VFACTS June: Tesla SUV dominates
Australia records its biggest sales month ever as EVs surge, lead by Tesla Model YThe News
Australia’s new car market has posted its biggest month ever, led once again by the Tesla Model Y as electrified vehicles continue to surge across the market in June. Almost one in four new car sales in June 2026 was an EV, due in part to the Iran war and energy security but also tax breaks for EVs.
The Key Details
- Tesla Model Y tops June with 8072 sales
- Total market hits 140,058 when Tesla and Polestar included
- EVs reach 23,646 sales, or 18 per cent new car share
- Electrified vehicles dominate three of top five models
- BYD closes gap to Toyota in brand race
The Finer Details
Australia’s new car market has just recorded its strongest month on record, with the Tesla Model Y again emerging as the country’s best-selling vehicle.
According to the available data, VFACTS recorded 131,134 sales in June 2026, up seven per cent year-on-year. Including Tesla and Polestar lifts the total to 140,058, making it the biggest month on record.
Ever.
The June 2026 top five comprised the Tesla Model Y (8072), Ford Ranger (5999), Toyota HiLux (5175), BYD Sealion 7 (4730) and Toyota RAV4 (4115).
A key theme is the increasing influence of electrified vehicles.
Three of the top five models were electrified, including two battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) in the Model Y and Sealion 7, plus the hybrid RAV4.
Across the broader market, 23,646 BEVs were reported through VFACTS in June. When Tesla’s 8670 deliveries and Polestar’s 254 are included, EVs from all sources reached 32,570 sales, or 23.3 per cent of the total market.
Hybrids added 20,741 sales (15.8 per cent share, up 35 per cent), while plug-in hybrids recorded 16,068 sales (12.3 per cent share, up 158 per cent).
Year-to-date, BEV sales reported through VFACTS sit at 78,926 (up 148 per cent), alongside 104,879 hybrids (up 12 per cent) and 54,241 PHEVs (up 112 per cent).
Beyond the headline figures, the data points to early signs of change in traditionally combustion-heavy segments.
The BYD Shark 6 plug-in hybrid ute entered the top 10 with 3398 sales, while the long-standing dominance of diesel-powered utes faces growing pressure.
The BYD Atto 2 also secured a place in the top 10 with 2482 sales, highlighting the growing appeal of more affordable electric vehicles beyond premium segments. Along with the Tesla Model Y, it features in carsales New Car Buyers Guide, which highlights the top five cars in the EV segment.
Brand results further underline the shifting landscape and although Toyota led the market with 19,124 sales, it was narrowly ahead of BYD on 18,881.
Check out our previous on BYD’s almost doing the unthinkable and unseating Toyota at the top of the table.
Ford followed with 9181, while Tesla recorded 8670 deliveries for the month, enough to outsell both Kia and Hyundai.
Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) chief executive Tony Weber described the shift as significant for the industry.
“The Australian automotive market has shifted on its axis during the first months of 2026. This year is likely to represent a significant turning point for the Australian automotive industry,” he said.
He noted global uncertainty, including conflict in the Middle East and volatile petrol prices, has increased interest in vehicles that reduce exposure to fuel costs, adding that “..part of the EV growth would appear to be a permanent structural shift”.
At the same time, petrol and diesel vehicles are losing ground.
Petrol sales dropped to 34,717 units in June (down 29 per cent), while diesel fell to 31,789 (down 18.4 per cent), accounting for 26.5 per cent and 24.2 per cent of VFACTS totals respectively.
China remains Australia’s largest source of new vehicles, supplying 46,592 units (35.5 per cent), ahead of Japan (27,098), Thailand (23,297), Korea (14,863) and Germany (5731).
The Road Ahead
June’s results reinforce a market in transition, with electrified vehicles rapidly gaining share across multiple segments, including family SUVs and increasingly utes.
This is partly due to concerns around fuel security around the Iran war but also tax incentives that make EV monthly repayments far more affordable for now.
While petrol and diesel still account for the majority of total volume, their share continues to shrink as BEVs, hybrids and plug-in hybrids grow at pace.
With brands like BYD closing in on long-standing market leaders and more affordable EVs entering the top 10, the second half of 2026 is shaping as a potential inflection point for Australia’s automotive landscape.
Top 10 best-selling cars in Australia – June 2026
1. Tesla Model Y – 8072
2. Ford Ranger – 5999
3. Toyota HiLux – 5175
4. BYD Sealion 7 – 4730
5. Toyota RAV4 – 4115
6. BYD Shark 6 – 3398
7. Isuzu Ute D-Max – 2740
8. Hyundai Kona – 2505
9. BYD Atto 2 – 2482
10. GWM Haval Jolion – 2446
Top 10 brands in Australia – June 2026
1. Toyota – 19,124
2. BYD – 18,881
3. Ford – 9181
4. Tesla – 8670
5. Kia – 8005
6. Hyundai – 7480
7. Mazda – 7278
8. GWM – 6104
9. MG – 5001
10. Chery – 4505
Related: VFACTS May: Tesla Model Y takes the crown
Related: VFACTS April: Electrified vehicle sales soar
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