In August 2026, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) became the most popular vehicle type in Australia, outselling petrol and diesel vehicles for the first time.

BEVs accounted for 24.9% of the overall automotive market, an increase of 171% year-on-year. EV adoption was also reflected in attendance at industry events. Weeks after the sales figures were reported, Everything Electric, an electric vehicle and home energy exhibition, attracted 37,421 visitors to the Sydney Showground, marking its highest attendance to date.

Several automotive manufacturers participated in the event. Hyundai displayed the Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6 and Inster, all of which have received the World Electric Vehicle of the Year title at the World Car of the Year awards. Hyundai was the only automotive brand at the event to have received the award three times.

The three models were joined by the Staria Load Electric, which made its Australian debut, as well as the Kona Electric, Ioniq 9 and Ioniq 6 N. This brought the total number of EVs displayed at Hyundai's stand to seven, its largest display at the event to date.

Hyundai representatives addressed visitors' questions about real-world driving range, daily running costs and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) charging. This technology, which was not supported by any Hyundai vehicles in Australia at the time of writing, enables compatible EVs to function as mobile energy storage systems. Such vehicles can draw electricity from the grid, supply power to an owner's home and feed electricity back into the network to help balance demand and reduce energy costs.

Among the representatives answering visitors' questions was Scott Nargar, Senior Manager of Future Mobility & Government Relations at Hyundai Motor Company Australia. He said discussions at the event reflected changes in Australian consumers' understanding of EV technology.

"The increasing sophistication of consumer questions at events such as Everything Electric demonstrates how rapidly the Australian market is maturing," Nargar said. "Australians are becoming increasingly informed on - and confident about - EV technology. Conversations have shifted beyond basic questions about range and charging to more complex topics such as V2G integration, smart charging, battery technology, aftersales support and total cost of ownership."

Consumer perceptions of EVs are also changing, with greater attention being given to their potential applications beyond transportation.

"Customers are increasingly seeing EVs as more than just transport," Nargar said. "They view them as a connected part of their home and energy management strategy. They are looking for vehicles that integrate seamlessly with their homes, energy providers and everyday lifestyles."

According to Nargar, consumers are primarily looking for EVs that meet three requirements: usability, affordability and reliability.

These requirements include real-world driving range, fast-charging capability and safety technologies; competitive pricing; and aftersales support, respectively.

Nargar also said consumers consider the availability of support throughout the ownership process, including vehicle purchases, servicing, home charging solutions and future software updates, when choosing a brand.

Hyundai's EV strategy in Australia

Hyundai Motor Company Australia (HMCA) has undertaken several initiatives to address changing consumer requirements and expand its electrified vehicle business.

In 2026, the company marked 40 years of operations in Australia and 35 years of electric vehicle development.

During the first nine months of the year, HMCA launched six electrified vehicles, comprising three BEVs - the Elexio, Ioniq 6 N and Staria Load Electric - and three hybrid models - the Palisade, Staria Load and Staria Lounge.

Following these launches, Hyundai's EV portfolio in Australia covered several vehicle segments, including small city cars, mid-sized SUVs, large commercial vans and high-performance vehicles. Nargar described the range as providing "an EV for almost everyone".

In addition to expanding its vehicle portfolio, Hyundai is investing in EV technology and related infrastructure in Australia.

"Hyundai's vision extends beyond manufacturing vehicles," Nargar said. "It continues to invest heavily in electrification, connected vehicle technologies and energy integration. In Australia, we are actively working with industry partners, energy retailers, network operators and government stakeholders to support the development of V2G and smart charging solutions, and we continue to enhance charging experiences through ongoing technological development and customer education programs."

These initiatives focus on the use of EVs for household energy management and electricity grid support, in addition to transportation.

Future EV developments

Hyundai plans to introduce additional EV models and continue developing its smart energy solutions as the Australian market evolves.

"As the market evolves, we will continue to expand our EV portfolio and enhance charging experiences through ongoing technological development and customer education programs," Nargar said. "We will also continue working closely with industry, governments, media and energy sector partners to unlock new opportunities for electrified sustainable mobility."

"We see the future of mobility as connected, electrified and integrated with Australia's broader energy ecosystem," he continued. "Our role is to help drive that transition by delivering innovative vehicles and supporting new technologies such as V2G, as well as collaborating with industry partners and ensuring customers have the confidence and infrastructure needed to embrace electrification. Australia's mobility future will be shaped by collaboration, innovation and customer choice - and Hyundai is committed to being at the forefront of that journey."

The increase in EV sales, attendance at events such as Everything Electric and the expansion of electric vehicle adoption indicate changes in the Australian automotive market.

EVs have become an established part of the country's automotive market. Hyundai, which has been involved in electric vehicle development for 35 years, is continuing to expand its vehicle portfolio and develop technologies that could enable EVs to support household energy requirements, supply electricity to the grid and reduce vehicle operating costs. These developments are part of the wider transition towards lower-emission transportation in Australia and other markets.