Electric Cars

If you're looking to make the leap into an electric vehicle, most options in the new-car market are still quite expensive when compared to their conventional piston-engined counterparts. Of course, the argument is often made that EVs can reduce longer-term costs through cheaper and potentially free recharging, along with lower maintenance and parts costs.

Whatever your perspective, this evolving article is where you'll find every new EV available in Australia, and all of those either confirmed for a future launch, or still up in the air.

Indeed, the electric vehicle race has well and truly started in Australia.

It had a slow start, with minimal incentives pushing supply towards more EV-friendly regions in recent years.

Now, over 30 new or facelifted electric vehicles are expected to arrive locally within the next two years – and there’s still more to be announced.

In particular, the next 12 months will be spearheaded by a high number of launches, due to either the ongoing semiconductor chip shortage that delayed several 2022 arrivals, or the growing demand for electric vehicles in Australia.

Comparisons

Best Electric Cars Under $65k: Affordable EVs Rated

Welcome to part one of three price-based EV buying guides, this one focused on the most affordable electric cars available in Australia today

9 Dec 20226

The prominence of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) has been expanded by rising fuel prices worldwide, with many seeking to reduce the ownership costs and environmental impact typically associated with internal-combustion vehicles.

British marque Jaguar predicts two-thirds of Australians will be driving electric vehicles by 2028, but the internal-combustion engine (ICE) isn’t quite dead yet – and the cost of purchasing an EV is still quite high compared to an ICE vehicle.

However, traditional automakers including Audi, BMW, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan and Toyota, are paying strong attention to the EV rush.

If you're looking for more tips and guidance on becoming an EV owner, you can see our Electric Vehicles topics page for all of our featured stories on driving range, purchase incentives, charging and plug types explained, and so much more.

JUMP AHEAD

• Our helpful links for buyers
• Audi E-Tron GT
• BMW i7
• BMW iX1
• BYD Dolphin
• BYD Seal
• Cupra Born
• Ford E-Transit
• GWM Ora
• Hyundai Ioniq 6
• Jeep Recon
• Jeep Wagoneer S
• Kia EV6 GT
• Kia Niro Plus
• LDV eDeliver 9
• LDV eT60 ute
• LDV Mifa 9
• Mercedes-Benz EQE
• Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV
• Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV
• Mercedes-Benz EQV
• Mercedes-Benz eVito
• MG 4
• Polestar 3
• Porsche Macan EV
• Skoda Enyaq
• Subaru Solterra
• Toyota BZ4x
• Volkswagen ID.3
• Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.5
• Volvo EX30
• Volvo EX90

Before you buy an EV, you might want to know...

We've published many, many useful stories to help you understand how EVs work, which ones might be right for you, and all the things you should know as you embark on your journey to buy an EV. Check out our links below!

Okay, now, what's coming to Australia?

NOTE: This list will be updated frequently to add newly-confirmed EVs and remove models that have recently gone on sale locally.

To see all the new cars coming to Australia, check out our 2022/2023 New Car Calendar story right here.

Audi E-Tron GT

Built on the same platform as the Porsche Taycan, the 2022 Audi E-Tron GT will include a high-performance RS variant – becoming the first model from the RS sub-brand to go all-electric.

Power in the RS E-Tron GT comes from a 83.7kWh (93kWh gross) battery, which feeds two synchronous motors – a 175kW motor powers the front axle and is shared with the regular E-Tron GT, but the rear is larger and more powerful, at 335kW. Just like the Taycan, there’s a two-speed transmission on the rear axle, and a focus on coasting rather than recuperation to extend battery range.

Charge times will also be equivalent to the Taycan, with a maximum DC charging capacity of 270kW, for a theoretical 100 kilometres of driving range in five minutes. A 50kW DC charger boosts the battery from five to 80 per cent in around 1.5 hours, or a 22kW AC charger from 0-100 per cent in around 4.5 hours.

Australian specifications for the 2022 Audi RS E-Tron GT have been announced, with pricing set to start from $249,700 before on-road costs when it arrives here later this year.

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BMW i7

The seventh-generation 2023 BMW 7 Series has made its debut, offering an all-electric variant for the first time ever.

Known as the i7, the fully-electric 7 Series will arrive in Australia in the fourth quarter of 2022.

Initially, it will be available in entry-level xDrive60 guise, with the dual-motor powertrain pushing out up to 400kW and 745Nm, powered by a 101.7kWh battery pack. This allows the luxury sedan to boast a driving range of up to 625km.

Local pricing and features for the 2023 BMW i7 have been announced, with the electric limousine priced from $297,900 before on-road costs.

