In 2023, MG, BYD, and GWM launched the first sub-$40,000 electric vehicles in Australia, making it a breakthrough year for those looking for an inexpensive option. This list includes the cheapest EVs in Australia; we'll go over the pricing, specifications, and essential features of each model.
For a brief period (until March 31, 2024), the GWM Ora is the cheapest electric vehicle in Australia, with a 2023 run-out model beginning at $35,990 before on-road fees ($36,638 to $39,003 drive-away).
The BYD Dolphin Dynamic is priced at $38,890 before on-road fees, while the MG 4 51 kWh Essence begins at $39,990.
All of these EV vehicles are priced similarly to or cheaper than typical petrol internal combustion engine (ICE) compact cars, such as the top-spec Toyota Corolla ZR Hybrid ($38,120), Mazda 3 G25 Astina ($42,320), and Hyundai i30 Hatch N-Line Premium ($37,300).
1. GWM Ora
The GWM Ora has unique vintage style both inside and out. Although storage space is limited, passenger space is ample.
The Great Wall Motors (GWM) Ora, also known as the Ora Funky Cat or Good Cat internationally, made its debut in Australia in April as one of the country's most affordable new electric automobiles.
Until March 31, 2024, the 2023 run-out model starts at $35,990 before on-road fees ($36,638 to $39,003 drive-away).
The 2024 Ora EV will be priced between $39,990 and $51,990 before on-road expenditures. It has a unique two-tone color scheme and a seven-year, unlimited kilometer guarantee.
All Ora models are eligible for state government incentives and FBT exemptions via a novated lease. To obtain a quotation, click the picture below.
The electric vehicle can charge at 11kW AC, with a maximum rate of 64kW DC on the Standard Range and 67kW DC on the Extended Range. The firm says that the Standard Range can recharge from 10% to 80% in 41 minutes using a compatible public EV charger.
It is available in two configurations, each with a 10.25-inch infotainment display, a 10.25-inch driver instrument display, and a full active safety aid suite.
The GWM Ora EV has a seven-year vehicle guarantee with unlimited km and an eight-year battery warranty.
2. BYD Dolphin
The BYD Dolphin features great in-car technology, a high quality interior and good passenger and storage space.
The BYD Dolphin range is priced from $38,890 before on-road costs, making it the cheapest electric car available in the market. Both Dolphin variants will be eligible for the various state government incentives and the FBT exemption which is available through a novated lease.
The Dolphin Dynamic offers 340km of claimed driving range on the stricter WLTP testing cycle. Meanwhile, the Dolphin Premium Extended Range battery is offered for $6000 more with 427km of range (WLTP). Both battery sizes can be topped up with up to 7kW AC and 60 kW/80kW DC speeds, with an included vehicle-to-load (V2L) adapter for powering other devices or appliances outside the car.
Built on the same dedicated EV platform as the popular BYD Atto 3, both models use BYD's ‘Blade Battery’ based on lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) technology.
Both variants feature a 12.8-inch tablet-style rotatable infotainment system running its own ‘DiLink’ software, panoramic sunroof, and a complete suite of safety assistance systems like adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera.
3. MG4
The MG 4 is a compact electric hatch, beginning at $39.990 for the basic model. It comes in three battery capacities and two trims, with a stated WLTP driving range of up to 530km.
The basic model supports charging rates of up to 6.6kW AC and 88kW DC.Charging rates for the long-range model are increased to 11KW AC and 140kW DC. All versions support vehicle-to-load (V2L) with a suitable adaptor.
The vehicle has a 10.25-inch tablet-style display, connected Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 50-50 weight distribution, and is powered by SAIC Motor's specialized EV platform.
All versions are eligible for state government incentives and FBT exemptions with a novated lease.
The MG4 electric car comes with a seven-year guarantee and unlimited mileage for both the vehicle and the battery. The same time applies to roadside assistance and capped-price maintenance coverage.
4. MG ZS EV
The MG ZS EV received a major facelift last year, with fresher looks, updated tech and an all-new battery pack, but prices are slightly up.
Following a recent price reduction, the 2023 MG ZS EV Excite (base model) now starts from $40,990 before on-road costs nationwide (before state incentives). It is now officially the cheapest electric SUV available in the Australian market.
Both ZS EV variants will be eligible for the various state government incentives and the FBT exemption which is available through a novated lease. You can request a quote by clicking the image below.
The refreshed Chinese small electric SUV provides up to 320km of range (WLTP) for the Standard Range and 440km for the Long Range. It can charge at up to 6.6kW AC or 75kW DC rates on a compatible charger.
Standard equipment highlights on the base Excite includes a larger 10.1-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, full LED headlights, and ‘MG Pilot’ active safety assistance systems including auto emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, 360-degree surround view camera, and more.
Buyers who want features like blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross traffic alert, faux leather seats, and more will need to step up to the flagship Essence model at $43,990 before on-road costs.
5. BYD Atto 3
The BYD Atto 3 was launched in 2022 with great hoopla and rapidly became one of the best-selling electric vehicles in the market.
The BYD Atto 3 is a compact to medium SUV with a specific EV platform. It starts at $48,011 before on-road charges and state incentives. Both Atto 3 variations are eligible for state government incentives and FBT exemptions via a novated lease. To obtain a quotation, click the picture below.
The Atto 3 Standard Range claims 320km of driving range on the harsher WLTP testing cycle. An Extended Range battery with 420km range (WLTP) is available for an additional $3000. Both packs provide up to 7kW AC or 80kW DC speeds, and come with a vehicle-to-load (V2L) connector to power external equipment.
Both versions use BYD's 'Blade Battery', which is based on lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) technology. It's said to be more robust, safer, and longer-lasting than standard packs, with negligible deterioration after one million kilometers of driving.
With just one high-spec variant, the BYD EV has a 12.8-inch tablet-style rotatable entertainment system that runs its proprietary 'DiLink' software, a panoramic sunroof, and a full suite of safety aid technologies like as adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera.
The BYD Atto 3 comes with a 6-year/150,000km vehicle guarantee and an 8-year/160,000km battery warranty, ensuring it keeps at least 70% of its health.