VFACTS May 2026: Tesla Model Y becomes first EV to top sales charts

Key takeaways

• Tesla Model Y is first EV to top Australian charts
• EV market share hit a record 19.9%
• BYD second again with 8,211 sales
• Toyota led despite a 30.7% fall

The Tesla Model Y has done what no electric car has managed before. VFACTS May 2026 data confirms the mid-size electric SUV was Australia's best-selling vehicle of any type, the first EV to ever top the overall charts. For a market that just posted its strongest month yet for battery power, it's a genuine milestone.

Buyers registered 21,303 EVs in May, a record 19.9% of all new vehicles and up 111.6% on the same month last year. Add plug-in hybrids and conventional hybrids, and electrified models made up 46.4% of everything sold.

High fuel prices linked to conflict in the Middle East are driving the rush, though carmakers warn the appetite could cool as backorders clear. Petrol sales fell 30.3 % and diesel dropped 26.2%. Total deliveries came in at 106,887, down 2.3% year-on-year but still the third-highest May on record.

Tesla Model Y

Top 10 brands - May 2026

Toyota held the top spot as always, but its 16,342 deliveries were down 30.7% despite the full new-generation HiLux range now being on sale.

BYD made it two months running in second, surging 154.6% as a shipment of close to 5,000 cars docked in Melbourne.

Ford, Hyundai and Kia filled the next three places, while Tesla climbed to sixth on the back of the Model Y, its second-best month ever in Australia.

Chinese brands led the growth with Chery, GWM and MG all rising.

Toyota Hilux

Top 10 models - May 2026

The Model Y's record 5,605 sales put it clear of the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux, with the Toyota RAV4 just missing the podium in fourth.

First deliveries of the six-seat Model Y L helped fuel the result with Long Range AWD variants making up 47% of all Model Y registrations.

The Jaecoo J5 cracked the top 10 for the first time narrowly outselling corporate cousin the Chery Tiggo 4.

The BYD Sealion 7, the Model Y's closest electric rival, landed 14th overall on 1,538 sales.

Ford Ranger

Segment highlights

Passenger cars

• Small cars under $45k: Toyota Corolla led (1,069), ahead of Mazda 3 (659) and Hyundai i30 (590)
• Medium cars under $60k: Toyota Camry topped the bracket (1,034), Tesla Model 3 second (828)
• People movers: Kia Carnival well clear on 857 units
• Sports under $90k: Honda Prelude led (142), ahead of Ford Mustang (127) and Mazda MX-5 (82)

SUVs

• Light SUV: Mazda CX-3 led (782), followed by Suzuki Jimny (656)
• Small SUV under $45k: Hyundai Kona (2,291) edged the Jaecoo J5 (2,172) and Chery Tiggo 4 (2,123)
• Medium SUV under $60k: Tesla Model Y dominated (5,605), ahead of Toyota RAV4 (3,865) and Hyundai Tucson (2,287)
• Large SUV under $80k: Ford Everest led (1,876), ahead of Isuzu MU-X (1,062) and Toyota Prado (987)
• Upper large SUV under $120k: Toyota LandCruiser wagon out front (1,262)

Utes and vans

• 4x4 utes: Ford Ranger dominated (4,051), ahead of Toyota HiLux (3,685) and Isuzu D-Max (1,336)
• Large pickups: Ford F-150 led (203), narrowly ahead of RAM 1500 (177)
• Medium vans: Toyota HiAce well clear on 1,001 units

May 2026 settles the argument - electric SUVs are no longer the alternative choice, they're now setting the pace at the very top of the market.

Frequently asked questions

What was Australia's best-selling car in May 2026?

The Tesla Model Y was Australia's best-selling vehicle in May 2026 with 5,605 sales, the first EV to ever top the overall charts.

How many EVs were sold in Australia in May 2026?

A record 21,303 electric vehicles were sold in May 2026, representing 19.9% of the new-car market and up 111.6% year-on-year.

Which brand sold the most cars in Australia in May 2026?

Toyota remained the top-selling brand with 16,342 sales, despite a 30.7% drop, ahead of BYD on 8,211.