Mazda Australia’s top executive believes the recent surge in electric vehicle sales is likely temporary rather than evidence of a permanent market shift. According to Mazda Australia boss Vinesh Bhindi, the spike appears to be driven more by fuel price anxiety than a structural change in buyer behavior.

Australia has seen EV demand climb sharply in recent months, with battery-electric models reaching a record 19.9 percent of new-vehicle sales in May. The Tesla Model Y also became the country’s best-selling vehicle that month, outselling popular combustion-powered models such as the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux.

Bhindi argues that much of that demand was triggered by rising fuel prices and supply concerns linked to conflict in the Middle East. As fuel prices ease, he expects EV interest to settle closer to previous levels, though he still believes the segment will continue growing gradually.

His comments arrive as Mazda prepares to expand its own electric lineup in Australia. The company is preparing to launch the Mazda 6e, followed by the CX-6e later this year, after previously discontinuing the MX-30 EV.

Mazda Says EV Demand Was Fuel-Price Driven

Speaking to Drive, Bhindi said the recent rise in EV interest was largely a reaction to fuel supply concerns rather than a long-term shift in the market. He said fresh orders have already started returning to levels seen before the recent fuel crisis.

That view suggests Mazda expects electric vehicle sales to remain important but less explosive once fuel prices stabilize. Bhindi said EV demand will continue to grow, but likely at a slower and more natural pace.

Infrastructure Remains A Concern

Bhindi also pointed to Australia’s charging infrastructure as a limiting factor for broader EV adoption. While he welcomed government support such as the Fringe Benefits Tax exemption, he said more investment is needed to make EV ownership more convenient.

For many buyers, charging access remains one of the biggest barriers to switching from petrol or hybrid vehicles. Without faster infrastructure growth, Mazda believes EV sales may struggle to maintain recent record levels.

Mazda Is Still Launching New EVs

Despite its cautious outlook, Mazda is preparing to re-enter Australia’s EV market with the 6e sedan and the upcoming CX-6e SUV. Both models will give the brand its first fully electric offerings in the country since the MX-30 EV was withdrawn in early 2024.

At the same time, Mazda is launching the new-generation CX-5 without full electrification. That decision reflects the brand’s belief that many Australian buyers still want petrol and hybrid options rather than a rapid move to EVs.

EV Growth May Become More Gradual

Mazda’s position is not that EV sales will collapse, but that the recent spike may not represent normal demand. If fuel prices continue easing, the company expects the market to become less reactive and more balanced.

The next few months will show whether Australia’s EV boom was a short-term response to high fuel costs or the beginning of a deeper shift. For now, Mazda is betting that electrification will grow, but not as quickly as recent sales figures suggest.

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