China Dominates Australia’s EV Market, Data Gap Looms

China is now the largest supplier of new vehicles to Australia, providing approximately 80% of the country’s electric vehicles (EVs). This surge in EVs, now nearly half of all new car sales, presents opportunities for Australia’s energy security and climate goals, but authorities lack sufficient data to maximize the benefits.

Decades of investment transformed China’s automotive industry, resulting in affordable and technologically advanced EVs and trucks. Australia previously maintained detailed vehicle fleet data when it had a domestic car industry, but stopped comprehensive data collection after factories closed ten years ago.

The current data available is less detailed, and doesn't fully capture EV distribution or usage, including Tesla vehicles as the company isn't a member of the automotive peak body. Better data is needed to understand design standards, plan for grid integration, accelerate the transition, and manage potential security risks associated with connected vehicles. Authorities are considering reinstating a comprehensive Motor Vehicle Census to address these gaps.