Electric vehicle (EV) sales in Australia surpassed petrol car sales for the first time in August, marking a significant shift in the automotive market. Over 27,000 EVs were sold in a single month, making up 24.9% of all new car sales. This number edged out petrol vehicles, which saw nearly 26,000 sales, and diesel cars, which totaled 23,600. Including plug-in hybrid vehicles, which can run on both electricity and fuel, the share of electric-powered cars in sales rose to 36%. This growth has been driven by several factors, including rising global oil prices due to geopolitical tensions, such as the war in Iran, which has made petrol cars more expensive to operate. Additionally, a new federal emissions standard introduced in 2023 has pushed automakers to offer more low- and zero-emission vehicles across different price ranges. These policies have helped increase the availability of EVs and made them more accessible to a broader range of consumers. Australia had previously been behind most other OECD countries in adopting electric vehicles, and the issue had been a point of political debate. Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison had famously opposed emissions standards, even claiming they would "end the weekend." However, EVs now make up nearly 10% of new car sales, a dramatic increase from less than 2% just four years ago. Climate change and energy minister Chris Bowen called the milestone a "landmark moment," noting that Australians are increasingly choosing electric vehicles for their cost-effectiveness, environmental benefits, and reduced dependence on volatile global fuel prices. In August, Toyota was the top-selling brand, followed by Chinese manufacturers like BYD and Tesla. Five of the top 10 best-selling brands were Chinese, including BYD, GWM, MG, Geely, and Cheery. The Tesla Model Y was the most popular new model, with over 6,400 units sold. The Electric Vehicle Council noted that Australians are undergoing a "structural shift" in how they choose vehicles, with both economic and environmental factors playing a key role. With nearly 200 EV models now available, the council's chief executive, Julie Delvecchio, emphasized the need to ensure these benefits are accessible to all Australians, including those in regional areas, apartment dwellers, and renters. Meanwhile, the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries highlighted the importance of expanding charging infrastructure, especially on highways and in rural areas, to support the growing number of EV owners.