New electric vehicle deliveries from Tesla and Polestar increased sharply in July, providing further evidence that Australian demand for battery electric vehicles remains well ahead of 2025 levels.
The two brands recorded a combined 4,921 battery electric vehicle deliveries during July 2026, compared with 1,147 in July 2025, according to data released by the Electric Vehicle Council.
July was the third-highest sales month of 2026 for the participating brands, following stronger delivery peaks in May and June.
Across the first seven months of the year, combined Tesla and Polestar sales reached 29,711 vehicles. This represented an 80.4 per cent increase compared with the 16,466 vehicles delivered during the same period in 2025.
Electric Vehicle Council CEO Julie Delvecchio said Australian buyers were increasingly considering electric vehicles because of their operating costs and the growing number of models available.
“Australians are increasingly choosing electric vehicles – drawn by lower running costs, less exposure to petrol price shocks and a growing range of models,” Delvecchio said.
“Tesla and Polestar’s July numbers are up 80.4% year to date compared with the same period in 2025.”
Model Y dominates July deliveries
The Tesla Model Y family accounted for 4,644 new vehicle deliveries during July, representing the majority of the combined Tesla and Polestar result.
The result included the Tesla Model Y L, which was reported separately for the first time. The long-wheelbase, six-seat variant has been available in Australia since 13 March 2026.
While July deliveries were below the end-of-financial-year peak, Delvecchio said the longer-term growth trend remained positive.
“After a record end-of-financial-year month, we expected softer numbers in July. But the underlying trend remains clear: EV sales are well ahead of last year, consumer choice is expanding, and Australians are responding to lower running costs,” she said.
“While the EV market is growing, we still have a long way to go. But it’s great to see so many Aussies choosing cleaner, cheaper cars.”
Strong growth across major markets
Growth was recorded across several states and territories, although the percentage increases were influenced by the comparatively low delivery volumes reported in July 2025.
Victoria recorded a 500 per cent year-on-year increase, while Queensland deliveries rose by 371 per cent. New South Wales increased by 333 per cent and the Australian Capital Territory recorded growth of 382 per cent.
Electric vehicle sales are recorded when vehicles are delivered to customers rather than when orders are placed. Monthly results can therefore be affected by shipment timing, vehicle availability and end-of-quarter delivery activity.
The Electric Vehicle Council’s monthly report does not represent the entire Australian new vehicle market. It currently includes delivery figures supplied by participating brands, including Tesla and Polestar, rather than sales from every vehicle manufacturer operating in Australia.
The Council has invited other manufacturers to contribute their sales information to the free public report on a non-exclusive basis. It says broader participation would improve transparency and help consumers and the automotive industry better understand the development of Australia’s electric vehicle market.
