
Australia is home to a large number of registered vehicles, with figures suggesting there are over 21 million cars on the country's roads. This number has been increasing year on year, with each state and territory experiencing a rise in vehicle registrations between 31 January 2022 and 31 January 2023. As of January 2023, the number of registered vehicles in Australia exceeded 21 million, with approximately 15.33 million passenger vehicles and 3.95 million light commercial vehicles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total number of cars | More than 21 million |
| Number of registered motor vehicles as of 31 January 2023 | 21.2 million |
| Number of registered motor vehicles as of December 2020 | 19,229,139 |
| State/Territory with the most registered motor vehicles in 2023 | New South Wales (6,154,814) |
| State/Territory with the fewest registered motor vehicles in 2023 | Northern Territory (166,110) |
| Number of passenger vehicles as of January 2023 | 15.33 million |
| Number of light commercial vehicles as of January 2023 | 3.95 million |
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What You'll Learn

There are over 21 million cars in Australia
The number of cars in Australia has been steadily increasing over the years. Between 31 January 2022 and 31 January 2023, the number of registered vehicles increased across every state and territory. As of January 2023, the number of registered vehicles in Australia exceeded 21 million. This includes passenger vehicles, which accounted for approximately 15.33 million, and light commercial vehicles, which made up about 3.95 million.
New South Wales (NSW) had the highest number of registered motor vehicles in 2023, with 6,154,814. Victoria followed closely behind with 5,391,255 registered motor vehicles. Queensland had 4,598,755, while Western Australia and South Australia had 2,437,785 and 1,556,185, respectively. Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) had the lowest numbers, with 532,142 and 331,416 registered motor vehicles, respectively. The Northern Territory had the fewest, with 166,110 registered motor vehicles.
The increasing number of cars in Australia reflects the growing demand for personal transportation in the country. It also underscores the importance of road infrastructure development and traffic management strategies to accommodate this growing vehicle population. Additionally, with global trends influencing the Australian automotive sector, there has been a notable rise in the popularity of SUVs and electric vehicles.
In summary, with over 21 million cars in Australia, the country boasts a significant vehicle population. This large number of cars has implications for various aspects of Australian life, including road infrastructure, traffic management, and environmental considerations. As the number of vehicles continues to grow, it will be crucial to address the challenges and opportunities that arise from this motorization trend.
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NSW has the most registered vehicles
As of 2023, there were more than 21 million cars in Australia. While there is no official up-to-date record, the latest figures show that New South Wales (NSW) has the most registered vehicles of any state or territory.
In 2023, NSW had 6,154,814 registered motor vehicles, according to the BITRE report. This is a notable increase from the previous year's figure of 5,989,864. The report provides aggregate estimates of the number of vehicles registered by state and territory, vehicle type, fuel type, vehicle make, and age.
The high number of registered vehicles in NSW is not surprising, given that it is Australia's most populous state. It is home to the country's largest city, Sydney, and has a diverse range of geographical areas, from densely populated urban centres to more remote regional areas. This diversity in population and geography likely contributes to the high demand for motor vehicles.
When compared to other states and territories, NSW significantly surpasses the number of registered vehicles. For example, Queensland, the state with the second-highest number of registered vehicles, had 4,598,755 in 2023. This is almost 1.5 million fewer vehicles than NSW. Other states with considerably fewer registered vehicles include South Australia with 1,556,185, Western Australia with 2,437,785, and Tasmania with 532,142. The Northern Territory had the fewest registered vehicles, with only 166,110.
The high number of registered vehicles in NSW highlights the state's reliance on road transport and the importance of motor vehicles in the daily lives of its residents. It also underscores the need for effective road infrastructure, transport planning, and traffic management strategies to accommodate such a large number of vehicles.
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Queensland had the largest increase in vehicle registrations
As of 2023, there were more than 21 million cars in Australia, according to the latest federal government figures. This number is an increase from the previous years: there were 20,267,832 registered vehicles in 2021, 20,687,047 in 2022, and 21,168,462 in 2023.
The number of registered vehicles increased across every state and territory between 31 January 2022 and 31 January 2023. Queensland, Western Australia, and Tasmania experienced the largest proportionate increases in vehicle registrations, with 3.0%, 2.9%, and 2.3% increases, respectively. Queensland had 4,598,755 registered motor vehicles in 2023. This significant increase in Queensland's vehicle registrations is notable and contributes to the overall growth in the number of cars in Australia.
