles delivered in August 2025.
The August result was the second-highest monthly sales figure recorded for Tesla and Polestar combined, behind only their 8,924 deliveries in June 2026.
Tesla Leads the Growth
Tesla made up the majority of August’s sales, delivering 7,685 vehicles, an increase of 163% compared with the same month last year.
The Tesla Model Y was the standout performer, with 6,414 vehicles delivered, representing a 176% increase year-on-year. The Tesla Model 3 also had a strong month, recording 1,271 deliveries, its best monthly result since January.
Combined, Tesla and Polestar have now delivered 37,532 vehicles during the first eight months of 2026, up 91% compared with the same period in 2025.
EV Demand Growing Across Australia
The increase in EV sales is being seen across multiple states and territories. Sales of Tesla and Polestar vehicles in New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia more than doubled during the first eight months of the year compared with the same period in 2025.
South Australia recorded the most significant growth in August, with combined Tesla and Polestar sales reaching 347 vehicles, compared with just 28 in August 2025.
The latest figures also come as Australians continue to face cost-of-living pressures. New Australian Bureau of Statistics data suggests that growing demand for electric vehicles contributed to household spending and economic growth during the June quarter.
For many drivers, the appeal of EVs goes beyond environmental benefits. Lower fuel and running costs are increasingly making electric vehicles an attractive option for households looking to reduce their long-term expenses.
What This Means for Australia’s EV Market
The Electric Vehicle Council says the continued growth in sales points to a broader shift in the Australian automotive market, as consumers have more electric models to choose from and increasingly consider the long-term cost of owning a vehicle.
With EV sales continuing to climb and new models entering the Australian market, the transition toward electric transport is gaining momentum.
Source: Electric Vehicle Council, Vehicle Sales Report – August 2026. The EVC report covers participating manufacturers and does not represent the entire Australian new-vehicle market.
