Australians are adopting electric cars as their commitment to sustainability. The number of electric cars on Australian roads has doubled in 2024. About 8.4% of new car sales during the first half of 2024 were electric (Guardian, 2023). Newer brands have entered the market and started competing in the affordable category.
If you've been planning to switch to an electric car, it's the best time. Previously, buying an EV in Australia was a bad choice; the prices were way too high, and the infrastructure wasn't compatible. It has changed; you can get a brand-new fully-electric car for as low as AUS$ 39,000. Plus, EV charging stations and alternatives to conventional chargers are readily available.
Let's explore electric cars' current market trends and brand options and compare prices. Our updated Electric Cars Australia price list will help you choose your next electric car.
Australia’s Electric Car Market in 2024
The electric car market is growing fast, and the competition is severe and turning out good for Australian consumers. The future is EVs in Australia; consumer behavior, sales dynamics, and adaptability say it all. Most manufacturers aim for the future and offer the best deals to create a customer base.
Chinese Brands vs. Western Domination
The Chinese brands are competing with Western domination. Their strategy is customer-centric, which is why they can capture a good share of the market. The road presence is also comparatively higher. You'll easily spot BYD, GWM, MG, or Tesla on the road. Their budget-friendly price tags, strong value propositions, and improved quality and high-tech features are attracting many customers.
Established Western brands like BMW, Volvo, and Polestar are also in the race. They're offering specific models at even lower prices than Chinese brands. They're ahead in brand loyalty, but it isn't impactful in the electric cars' case. A South Korean EV manufacturer, KIA, competes directly with Western and Chinese brands. It is ranked the 6th highest EV-selling brand in Australia. However, consumers are more interested in features, price, and reliability than brand value.
Government Incentives, Tax Exemption, and Charging Infrastructure
The Australian government policies are pro-electric cars. They aim to raise electric car sales by up to 76% (Collectively with State Governments) by 2030. The government is fostering EV adoption by offering incentives, exempting taxes, and providing infrastructure compatible with EVs. You can get EV incentives from the state government ranging between $3000 to $6000. The federal government has also exempted fringe benefits tax (FBT) from numerous models.
The government is closely working with the private sector to develop infrastructure compatible with electric cars. Australia's 3000 EV charging stations are strategically positioned across its length and breadth. The number is growing, and more advanced technology is being integrated for fast recharging. On the other hand, alternatives to conventional EV charging stations, like solar generators, are widely adopted.
Top 5 Most Affordable Electric Cars to Buy in Australia 2023
After extensive market research and experts' opinions, we've listed these top 5 electric cars in the affordable category. They're checked on customer criteria and ranked according to first-hand user reviews. If you're on the hunt for an affordable EV, you can follow this list blindfolded.
1. BYD Dolphin
BYD is an emerging Chinese electric car brand in Australia. It entered the Australian market with its very loved BYD Dolphin. The most affordable and feature-full EV with a starting price of $38,890. This vehicle competes with electric counterparts and conventional petrol/diesel cars.
It comes in two variants; the base variant has a 45 kWh battery offering up to 340 km driving range. The other variant houses a 60.5kWh battery offering about 427 km driving range. The car has a futuristic design and is available in various funky colors. The company markets it as agile and versatile.
2. MG 4
MG is already leading the EV market in Australia; its latest MG 4 is something out of the ordinary. The sporty beast is a performance car with advanced features. Its fast recharge technology powers the battery to 80% in 35 minutes. There are around 3 MG4 variants available.
The starting price of the base variant Excite is $38,990. You'll get a decent 51 kWh battery offering up to 350 km driving range. The other variants are priced higher, having better battery capacity and range. The highlights include Fast Recharge Technology, MG Pilot with 14 Safety Features, and a 360-degree camera.
3. GWM Ora
GWM is another Chinese manufacturer having a good customer base in Australia. The GWM Ora is their most popular EV in the budget category. It offers up to 310 km of driving range with a 48 kWh lithium-ion battery. The car’s starting price is about $40,500. What helps Ora stand out is its unique safety features.
The car has lane assist, blind spot monitoring, 360-degree Camera, lane departure warning, and more. Plus. GWM is providing the best after-sales service in Australia. The 8-year warranty and 5-year roadside assistance double the brand's value. The ratings and customer reviews are positive and encouraging.
4. Nissan Leaf
Nissan Leaf is one of the first introduced EVs in Australia. The car is futuristic and equipped with intelligent systems for safe driving. The key highlights are its intelligent emergency braking, cruise control, and lane assist. The car's interior and exterior are sleek and sophisticated, giving a more sporty look.
