Skoda is accelerating its electric vehicle (EV) sales efforts in Australia as it strives to meet increasingly stringent emissions regulations. The Czech automaker’s current EV sales figures are insufficient to comply with the Australian Government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), and the brand needs to double its EV deliveries to avoid penalties.
Current Sales Shortfall
In 2023, Skoda sold a combined 635 electric vehicles (the Elroq and Enyaq SUVs), representing just 13.2% of its total 4808 deliveries. This performance places Skoda 20th in the Australian EV market, behind competitors like Cupra, Mini, and Porsche. The company’s internal target is at least 20% EV sales, a figure it must reach to satisfy new standards.
Improving Momentum
However, early 2024 shows signs of improvement. Skoda’s overall sales are up 7.8%, with EVs now accounting for 22.4% of its volume. This positive trend is driven by increased vehicle supply and the introduction of more affordable EV variants. According to Skoda Australia director Lucie Kuhn, the company deliberately held back older Enyaq models in anticipation of newer generations, which are now arriving in greater numbers.
“We were waiting for supply, of course. Now, we can start doing some more serious deliveries, and the deliveries can actually go in the direction of 20-30 percent.”
External Factors
Rising fuel prices due to ongoing conflict in the Middle East are also contributing to increased EV demand. Some Australian service stations have experienced shortages, prompting consumers to consider electric alternatives. This surge in EV interest could be sustained if geopolitical instability continues to drive up fuel costs.
Future EV Lineup
Skoda plans to expand its EV offerings in 2026 with the launch of two new electric SUVs: the entry-level Epiq and the larger Peaq (based on the Vision 7S concept). The company is actively negotiating with its global division to prioritize these models for the Australian market.
Skoda’s push for higher EV sales is critical not just for market share but also for regulatory compliance. The brand’s success hinges on securing consistent supply, leveraging external pressures like fuel volatility, and introducing competitive EV models to meet consumer demand.
