Tesla overcomes Australia's EV hostility with surge in sales

There’s been a noticeable increase in the number of Teslas on the roads in Australia in recent months, a sign that one of the developed world’s most reluctant adopters of electric cars is finally shifting.

By: Bloomberg
| Updated on: 27 Mar 2023, 17:04 PM
Follow us on:
Follow us on:
File photo of a Tesla electric sedan (REUTERS)
File photo of a Tesla electric sedan

The supply-chain logjams that last year stretched wait times for a new Tesla out to nine months, and inflated the price of second-hand Model 3s to A$130,000 ($87,000), seem to be over.

A new top-range Model 3 Performance ordered today in Sydney for A$90,300 could arrive within a week, according to Tesla’s website. The same can be said for the US, the company’s home market.

Also check these Cars

Find more Cars
Tesla Model S (HT Auto photo)
UPCOMING
₹70 Lakhs - 1 Cr* *Expected Price
View Details
It's Quiz Time ! Can you guess the Car Logos?
PLAY NOW
Tesla Model 3 (HT Auto photo)
UPCOMING
₹70 - 90 Lakhs* *Expected Price
View Details
Mercedes-benz Eqe (HT Auto photo)
UPCOMING
₹70 - 90 Lakhs* *Expected Price
View Details
Mercedes-benz Eqb (HT Auto photo)
₹74.5 Lakhs**Ex-showroom price
Add to compare
Check latest offers
Lexus Ux 300e (HT Auto photo)
UPCOMING
₹75 - 85 Lakhs* *Expected Price
View Details

Also Read : Volkswagen aims to take Tesla route in EV industry

Some degree of sanity is also returning to Australia’s second-hand market. In August, lucky owners of barely used Model 3s could offload them to impatient buyers for between A$130,000 and A$138,000 — more than one-third above the price of a new one.

These days, there are dozens of second-hand Model 3s listed on Australia’s carsales.com. Some of them are just a year old and are actually selling — brace yourself — for less than the price of a new model. There’s not a single used Model 3 anywhere in Greater Sydney going for more than A$100,000, according to the website.

Improving supply is helping to turn around a market that’s long been an electric-car laggard. Australia’s previous government villainized the power and range of EVs for political gain — former Prime Minister Scott Morrison once claimed EVs would “end the weekend" because they couldn’t tow a boat or trailer. The country’s relatively low adoption of EVs led carmakers to prioritize other nations for new models.

Australia’s current Labor administration, which took over last year, has introduced tax exemptions on new EVs. The government is also examining fuel-efficiency standards that could banish the most-polluting vehicles from the roads and make more room for EVs.

“Supply is improving, though there are still some issues," said Tony Weber, chief executive officer of the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, a group that represents the Australian car industry. Fuel-efficiency standards will boost the volume and range of EVs sent to Australia and increase demand, he said.

A year ago, as supply-chain snags from Covid-19 lockdowns in China held up car shipments, EVs accounted for less than 1% of new-car sales in Australia. Last month, the figure was 6.8%.

That’s way behind leading adopters like Norway, where four out of every five new cars sold are zero-emissions vehicles. But the percentage of EVs in Australia appears to be headed only in one direction. Teslas, once a rarity on the roads, are now ubiquitous. The Model 3 is the country’s third-best selling car — electric or not — trailing only the traditional top-selling Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux pickups.

First Published Date: 27 Mar 2023, 17:03 PM IST
Recommended for you
View all
NEXT ARTICLE BEGINS
Shopping Bag Shop Now
55% OFF
SOFTSPUN Microfiber Cloth - 4 pcs - 40x40 cms - 340 GSM Grey- Thick Lint & Streak-Free Multipurpose Cloths - Automotive Microfibre Towels for Car Bike Cleaning Polishing Washing & Detailing…
Rs. 269 Rs. 604
19% OFF
Involve Your Senses One Musk Organic Car Perfume, Involve Your Senses Strong Fiber Air Freshener to Freshen'up Your Car - IONE01-40 g,Car Accessories interior car perfumes and fresheners
Rs. 324 Rs. 399
73% OFF
pTron Bullet Pro 36W PD Quick Charger, 3 Port Fast Car Charger Adapter - Compatible with All Smartphones & Tablets (Black)
Rs. 349 Rs. 1,299
9% OFF
ShineXPro Microfiber Car Cleaning Cloth - OG Soft 500 GSM Extra Large (35x75 CM) Microfiber Cloth for Car and Bike - Suede Edging for Scratchless Drying and Detailing (Pack of 2)
Rs. 498 Rs. 549

Please provide your details to get Personalized Offers on

Choose city
+91 | Choose city
Choose city
Choose city
By clicking "View Offers" you Agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy

Dear Name

Please verify your mobile number.

+91 | Choose city