Electric cars in Queensland: What Australia’s growing EV market means for drivers

EVs are becoming an increasingly familiar sight on Queensland roads. As more models enter the Australian market, public charging infrastructure expands and pricing becomes more competitive, drivers have more options when considering whether to make the switch.

The EV Council’s State of Electric Vehicles 2026 report provides a snapshot of that progress. It shows strong national growth across three areas that matter to Queensland drivers: EV sales, model availability and places to charge. 

At RemServ, we help employees in Queensland explore and save on EVs through novated leasing and the current Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) exemption.

Australia’s electric car market is gathering pace

Almost 158,000 battery EV and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) were sold across Australia during the first six months of 2026. That was 117% more than in the same period of 2025.

Together, these EVs represented 25.8% of new car sales during the six-month period, or approximately one in every four new cars sold. By the end of June 2026, Australia’s EV fleet had grown to approximately 612,000. 

For Queensland drivers, this national growth is helping create a broader and more competitive market, with EV options extending across different car types and price points.

Queensland drivers have more electric cars to choose from

The number of EV models available in Australia increased from 153 in 2025 to 196 in 2026. That total comprised 125 battery EV models and 71 PHEV. 

Greater choice can make it easier for Queensland drivers to compare EVs based on practical considerations such as budget, driving range, charging requirements and everyday use.

It also means the decision is no longer limited to a small number of premium models. EV options are increasingly appearing across passenger cars, SUVs and other segments of the Australian new-car market.

Australia’s public charging network continues to grow

Charging availability remains an important consideration for many people looking at an EV, particularly those travelling longer distances or driving between Brisbane and regional Queensland.

As of 30 June 2026, Australia had 4,268 public charging locations and 11,602 public charging connectors. Compared with June 2025, those figures represented increases of 235% and 175% respectively.

While these are national figures rather than Queensland-specific totals, they point to the broader investment taking place as EV uptake increases.

What’s changing with the Electric Car Discount?

The Australian Government announced proposed changes to the EV Discount on 5 May 2026 as part of the 2026–27 Federal Budget. The existing arrangements are due to continue in full until the end of March 2027. 

Under the proposed transitional arrangements:

• From 1 April 2027 to 31 March 2029 inclusive, eligible EVs costing $75,000 or less would continue to receive the full FBT discount.
• Eligible EVs costing more than $75,000 but below the luxury car tax (LCT) threshold would receive a 25% discount on payable FBT.
• From 1 April 2029, eligible EVs below the luxury car tax threshold would receive the 25% FBT discount.
• Existing novated leases would not be affected by the proposed changes. 
• These changes are still proposed and may change before they become law.

Considering an electric car in Queensland?

With more models entering the market and Australia’s charging network continuing to expand, Queensland drivers have more to consider than ever before.

Through a RemServ novated lease, eligible employees may be able to bundle the lease payments and eligible running costs into one regular payroll deduction. Eligible EVs may also qualify for the current FBT exemption, which could increase the potential post tax salary savings available.

Explore our latest electric car offers and see how much you could save with a RemServ novated lease.