The latest data reveals that ZLEVs, comprising battery electric (BEV), hybrid, and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models, accounted for a historic 46.7 per cent of all new vehicles sold in the state during the month of April 2026. This means nearly every second car sold in South Australia last month featured an electrified drivetrain, marking a landmark shift in consumer preference.
Year-to-date figures further solidify this trend, with ZLEVs now accounting for 35 per cent of all new vehicle sales in South Australia in 2026, equating to over one in three new vehicles.
Motor Trade Association SA/NT (MTA) CEO Darrell Jacobs said the transition to ZLEVs continued to accelerate as motorists seek long-term relief from volatile fuel prices.
"What we are seeing is an obvious and decisive trend by South Australians during a time of unprecedented fuel costs," Jacobs said.
"To have nearly half of the monthly market represented by electrified vehicles is a significant moment for the industry. The 'electrification' of our roads is no longer a future prospect – it is happening right now in real-time."
The surge in demand comes as the Federal Government announced a one-year extension to the Electric Vehicle (EV) tax discount within the Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) framework.
"The MTA welcomes the extension of the EV Tax Discount as motorists turn to EVs during the ongoing fuel crisis," Jacobs said.
"This policy provides the certainty and incentive needed for both fleet and private buyers to make the switch at a time when the cost of living remains a primary concern."
Despite the record-breaking interest in ZLEVs, the broader market continues to face headwinds.
Total new vehicle sales in South Australia are down 3.5 per cent compared to the same time last year, reflecting broader economic pressures.
"While the overall volume of sales has dipped slightly, the mix of those sales has been fundamentally reshaped," Jacobs said.
"The appetite for more efficient, lower-emission technology is effectively propping up the market as traditional consumer preferences evolve."
The top five selling new cars in SA in April 2026 YTD are the Ford Ranger (929 purchased); Toyota HiLux (847 purchased); Mitsubishi Outlander (823 purchased); Mazda CX-5 (773 purchased) and the Mitsubishi Triton (628 purchased).
Electric vehicles made up 12.1 per cent of all new cars sold in South Australia, up 117.2 per cent compared to April 2025.
Hybrid vehicles made up 18.3 per cent of all new cars sold in South Australia, down one per cent compared to April 2025.
Plug in hybrid vehicles made up 6.6 per cent of all new cars sold in South Australia, up 53.7 per cent compared to April 2025.