While the global spotlight often falls on Tesla, Rivian, and Chinese EV giants, a quieter revolution is happening right here in Australia. A new generation of Australian manufacturers is proving that we don’t just dig up the minerals for electric vehicles—we can build them too.
The Return of Australian Vehicle Manufacturing
When Holden closed its doors in 2017, many believed Australian automotive manufacturing was finished. But a new breed of entrepreneurs had different plans. Today, Australian companies are designing and manufacturing electric trucks, utes, vans, and charging infrastructure that’s being exported around the world.
What makes this resurgence different? These aren’t legacy automakers trying to adapt—they’re purpose-built EV companies that started with electric in their DNA.
ACE EV Group: Australia’s Homegrown EV Manufacturer
Based in Edinburgh, South Australia, ACE EV Group is making history as the first wholly Australian-designed and manufactured electric vehicle company. Their flagship products include:
- ACE Yewt — An electric utility truck designed for tradespeople and commercial fleets
- ACE Cargo — Electric delivery vans for last-mile logistics
- ACE Urban — Compact EVs for urban environments
What sets ACE apart is their commitment to genuine Australian manufacturing. Their vehicles are designed, engineered, and assembled in South Australia, creating local jobs and keeping intellectual property onshore.
SEA Electric: From Dandenong to the World
In Dandenong, Victoria, SEA Electric has become a global leader in commercial electric vehicles. Founded in 2017, the company specialises in converting commercial trucks and buses to electric power using their proprietary SEA-Drive® power system.
SEA Electric’s approach is clever: rather than building vehicles from scratch, they work with major truck manufacturers to electrify existing platforms. This means fleets can transition to electric without completely changing their operations.
From their Melbourne base, SEA Electric has expanded globally, with vehicles now operating across North America, Asia, and Europe.
Tritium: Powering the Charging Revolution
You can’t have an EV revolution without charging infrastructure, and Brisbane’s Tritium is leading that charge—literally. The company designs and manufactures DC fast chargers that are deployed in over 45 countries.
Founded in 2001 and now listed on the NASDAQ, Tritium’s chargers are known for their reliability, efficiency, and sleek design. Their ultra-fast chargers can add hundreds of kilometres of range in minutes, making electric vehicles practical for everything from daily commuting to long-distance travel.
With over 10,000 chargers installed worldwide, Tritium proves that Australian innovation can compete at the highest levels of global manufacturing.
Why Australian EV Manufacturing Matters
The resurgence of Australian automotive manufacturing isn’t just about national pride—it’s strategic. Australia has:
- Abundant resources — We’re a leading producer of lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earths—the raw materials for EV batteries
- Engineering expertise — Decades of automotive manufacturing created a skilled workforce that’s now pivoting to EVs
- Strong design capability — Australian companies have always excelled at solving unique challenges (think utes and mining vehicles)
- Growing demand — EV sales in Australia have grown exponentially, creating a hungry local market
The Road Ahead
Australia’s EV manufacturing sector is still young, but the foundations are solid. With government support for local manufacturing, increasing consumer demand, and our natural resource advantages, the conditions are right for significant growth.
The companies we’ve highlighted—ACE EV Group, SEA Electric, and Tritium—are proving that Australian manufacturing isn’t dead. It’s evolving. And in the transition to electric mobility, Australia has an opportunity to reclaim its position as a significant vehicle manufacturer.
For businesses considering their fleet electrification strategy, looking local makes sense. Australian-made means local support, shorter supply chains, and the knowledge that you’re supporting Australian jobs and innovation.
Find Australian EV Manufacturers
Explore our Automotive Manufacturing and Renewable Energy categories to discover more Australian manufacturers driving the electric revolution.