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BMW iX1

BMW has officially taken the covers off the all-new iX1 small SUV, ahead of its local arrival in the first quarter of 2023.

The iX1 will be available in a sole, dual-motor xDrive30 variant, producing 200kW of power and 494Nm of torque, with an additional 30kW available in ‘boost’ mode.

BMW claims the all-wheel-drive iX1 xDrive30 will complete the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.7 seconds, with a 180km/h top speed.

Local pricing and features for the 2023 BMW iX1 have been announced, with the electric small SUV priced from $82,900 before on-road costs.

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BYD Dolphin

The Australian distributor of BYD, EVDirect, has confirmed that the burgeoning EV brand in Australia will add two models alongside its Atto 3 SUV, set to arrive sometime in 2023.

The BYD Dolphin is a small hatchback, comparable to the Toyota Yaris, and is expected to become one of, if not, the cheapest electric vehicles on offer in Australia, with predictions of a mid-$30,000 price range floating about.

More local details will be confirmed closer to the model's arrival, however, there are two battery configurations on offer overseas – a 30.72kWh battery yielding approximately 300km of driving range, and a larger 44.93kWh battery yielding just over 400km.

Drive comes from a single electric motor and a single-speed transmission, with the smaller-battery Dolphin producing 70kW/180Nm, and the larger 44.93kWh vehicle producing 130kW/290Nm.

Pre-orders are expected to open in the latter months of 2022.

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BYD Seal

The BYD Seal sedan is expected to arrive with its Dolphin hatchback stablemate in Australia in 2023.

The ambitious Chinese sedan will rival the ubiquitous Tesla Model 3 on price.

Local specifications remain under wraps, however, in its domestic market of China, the BYD Seal is available with three powertrain configurations. The standard model has a 150kW electric motor at the rear, a 61.4kWh battery, and a real-world driving range of around 380km. BYD claims 550km, but this is tested on a new and more flattering CLTC (China Light Duty Vehicle Test Cycle) system, compared to local WLTP claims, which yield a much more realistic figure.

The long-range version of the BYD Seal utilises the same 61.4kWh battery, paired with a more powerful 230kW rear electric motor, delivering more speed and a longer driving range. Again, BYD claims 700km on the NEDC cycle, though this will end up closer to 500km in the real world. The flagship BYD Seal is the 390kW dual motor, all-wheel-drive version, boasting a bigger 82.5kWh battery and delivering a 3.8-second 0-100km/h time and a claimed CLTC cruising range of 650km (expect above 500km of real-world range).

Rear-drive models with the 61.4kWh battery can charge up to 110kW, while the larger 82.5kWh battery equipped cars can be charged up to 150kW.

BYD's local distributor, EVDirect, has previously hinted that the BYD Seal is due in 2023, with pre-orders expected to open before the end of 2022.

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Cupra Born

Volkswagen’s Spanish Cupra brand is entering the Australian market with a range of vehicles including its 2023 Born electric hatchback, which is expected to sell here for around $60,000.

Cupra Australia has confirmed it will offer the flagship 77kWh version, with a WLTP-rated driving range of around 540 kilometres.

It will feature a strong list of standard equipment, with an optional Performance Package that reduces the range to 475 kilometres – but gains adaptive dampers and Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres.

Earlier this year, the first local Born arrived for testing, ahead of an Australian launch in March or April 2023.

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Ford E-Transit

A fully-electric version of Ford's iconic Transit van, the 2023 E-Transit, is expected to arrive in January 2023.

Under the skin is a 68kWh battery, which powers the E-Transit's 198kW and 430Nm electric motor, making it the most powerful Transit on offer in Australia.

It is hoped its 317-kilometre driving range will suit most urban commercial businesses.

Featuring both AC and DC charging, the E-Transit's 11.3 kW on-board charger is capable of delivering a 100 per cent charge in up to 8.2 hours – while a 15 to 80 per cent state of charge is achievable in 34 minutes when utilising 115kW DC fast-charging.

It will be joined by the smaller E-Transit Custom in 2024.

The cargo van features a 400-volt system with a 74-kWh battery pack, which shares its 81.2Ah pouch cells with the larger American-market F-150 Lightning.

The battery enables a WLTP-rated driving range of 380 kilometres.

Australian-spec E-Transit Custom models will have a single 160kW/415Nm motor driving the rear wheels.

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GWM Ora

Ora is actually the name of Great Wall Motors' (GWM) EV sub-brand and could send models Down Under as part of the carmaker's plans to expand its portfolio beyond its eponymous utes and Haval SUVs.

