Electric vehiclesToyota faces competition from cheaper models as fuel prices climbAustralian drivers' switch to electric vehicles has accelerated since fuel prices started climbing due to the U.S.-Iran war. (AAP Image)RURIKA IMAHASHIAugust 15, 2026 01:57 JSTSYDNEY -- Electric vehicle sales in Australia are surging, fueled in part by favorable policies and gas prices, as Chinese manufacturers like BYD use inexpensive models to push into what was once a stronghold for Japanese automakers.