The electric vehicle landscape in Australia has dramatically shifted. Gone are the days when EVs were luxurious toys for the wealthy elite. A fresh wave of affordable electric vehicles is finally hitting our shores, making sustainable driving accessible to everyday Australians. The market transformation arrives at the perfect moment, with fuel prices fluctuating wildly and climate concerns growing increasingly urgent.
Chinese manufacturers have boldly charged into the Australian market, bringing with them budget-friendly options that challenge established players. This fierce competition has triggered widespread price reductions across the industry. The result? More choice and better value for Aussie drivers considering the switch to electric.
1. BYD Dolphin Essential – $29,990 (plus on-road costs)
Currently wearing the crown as Australia’s cheapest electric vehicle, the BYD Dolphin Essential has shattered the $30,000 barrier. This compact hatchback offers remarkable value with its attractive entry price of $29,990 before on-road costs (approximately $32,000 drive-away depending on your state).
The Dolphin Essential doesn’t skimp on practicality despite its budget price tag. It delivers a respectable 340km of driving range (WLTP), making it perfectly suitable for urban commuters and occasional longer journeys. Charging capabilities include 7kW AC charging for overnight top-ups at home and up to 60kW DC fast charging for quicker refills at public stations.
BYD has stripped back some luxury features to achieve this price point. The Essential variant foregoes the panoramic sunroof, heated seats, and wireless phone charger found in higher models. Even color choices have been simplified to just grey and white. But the fundamentals remain solid, offering tremendous value for entry-level EV buyers.
2. GWM Ora Standard Range – $33,990 (drive-away)
The quirky-looking GWM Ora continues to hold its position as one of Australia’s most affordable electric hatchbacks. Priced at $33,990 drive-away, this compact EV delivers respectable 310km driving range (WLTP) and distinctive styling that turns heads.
Sometimes called the “Good Cat” or “Funky Cat” in other markets, the Ora brings some personality to the budget EV segment. Its unique two-tone color design and retro-inspired styling distinguish it from competitors. Beyond appearances, the Ora offers solid practical considerations, including DC fast charging capability up to 64kW, allowing a 10-80% recharge in 41 minutes.
A standout feature for budget-conscious buyers is GWM’s generous seven-year, unlimited kilometer warranty, which includes an eight-year battery warranty. The company has extended special pricing into 2025, helping the Ora remain firmly positioned as one of Australia’s most affordable electric options.
3. MG4 Excite 51kWh – $34,990 (drive-away)
Once Australia’s cheapest EV, the MG4 has been nudged to third place but remains an exceptional value proposition. Starting at $34,990 drive-away for the base 51kWh Excite model, the MG4 offers 350km of range in its entry variant.
The MG4 stands out with its purpose-built electric architecture, riding on SAIC Motor’s Modular Scalable Platform. This dedicated EV platform translates to better space utilization and driving dynamics, with MG claiming a perfect 50:50 weight distribution for balanced handling.
For those wanting more range, MG offers several battery options across the lineup, including the 64kWh Excite ($40,990 drive-away) delivering 450km range, and the impressive 77kWh Long Range variant ($49,990 drive-away) that stretches to 530km between charges.
4. MG ZS EV Excite – $36,990 (drive-away)
Once pioneering as Australia’s first affordable electric SUV, the MG ZS EV now starts at $36,990 drive-away for the Excite trim. This makes it currently the cheapest electric SUV available in Australia.
The ZS EV provides a practical package with its compact SUV body style, offering more versatility than hatchback competitors. It delivers a 320km driving range for the standard version, while a Long Range variant pushes this to 440km.
Buyers should note this current model will soon be replaced. MG plans to launch a new electric SUV (possibly named the S5) in the first half of 2025, which will utilize the same platform as the popular MG4. The upcoming model will switch from front-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive, promising improved dynamics.
5. Chery Omoda E5 BX – $36,990 (before on-road costs)
The Chery Omoda E5 has made a dramatic entrance into the Australian market with an aggressive limited-time discount of $6,000. This brings its starting price to $36,990 before on-road costs, down from its regular $42,990 list price.
As another affordable electric SUV option, the Omoda E5 offers competitive specifications including a 10.25-inch infotainment display, a matching 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and a comprehensive active safety suite. The combination of affordability and contemporary tech makes it an attractive proposition.
Chery has yet to announce when this special pricing will end, simply stating it’s available for a “limited time.” Prospective buyers might want to move quickly to secure this deal before the price reverts to its standard level.
6. BYD Dolphin Premium – $39,432 (drive-away)
The higher-spec variant of BYD’s popular Dolphin hatchback offers extended range capabilities without breaking the bank. Priced at $39,432 drive-away (Victorian pricing), the Dolphin Premium delivers an impressive 490km of WLTP-rated range.
For the $7,000 premium over the Essential variant, buyers gain not only the additional range but also enhanced features like a panoramic sunroof, heated seats, and wireless phone charging. The Dolphin Premium also includes a rotating 12.8-inch central touchscreen that can switch between portrait and landscape orientations.
All Dolphin variants benefit from vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, allowing them to power external devices or appliances – a handy feature during camping trips or power outages.