The Chinese motoring giant has issued patents in Australia for different Ora models, including the all-electric Volkswagen Beetle-inspired Ora Cat, which will be launched in the UK next year, confirming it will be manufactured in right-hand-drive.

It could be followed by the GWM Ora Next Cat sedan – a rival for the Tesla Model 3.

GWM Ora Europe CEO Xianghua Qiao told Wheels the carmaker is eyeing an entry into the Australian market.

“GWM already has a presence in Australia, and it depends on the market’s development. Maybe in the future we can see Ora on Australian streets.”

The comments solidify statements made by the company in June 2021, which suggested Ora models could be here as soon as 2022.

As with the rest of the Ora range, expect sharp pricing – the delightfully named Ora Good Cat, which is currently sold in China, sells for less than AU$35,000.

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Hyundai Ioniq 6

Hyundai has revealed its swoopy 2023 Ioniq 6 electric sedan.

The futuristic EV has launched globally, with the sleek coupe said to be capable of driving more than 610 kilometres on a single charge.

Launching in Australia in the first half of 2023, the Ioniq 6 is expected to arrive locally in two highly-specced variants initially, offering both rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive options – mirroring its Ioniq 5 sibling – though this is still to be officially confirmed.

Pricing has yet to be revealed, but it is expected to fall in the $70,000 to $80,000 bracket.

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Jeep Recon

The Jeep Recon electric SUV shares familiarity with the rugged Wrangler, with the brand promising "true trail-rated capability".

Highlights include a one-touch rooftop, removable doors and glass, a traction management system, e-locker axle technology, under-body protection, tow hooks, and off-road tyres.

Like the Wrangler, a spare wheel mounted on the tailgate will feature, while the iconic seven-slot grille is closed-off and illuminated.

Local arrival timing for the Jeep Recon is currently unclear.

Jeep Wagoneer S

Jeep’s new Wagoneer sub-brand will gain its first electric model, with a new model codenamed Wagoneer S.

The marque claims the ‘S’ stands for “speed, striking and sexy”, featuring a 447kW dual-motor drivetrain, a 0-97km/h sprint time of 3.5 seconds, and a claimed 644-kilometre driving range.

Design elements include its coupe SUV shape, slim front end, and large rear wing for aerodynamics.

Local arrival timing for the Jeep Wagoneer S is currently unclear.

Kia EV6 GT

Meet the quickest Kia ever – and it’s not a Stinger.

The 2023 Kia EV6 GT will arrive in Australia in December or January – potentially during the 2023 Australian Open – offering rapid acceleration in a (somewhat) practical large SUV body.

The marque claims the EV6 GT can reach 100km/h from a standstill in 3.5 seconds, with 430kW of power and 740Nm of torque and a top speed of 260km/h.

It is listed from £59,995 (AU$105,000) in the United Kingdom, with pricing likely to fall just under the $100,000 mark in Australia.

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Kia Niro Plus

Based on the outgoing, first-generation Niro, the 2023 Kia Niro Plus is the Korean carmaker’s first ‘purpose-built vehicle’ (PBV). It's designed to be used as a taxi and ride-share vehicle, but will be available to Australian retail buyers in limited numbers.

The Niro Plus is 10 millimetres longer than the Niro and 80mm higher, which means more cabin space and additional London-cab style handles at the B-pillar to assist passenger entry.

It will arrive in Australian showrooms in October, priced from $64,450 plus on-road costs in single-variant 'S' guise.

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LDV eDeliver 9

The LDV eDeliver 9 cargo van will be available in long-wheelbase mid- and high-roof variants, and a cab-chassis variant.

It features an 88.5kWh battery pack – the highest capacity available globally – allowing for a WLTP-rated 280-kilometre driving range in mid-roof guise.

According to the brand, the eDeliver 9 will charge from 20 to 80 per cent in around 45 minutes with an 80kW DC fast-charger. An 11kW AC unit will complete this in approximately nine hours.

It will launch in Australia in early November.

LDV eT60 ute

The 2023 LDV eT60 will from November become the first electric ute sold in Australia. And we've driven it.

Chinese brand LDV confirmed the initial eT60 will be a dual-cab 4x2 variant, with pricing and further details to be revealed closer to its release.

The LDV eT60 4x2 dual-cab features an 88.5kWh lithium-ion battery, giving the electric ute a WLTP-rated driving range of 330km.

It is powered by a single electric motor mounted to the rear axle, producing 130kW and 310Nm – down 30kW and 190Nm compared to the 160kW/500Nm twin-turbo diesel T60.

