Topics
New data from the NTC’s Light Vehicle Emissions Intensity in Australia: Trends Over Time report shows a strong consumer shift toward hybrid vehicles, while new petrol-only registrations continue to fall.
NTC CEO and Commissioner Michael Hopkins said, “For vehicles first registered in 2024, emissions fell by 3.9 percent, on top of the 5 percent drop in the previous year. Newly registered vehicles now average 156 g/km – a vast improvement on the 252 g/km seen in 2003.”
A cleaner fleet is emerging
There are now more than 600,000 hybrid vehicles registered in Australia, with 171,000 entering the fleet across 2024 alone. Across small, medium and large SUVs there has been a reduction in emissions intensity driven by the increasing number of hybrids in this class.
Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) accounted for 13% of new registrations in 2024 and the number on our roads increased by almost 90,000 in 12 months. Consumers now have more choice than ever, with 173 electric models available, up from 127 the year before.
Meanwhile, petrol-only vehicles are trending downward. New registrations have dropped by 27% since 2017.
Key findings include:
- 600,000+ hybrids are now registered nationwide
- 171,000 hybrids entered the fleet in 2024
- Hybrid + EVs = 17% of all new registrations since 2021
- BEVs accounted for 13% of new registrations in 2024
- 240,417 BEVs now on the road (up 89,680 year-on-year)
- Petrol-only new registrations are down 27% since 2017
- 173 electric vehicle models available — more choice than ever
- SUVs seeing reduced emissions intensity with rising hybrid uptake
- Rural and remote communities have higher emissions due to larger vehicle needs
- Half of all vehicles stay in use for 19+ years, slowing fleet emissions turnover
Why this matters
For the first time, this year’s report also explores how the lifespan of Australia’s light vehicle fleet – with half of all vehicles expected to remain on our roads for around 19 years – is shaping our national emissions challenge. While today’s new vehicles are cleaner and more efficient than ever, with older, higher-emitting vehicles remaining on our roads, it will take time for these improvements to flow through the fleet.
NTC CEO Michael Hopkins said, “Our report aims to inform policy makers, fleet managers and all Australians about the impact of decisions on what car to buy if you want to help cut total emissions.”
More transparency for consumers and decision-makers
For the first time, the NTC has launched a new interactive emissions dashboard allowing users to explore data at national, local government and federal electorate level.