Major automotive brands are set to introduce electric cars in Australia for the first time amid increased demand, a development expected to challenge brand loyalty among motorists. The upcoming year is anticipated to witness the launch of near-silent electric sports cars, a battery-powered Mustang, Toyota’s inaugural electric SUV, and a contemporary rendition of the Kombi van.
This shift is attributed to prominent manufacturers committing to bringing their electric models to Australia, supported by changes in federal laws encouraging electric vehicle (EV) sales.
Jeep, Ford, Toyota, and Volkswagen are among the leading automakers poised to unveil electric cars in Australia, marking a transformative trend in the market. Industry experts suggest that automakers will face the challenge of impressing consumers who may display lower brand loyalty when transitioning from traditional petrol vehicles to electric ones.
Behyad Jafari, CEO of the Electric Vehicle Council, emphasizes the importance of offering motorists a variety of EV options to drive increased adoption. He anticipates a potential surge in EV sales over the next 12 months as more electric car models become available, building on the over 80,000 electric cars purchased by Australian drivers between January and November.
Notable electric vehicle launches expected in Australia include the Volkswagen ID Buzz, a modern take on the iconic Kombi van, the Polestar 4, Ford Mustang Mach-E, BYD Seal, Toyota bZ4X, Kia EV5, MG Cyberster, Audi Q4 E-Tron, Jeep Avenger, and the updated Tesla Model 3.
Experts suggest that the availability of a diverse range of electric vehicle options in the Australian market could challenge the dominance of traditional vehicle brands, as customer loyalty in the EV sector is perceived to be lower. Buyers are increasingly drawn to EVs with fresh and distinctive designs, emphasizing their commitment to low-emission choices.
As the Australian government demonstrates support for electric vehicles, the introduction of these new models is expected to contribute to the ongoing demand and shift towards sustainable transportation in the country.