Kia EV5 overtakes BYD in Australia’s EV market as global launch accelerates

Kia EV5 tops BYD in Australian EV sales, expands globally with Canadian exclusivity and European launch ahead. Discover what’s driving its rapid growth.

Kia’s electric SUV, the EV5, is making waves in Australia, outpacing all BYD electric models in the first three months of 2025. With 1,167 units sold between January and March, the EV5 has quickly become one of the top-selling EVs in the country — a remarkable feat for a newcomer that only hit the market in November 2024.

The EV5 made its global debut at the Chengdu Motor Show in August 2023, launching in China with a competitive starting price of around $20,000. In Australia, it entered the market priced at A$56,770 and offers both 60.3 kWh and 81.4 kWh battery options, along with front- or all-wheel-drive configurations.

Smaller than a Tesla Model Y but competitively equipped, the EV5 has gained popularity thanks to its accessible pricing, stylish design, and modern features. Kia’s extensive dealership network has also been instrumental in ensuring steady supply and customer service, helping the brand secure its place among Australia’s EV leaders.

Internationally, the EV5 is set to make a significant mark. In Canada, it will be a North American exclusive, equipped with the NACS charging port for compatibility with Tesla Superchargers. European markets, including the UK, are expected to see its arrival in 2025. The U.S. market, however, is off the table due to the EV5’s Chinese manufacturing origin, which disqualifies it from federal incentives and subjects it to import tariffs.

In China, the EV5 has already contributed to Kia’s resurgence. The company recorded over 200,000 units sold in 2024 — the highest in four years — and saw the fastest sales growth among joint ventures (+49.2%). For the first time in seven years, Kia’s joint venture operation turned a profit.

While Kia enjoys this momentum, BYD is gearing up to regain ground. The company has launched several new models, including the Sealion 7 and the budget-friendly Dolphin Essentials, and is rapidly expanding exports. The competition is heating up, but one thing is clear: the EV5 has become a milestone vehicle in Kia’s global EV strategy.

Source: electrek.co