Nissan Leaf features a 41 kWh battery providing up to 315 km driving range. It has two variants, base, and e+; the base variant has a price tag of $50,990. If you don't want a Chinese-made car, the Nissan Leaf is a good option in the budget category. However, due to its limited features and range, the car isn't a direct competitor of Chinese cars.
5. Tesla Model 3
Tesla is Australia's most popular electric car brand. The Tesla Model 3 has a separate fanbase; people are really into this machine. Tesla is an American brand made in China; it's the pioneer of electric cars. The Tesla Model 3 combines efficiency, performance, and comfort.
Tesla is the name of experience; its technology is incomparable and unique. The Tesla auto-pilot and remote access are two major highlights. It's a car that listens to you and feels your presence. The Tesla Model 3 offers a max range of 629 km, and a 15-minute charge will last up to 282 km. This car is a power-packed beast with a $61,900 price tag.
Top 5 Electric Cars Prices and Comparison
Here’s a more comprehensive comparison to help you make the final decision. Hopefully, you’ll select the best electric car to go green and go electric.
Sno. |
Model |
Battery (kWh) |
Range (Km) |
Price (AUS$) |
Key Features |
1. |
BYD Dolphin |
45 kWh |
340 km |
$38,890 |
Panoramic Roof, Performance Tyres, Remote Start, and Cruise Control |
2. |
MG 4 |
51 kWh |
350 km |
$38,990 |
Fast Recharge, MG Pilot, and Adaptive Cruise Control |
3. |
GWM Ora |
48 kWh |
310 km |
$40,500 |
Lane Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, 360-degree Camera, and Lane Departure Warning |
4. |
Nissan Leaf |
41 kWh |
315 km |
$50,990 |
Intelligent Emergency Braking, Cruise Control, and Lane Assist |
5. |
Tesla Model 3 |
81.6 kWh |
629 km |
$61,900 |
Tesla Screen, Fast Recharge, Auto-pilot, and Remote Access |
Power Electric Cars with Solar Generator
Most people hesitate to switch to electric cars due to limited charging options, power supply issues, and range anxiety. There's one best solution to all these problems: a solar generator. It gives you access to clean energy anytime, anywhere. The solar generator is a highly portable and lightweight device made right for electric cars.
You can plan a pan Australia trip on your electric car with a solar generator in your trunk. Plus, the one-time investment in a solar generator will let you reduce driving costs to zero. Sounds beneficial? It's something you shouldn't miss after buying an electric vehicle.
The BLUETTI AC500 + B300S Solar Generator Kit is the best option you can buy to power your EV without relying on conventional chargers. You can have kinds of combo to choose from with this generator kit to give you additional convenience. It gives you complete energy independence and access to cheaper energy. The device has a 3,072Wh capacity (expandable up to 18,432Wh) with an integrated fast-recharge technology. Plus, the output ports are compatible with EV chargers. The device is also controllable with a mobile app that makes EV charging much more convenient.
You can also buy BLUETTI PV350 SOLAR PANEL with the combo. The panel is designed to provide a high conversion rate. It ensures fast recharge of the battery pack and higher solar input. The panel is made with advanced laminated technology for better light transmittance. What makes it special is the foldable feature and portable design.
Are you planning a trip on your EV? You can get a BLUETTI AC180 Portable Power Station, drive to any scenic location, and enjoy a cup of hot brewed coffee. It has a 1,152Wh battery capacity to power your appliances efficiently. The device is compact and portable; it can fit anywhere in your electric car. For more convenience, the device supports turbocharging; it can go from 0% to 80% in 45 minutes.
FAQs
Q1: What are EV charging costs right now?
As of August 2023, the public fast charging stations offer $0.40 and $0.70 per kWh. Depending on your car battery pack, a full recharge can cost between $24 and $42. It costs about $0.15 -0.30 per kWh if you're charging at home.
Q2: Why are electric cars so expensive?
The battery technology for EVs is still in the development phase and costs a fortune to manufacturers. The higher prices are usually due to batteries, and another factor is limited mass production.
Q3: Is an electric car a good idea in Australia?
Yes, because the government and manufacturers are trying to increase EV adaptability. There are tax exemptions and incentives, and prices are the lowest possible.
Q4: Are electric vehicle batteries reliable?
Electric car batteries come with a 7-10-year warranty; such reliability is not seen in conventional vehicles. Plus, the EVs are maintenance-free and go smoothly for up to 15 years.