Rising fuel costs following the end of the Federal Government’s fuel excise discount are driving more Australians to explore affordable electric vehicles, with new data revealing EV models now dominate searches from motorists looking for their next car.
RACV Car Match data shows electric vehicles from Chinese manufacturers BYD and MG secured all five positions among the most searched vehicles on the platform over the past five months, highlighting the growing demand for lower-cost EV options in Australia’s new-car market.
The BYD Atto 1 was the most searched vehicle on RACV Car Match, with prices starting at just under $28,000 drive away, according to the data.
Other popular models included the BYD Atto 2 ($36,244 drive away), BYD Sealion 7 mid-sized SUV ($60,210 drive away), BYD Dolphin ($31,611 drive away), and MG4 ($30,777 drive away), completing the top five most searched vehicles.
The surge in interest follows RACV data released earlier this year showing searches for electric vehicles increased by 461 per cent in March compared with February, as Australian motorists responded to changing fuel market conditions and increased availability of affordable EV models.
The shift also comes as China overtook Japan as Australia’s largest source of new vehicle imports, with brands including BYD and MG rapidly expanding their presence in the Australian market.
RACV Car Match was launched in 2025 to help Australians make more informed vehicle purchasing decisions by allowing users to research, compare and evaluate vehicles through a single platform.
RACV Head of Policy James Williams said the search data reflected a significant change in what Australians were looking for when purchasing their next vehicle.
“Cost of living and a desire to find cheaper ways to stay on the road is top of mind for Australians, and we’re seeing how that is changing our local car market and consumer preferences,” Mr Williams said.
“Manufacturers such as BYD and MG have become major players in the Australian market as motorists increasingly prioritise value for money, technology and safety features with ongoing pressure at the bowser pushing more everyday Victorians to electric.” he said.
The growing interest in EVs is also being reflected in vehicle sales data. Figures released from the AAA’s EV Index on Sunday showed sales of electric and hybrid vehicles doubled in the three months to June 30, delivering Australia’s largest ever quarterly rise in EV sales.
While affordability is a major factor influencing buyer decisions, Williams urged motorists to consider how an electric vehicle fits their long-term needs before purchasing.
“Before purchasing an EV, we encourage motorists to look beyond the cost and ensure their vehicle is a long-term lifestyle match. Consider how and where your EV will charge, differences in driving style and driving range, and safety features.”
“RACV Car Match provides a great starting point for consumers, letting buyers compare price, specification, safety ratings and estimated running costs in one place before they commit.” said Williams
The latest RACV findings highlight how rising motoring costs, changing consumer priorities and the availability of cheaper EV models are accelerating Australia’s transition towards electric vehicles.
China’s BYD, which exclusively sells battery electric vehicle (BEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) models, has climbed into second place among Australia’s top 10 automotive brands, putting pressure on market leader Toyota as the Japanese manufacturer prepares a response following a challenging first half of the year.
Toyota’s sales have been impacted by model changeovers for key vehicles including the RAV4 and HiLux, however the company remains confident it will deliver one of its strongest annual results on record, forecasting at least 230,000 sales by December 31, 2026.
Despite Toyota’s expected dominance, the rapid growth of BYD and other Chinese automotive brands is expected to continue reshaping Australia’s new vehicle market.
