Electric vehicle sales have continued to climb over the past year despite ongoing cost-of-living challenges, the Electric Vehicle Council said.

The Australian Automobile Association’s EV Index quarterly update shows more than 85,000 battery electric (BEV) and plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) sales were sold in the first three quarters of this year - that’s up 17.7 per cent compared to the same period the year before.

The Index shows that BEV/PHEV sales represented 9.5 percent of new light vehicles sold in the first three quarters of 2024.

Electric Vehicle Council Head of Legal, Policy and Advocacy Aman Gaur said: “The rise of EVs in Australia has been very strong in recent years, climbing from less than 1 percent of all new car sales in 2019 to nearly one in ten today.

“EVs are fantastic choices for consumers focused on cost of living, freeing drivers from high petrol prices and requiring far less maintenance - saving Australians thousands of dollars every year.

“Despite broader cost-of-living pressures, more than 85,000 new light electric vehicles have been sold so far this year, well above the same period the year before and we’re on track to crack a record 100,000 sales by year's end.

“The new year will bring new opportunities for electric vehicles in Australia and for reducing transport emissions even further. Affordable EVs are entering the Australian market, a trend that’s expected to accelerate as the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard takes effect in 2025.

“While these opportunities are encouraging, there remains a long road ahead for widespread EV adoption in Australia. The premature withdrawal of incentives for electric vehicles in several states coupled with lingering concerns about EVs is stifling rapid uptake.

“Governments must continue implementing targeted programs that make it easier and more affordable for Australian households and businesses to transition to electric vehicles. At the same time, the industry must continue to address misconceptions about EVs to attract the next wave of adopters.”