Number of registered vehicles Australia 2023, by type

As of January 2023, the total number of registered vehicles in Australia was more than 21 million. That year, the number of passenger vehicles in Australia amounted to approximately 15.33 million. Light commercial vehicles, which accounted for about 3.95 million, came next. 

Vehicle industry in Australia

In recent times, Australia's automotive sector has experienced notable transformations. Global trends are reflected in the market's increasing popularity of SUVs and electric automobiles. Australia saw 8,688 electric car sales in the first half of 2021, demonstrating an impressive level of resilience in electric vehicle sales in the face of the ongoing worldwide coronavirus pandemic and overall trends in new vehicle sales. Furthermore, environmental concerns have impacted the car industry, resulting in an increased emphasis on emission limits and the integration of cleaner technologies. Projected car emissions in Australia are expected to decrease from approximately 43 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2030 to 38 million in 2035. Overall, transport emissions are also set to slightly decrease from 103 million metric tons in 2030 to 99 million in 2035.

Australian electric vehicle sector

For several reasons, the switch to electric vehicles has been gaining popularity in Australia. Many people are choosing electric vehicles as they become more aware of their carbon footprint and want to lessen their reliance on fossil fuels and air pollution. The increasing availability of charging infrastructure across the country also makes EVs a practical and viable option for many Australians. Investments in public electric vehicle charging infrastructure persist, and the number of charging stations has experienced substantial growth since 2020.