Recently, Tony Weber, CEO of the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries in Australia, stated in a media interview that as of June 2024, over 80% of the electric vehicles sold in the Australian market are produced in China. Chinese electric vehicles have met the demand for low-emission vehicles in the Australian market and enriched consumer choices.
According to Australia’s Daily Telegraph, the number of Chinese cars entering the Australian market has continued to increase in recent years, rising from nearly 5,000 in 2017 to approximately 120,000 in 2022. As of now, BYD has launched several models in the Australian market, including plug-in hybrid multipurpose vehicles, and plans to add two SUVs and a pickup truck. The MG brand, owned by China’s SAIC Group, will continue to launch three new energy vehicle models in Australia this year.
According to You Yun, General Manager of BYD Australia, BYD’s pure electric buses entered the Australian market over 10 years ago. Based on local market requirements, continuous testing and improvements have been made. Currently, there are 30 showrooms in Australia, located in 5 of the 6 states.
The Australian government’s promotion of energy conservation and emission reduction plans and the reduction of trade barriers are important reasons for the increased sales of Chinese electric vehicles in Australia. In recent years, the Australian government has continuously introduced support policies to encourage people to purchase electric vehicles. For example, since July 1, 2022, Australians purchasing electric vehicles have been exempt from a 5% import tariff, and companies where employees purchase electric vehicles can be exempt from employee benefit taxes. In March 2023, a survey released by the Electric Vehicle Council of Australia showed that over half of the Australians surveyed expressed willingness to purchase electric vehicles in the future.
Professor Warwick Powell from the University of Queensland in Australia believes that Chinese electric vehicles are of high quality and reasonably priced, making them favored by an increasing number of consumers. “Chinese electric vehicles have introduced some excellent models and styles, some of which are equipped with very modern technology and provide a comfortable experience.” Heidi Dugan, Chairman of the Australia Chamber of Commerce – Shanghai Board, stated that there is huge growth potential in the Australian electric vehicle market, and she looks forward to further strengthening cooperation between Australia and China in the electric vehicle industry.
