Sales of 2026 Tesla Model Y and Model 3 decrease in Australia, with rivals like BYD Sealion 7 and Zeekr 7X taking advantage of high fuel prices

Tim Gibson

News Journalist

2 min read

The latest data has revealed Tesla has experienced a serious sales downturn in Australia.

The brand managed 1225 sales in April, compared to 3485 sales the previous month.

Year-to-date sales remain positive for Tesla, with more than double for April 2026 compared to April 2025.

Read More About Tesla Model Y

The Model Y remains Tesla’s best-selling car, but the brand sold around 2000 less units of its popular SUV in April than in March. 

It was a similar story for the Model 3 sedan, selling roughly 400 units, down from more than 600 for the previous month. 

The Model 3’s sales are also down comparing April 2026 and April 2025, meaning it is an EV that has gone backwards over the past year.

Tesla Australia said the sales decline was down to delivery cycles on vehicles coming into the country.

2026 Tesla Model Y L
2026 Tesla Model Y L

Tesla could experience a pick-up in sales when its six-seater Model Y L SUV, with deliveries beginning at the start of this month.

This news comes at a time when EV sales are booming in Australia, due to skyrocketing fuel prices. 

Many brands are reporting increasing electric vehicle registrations, with them making up greater proportions of total sales.

2026 Tesla Model 3
2026 Tesla Model 3

Kia said 40 per cent of all sales currently are coming from full EVs. Chery said 70 per cent of total sales are coming from electrified set-ups, which includes hybrids, plug-in hybrids and EVs. 

The EV boom has resulted in an increasingly diversified market for buyers, with more choices than ever in the segment. 

Most brands now have EV options across their range, while many Chinese brands are bringing cheaper options, which are proving popular.

2026 Tesla Model 3
2026 Tesla Model 3

Rivals such as the Zeekr 7X SUV have put down solid roots in Australia, along with several BYD models like the Atto 1 hatch - a car still holding the cheapest EV in Australia title.

BYD has already signalled its intention to dominate the EV market Down Under, with all of its models among the best sellers in the electric category. 

Tim Gibson

News Journalist

Tim couldn't get enough of UK Top Gear as a kid, which sparked his passion for cars. Tim’s journalism career began at age 15 as a local reporter for Football South Coast before he branched into live commentary with Football New South Wales. He reports on national competitions and the Socceroos with Football Australia, and also covered the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup with The Football Sack. He studied a Bachelor of Journalism and a Bachelor of Laws at the University of Wollongong, featuring in the top five per cent of students, and graduating with distinction. Tim completed an internship in the ABC’s Wollongong office, then undertook regular paid shifts until he completed his degrees. Tim started his full-time journalism career at CarsGuide, working as a News Journalist covering a range of automotive topics from electric vehicles to legal issues. Education University of Wollongong | Bachelor of Journalism with distinction | 2020-2025 University of Wollongong | Bachelor of Laws | 2020-2025 Featured Publications Football South Coast | 2018-present Football New South Wales | 2019-present South Coast Flame FC | 2021-2022 Football Australia | 2023-present UOW TV | 2021-2025 The Football Sack | 2022-2023 ABC Illawarra | 2023-2025 CarsGuide | 2025-present
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