7. BYD Atto 3 Essential – $39,990 (before on-road costs)
BYD’s popular Atto 3 SUV has received similar Essential treatment to the Dolphin, with a new entry-level model priced at $39,990 before on-road costs. This positions it as one of the most value-packed electric SUVs in the Australian market.
The Atto 3 has made a significant impact since its Australian launch, offering a practical SUV body style with decent interior space and driving characteristics. Its blade battery technology delivers solid range combined with improved safety characteristics.
BYD’s latest Essential variants were scheduled to arrive in March 2025, though industrial action at Australian ports might affect this timing. The competitive pricing puts downward pressure on the entire electric SUV segment.
8. Nissan Leaf – $39,990 (drive-away)
The pioneering Nissan Leaf continues to hold relevance in the affordable EV space, now available from $39,990 drive-away thanks to special pricing to clear remaining stock. As one of the world’s first mass-market electric cars, the Leaf has helped pave the way for today’s EV revolution.
While the current generation dates back to 2017, making it one of the older designs in this list, the Leaf still offers practical electric motoring with its hatchback practicality and established reliability. The standard model provides modest range, while the Leaf e+ variant ($49,990 drive-away) offers improved battery capacity.
The Leaf is notable for using the less common CHAdeMO charging port for DC fast charging (alongside a Type 2 port for AC charging). A high-riding replacement is expected soon, arriving in Australia before March 2027.
9. Geely EX5 – $40,990 (before on-road costs)
As one of the newest entries in the Australian market, the Geely EX5 electric SUV makes a compelling case with its $40,990 starting price (before on-roads). This translates to approximately $44,348 drive-away before any bonus offers.
The Geely brand might be unfamiliar to many Australians, but as China’s largest private automaker (and owner of Volvo), it brings significant manufacturing expertise. The EX5 stands out for including an impressive array of standard features and technology that outpaces similarly priced non-electric competitors.
With its medium SUV dimensions, the EX5 offers more space than many of the smaller hatchbacks on this list, positioning it as a practical family option without the premium price tag typically associated with larger electric vehicles.
10. Leapmotor C10 – $47,500 (drive-away)
Rounding out our list is another newcomer to Australia, the Leapmotor C10, priced from $47,500 drive-away. As a mid-sized electric SUV, the C10 offers substantial space and practicality for families looking to go electric without stretching to premium European brands.
Leapmotor has entered the Australian market with aggressive pricing across its small model range. The entry-level C10 Style starts at $47,500 drive-away, while the higher-grade C10 Design remains reasonably priced at $51,500 drive-away.
This competitively priced family SUV demonstrates how quickly the electric vehicle landscape is changing in Australia, with increasingly affordable options appearing in larger vehicle segments that have traditionally commanded significant premiums for electric power.
The Future of Affordable EVs in Australia
The electric vehicle market in Australia is experiencing unprecedented momentum. With approximately 40 new models expected throughout 2025, the total number of available EVs will expand by around 50% to roughly 120 models by year’s end. This growth puts Australia on par with European countries like the UK and ahead of the US market, which misses out on many Chinese brands.
Several factors are driving this shift toward affordability. Battery technology costs continue to decline, manufacturing scales are increasing, and intense competition is forcing prices downward. Additionally, the introduction of New Vehicle Efficiency Standards (NVES) from January 2025 is encouraging manufacturers to prioritize the Australian market with their electric offerings.
Looking ahead, even more affordable options are on the horizon. The Hyundai Inster is expected to arrive in early 2025 with pricing rumored around $40,000, while Kia’s EV3 should reach Australia within the first half of the year. Both models have received excellent reviews overseas and could further disrupt the market.
FAQs About Affordable EVs in Australia
What is the cheapest electric car in Australia?
The BYD Dolphin Essential is currently Australia’s cheapest EV at $29,990 before on-road costs.
Do affordable EVs have decent range?
Yes, most affordable EVs now offer between 300-450km of range, which is sufficient for daily commuting and occasional longer trips.
Are there government incentives for buying electric vehicles?
Various state governments offer incentives like rebates and stamp duty exemptions, plus there’s an FBT exemption available through novated leases.
How long do EV batteries last?
Most manufacturers offer 7-8 year warranties on their batteries, but research shows EV batteries often last much longer than expected.
Are Chinese EVs reliable?
While relatively new to Australia, Chinese EVs typically come with comprehensive warranties (up to 7 years) and are showing promising reliability so far.
What’s the charging situation for EVs in Australia?
Australia’s charging network continues to expand, with most affordable EVs capable of both home AC charging and faster DC charging at public stations.
Will EV prices continue to fall?
Industry trends suggest prices will continue to decrease as technology advances and competition intensifies.
Are affordable EVs well-equipped?
Yes, most affordable EVs come with modern infotainment systems, smartphone connectivity, and advanced safety features.
What’s the cheapest electric SUV in Australia?
The MG ZS EV is currently the cheapest electric SUV at $36,990 drive-away.
When is the best time to buy an affordable EV?
With prices continuing to fall and new models arriving regularly, the best time might be now – especially if manufacturers are offering limited-time discounts.
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