For a few years now, the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger have sat atop the car sales perch, trading spots for number one and two, but this month new deliveries of the Model Y meant it soared to second spot.

It was still outdone by the Hilux at 6,142 sales, but 5,560 Model Y motorists drove away in a vehicle they probably ordered a while ago.

Compared to June last year, Hilux sales are also down 19%. 

The Ford Ranger came in third with 5,334 sales.

The Federal Chambers of Automotive Industries (FCAI) - publishers of the monthly report - expects this trend of EV sales to continue.

“The early adopters of the new powertrain technology continue to push up the sales of electric vehicles across the country,” FCAI chief Tony Weber said.

“The steady introduction of new battery electric models across all model segments at more competitive price points is critically important as we deal with the challenges of supplying electric vehicles that meet business and personal consumer needs at prices the mainstream buyers can afford.”

June saw the arrival of the cheapest electric vehicles ever offered in Australia, including the BYD Dolphin and MG 4, boasting prices under $40,000 before on-road costs.

FCAI results show electric vehicles made up 8.8% of June sales, and 7.4% in the first six months of the year.

The end-of-financial year saw strong sales growth compared to last year, with nearly 125,000 units delivered - up 25% compared to June 2022.

It was the highest June result since 2018.

This was broadly in-line with the trend shown in ABS lending data, with personal loans for vehicles up 9.3% in May for a value of $1.27 billion.

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