EVs reach major milestone – meaning climate goals might not be a bridge too far

June 3, 2026 — 4:09pm

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Electric vehicles have notched a new milestone, reaching nearly half of all new vehicle sales last month, revealing the potential for clean cars to defy the sceptics and help Australia to meet its climate goals.

The government’s 2035 climate target was deemed unachievable by many commentators when the independent Climate Change Authority, headed by former NSW Treasurer Matt Kean, declared last year that half of all vehicles must be electric if Australia was to reach its goal.

Industry figures released today show that target may, in fact, not be so unrealistic after all.

Whether people regret their choice of an electric vehicle is another matter, and could come down to the roll-out of charging stations needed to keep the growing fleet of EVs powered up.

Figures released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industry and the federal Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water on Wednesday showed that 48 per cent of all vehicle sales in May were either full........

© The Age