The increase in vehicle registrations in Queensland could be attributed to various factors, such as population growth, economic development, or improved road infrastructure in the state. Queensland's growing population might have led to a higher demand for vehicles, resulting in more registrations. Additionally, economic factors such as increased disposable income or attractive financing options could have encouraged more people to purchase cars. Improved road infrastructure, including new roads and highways, might also have made driving more accessible and appealing to Queensland residents.
The trend towards a growing automotive sector in Queensland aligns with the broader Australian context. The country has witnessed notable transformations in its automotive industry in recent times. There is a rising popularity of SUVs and electric vehicles, with environmental concerns influencing the market. The integration of cleaner technologies and a focus on emission limits have likely contributed to the overall increase in vehicle registrations, including in Queensland.
In summary, Queensland's 3.0% increase in vehicle registrations is significant and contributes to the overall count of cars in Australia. This increase could be attributed to demographic, economic, and infrastructure factors, as well as the broader trends in the Australian automotive industry, such as the rising popularity of electric vehicles.
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Passenger vehicles are the largest vehicle type
As of 2023, there were more than 21 million cars in Australia. This number has been increasing year on year, with the latest figures from January 2023 showing 21.2 million registered motor vehicles. While there is no official up-to-date record, the actual number is likely to be even higher as some vehicles may be unregistered or not in use.
The high number of passenger vehicles in Australia can be attributed to several factors. One factor is the large geographic area of the country, which makes personal vehicles a necessity for many people, especially in rural and regional areas. Additionally, Australia has a relatively high rate of car ownership per capita, with 758 vehicles per 1,000 people as of December 2020. This is higher than many other developed countries, such as the United Kingdom (539 vehicles per 1,000 people) and Japan (584 vehicles per 1,000 people).
The large number of passenger vehicles in Australia has implications for various aspects of the country's infrastructure and environment. Firstly, it contributes to high traffic congestion in urban areas, particularly during peak hours. This has led to a focus on developing public transport systems and encouraging carpooling to reduce the number of vehicles on the road. Secondly, the high number of vehicles has an impact on parking availability, with many cities facing challenges in providing sufficient parking spaces for residents and visitors. This has resulted in the implementation of parking restrictions and the development of parking infrastructure, such as multi-storey car parks.
The large number of passenger vehicles also has environmental implications. While Australia has seen an increasing trend in the sales of electric vehicles, with 8,688 electric car sales in the first half of 2021, the majority of passenger vehicles still run on traditional fuel types. This contributes to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, impacting the country's commitment to reducing carbon emissions. To address this, the government has placed an emphasis on emission limits and the integration of cleaner technologies in the automotive industry.
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Electric car sales are increasing
Australia is home to more than 21 million cars, according to the latest publicly available federal government figures. The number of registered vehicles increased across every state and territory between 31 January 2022 and 31 January 2023.
In recent times, Australia's automotive sector has experienced notable transformations, with global trends reflected in the market's increasing popularity of SUVs and electric automobiles. Electric vehicle sales have reached new heights in Australia, representing almost one in every 10 vehicles bought in 2024, with popularity expected to almost double over the next two years.
The latest annual state of EVs report, released by the Electric Vehicle Council, noted a 150% increase in sales compared with 2022, to the current sales share of 9.5% of new light vehicle sales – with about 110,000 to 114,000 estimated to have been sold. The Tesla Model Y was the most popular new electric vehicle in Australia in 2024, representing 16,697 – or 20% of all EV sales. This was closely followed by the Tesla Model 3, with 14,053 sales, and Chinese manufacturer BYD’s Seal, with 5,308.
Several factors have contributed to the increasing sales of electric vehicles in Australia. One key factor is the growing awareness of environmental concerns, leading to an increased emphasis on emission limits and the integration of cleaner technologies. Additionally, the availability of cheaper electric vehicle models and a growing number of charging stations have made electric vehicles more accessible and convenient for consumers.
The increasing sales of electric vehicles in Australia reflect a global shift towards more sustainable and cost-effective transportation options. With the continued advancements in technology and infrastructure, the popularity of electric vehicles is expected to continue to rise in the coming years.
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Frequently asked questions
There are more than 21 million cars in Australia, according to the latest publicly available federal government figures.
There were 21.2 million registered motor vehicles in Australia as of 31 January 2023.
New South Wales (NSW) has the most registered motor vehicles in Australia, with 6,154,814 as of 2023.
There are approximately 15.33 million passenger vehicles in Australia as of January 2023.











