LDV Mifa 9

The seven-seat LDV Mifa 9 is based on the petrol-powered G90 people mover, with a 90kWh battery pack and a single electric motor producing 180kW and 350Nm.

LDV claims it expects the Mifa 9 to achieve a five-star safety rating, with a suite of active safety equipment as standard, including autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control and rear cross-traffic alert.

An eight-seat version of the Mifa 9 will become available in early 2023.

Mercedes-Benz EQE

Shown at the 2021 Munich motor show, Benz's latest EV model will launch with the EQE 350 – a rear-wheel-drive, 215kW sedan with a 90kWh battery that's said to take it as far as 660km on the WLTP cycle.

While the EQE is based on the same EA2 EV platform as the larger EQS, its wheelbase is 90mm shorter and its overall length is similar to that of the current CLS four-door.

The EQE will start rolling out across the globe during the second half of 2022, with Mercedes-Benz Australia confirming it will land Down Under at the same time.

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Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV is the eighth model in the brand's 'EQ' electric vehicle family, following the larger EQS SUV unveiled earlier this year.

Whereas the upper-large seven-seat EQS SUV is the high-riding version of the EQS flagship sedan, the large five-seat EQE SUV is a taller version of the EQE sedan – and an electric alternative to the GLE large SUV.

In Australia, the EQE SUV will be initially offered in three forms: the EQE 300 RWD, EQE 500 4Matic, and the AMG EQE 53 4Matic+.

It will arrive in local showrooms in mid-2023.

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Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV rides on the same platform as its five-door liftback counterpart, but it gains an extra 20 centimetres in height for optimal ground clearance on light terrain.

Just like the EQS sedan, three grades of the SUV will be available at launch – the rear-wheel-drive EQS 450+ (265kW/568Nm), all-wheel-drive EQS 450 (265kW/800Nm), and the flagship EQS 580 (400kW/858Nm), all of which are powered by the same 107.8kWh lithium-ion battery.

It will launch in Australia in early 2023.

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Mercedes-Benz EQV

As the electric version of the luxurious V-Class people-mover, the EQV offers a pure-electric driving range of around 355 kilometres from a single charge (WLTP cycle), thanks to a 90kWh lithium-ion battery pack, with a 150kW/362Nm electric motor powering the front wheels.

Charging from zero to 100 per cent using an 11kW Wallbox takes around 10 hours, while a top-up from 10 to 80 per cent using a 110kW fast-charger can be achieved in approximately 45 minutes.

It is expected to arrive in Australia by the end of 2022.

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Mercedes-Benz eVito

The people-mover version of the eVito panel van is designed for use as a taxi or hotel shuttle bus.

It uses the same powertrain as the EQV and has a slightly higher driving range of around 360km (WLTP).

Like the EQV, it is expected to arrive in Australia before the end of 2022.

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MG 4

The highly anticipated MG 4 electric hatch will arrive in Australia in the first half of 2023.

Further details, including local specifications and pricing, remain unconfirmed, but the car is offered in the UK in standard 51kWh and long-range 64kWh configurations, with entry pricing converted to around AU$45,000.

A hot dual-motor variant for the Chinese market produces 330kW and 600Nm, however, its Australian prospects remain unknown.

More local details will be revealed closer to the launch of the 2023 MG 4 next year – including pricing, which could undercut the ZS EV to become Australia's cheapest electric vehicle.

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Polestar 3

The large five-seat Polestar 3 will go on sale in Australia in the first quarter of 2024.

Polestar’s local arm has confirmed an estimated price range of around $135,000, with rivals including the Audi E-Tron, BMW iX and Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV.

It will launch in a single dual-motor long-range drive and 111kWh battery specification, but we’ll likely see more affordable options at some point – likely in the form of single-motor standard and single-motor long-range variants.

Porsche Macan EV

The electric Porsche Macan will be underpinned by the Volkswagen Group’s new Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture shared with the upcoming Audi A6 E-Tron and Q6 E-Tron.

It will be sold alongside an updated version of the current petrol Macan, before eventually transitioning to an electric-only offering.

The electric Macan will take its design cues from the Taycan, with a slender headlight design and a streamlined rear lightbar design.

It is expected to launch in 2024, following a software-related 12-month delay.

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Skoda Enyaq

Skoda has confirmed it is bringing its Enyaq iV electric SUV to Australia in both wagon and coupe form.

It was hoped the Enyaq would arrive Down Under this year, but according to the Czech marque’s local arm, it will now be available for order here from the second half of 2023.

Although it’s not yet known which Enyaq iV and Enyaq Coupe iV variants could come here, in the UK it is offered in five guises – starting from the entry-level Enyaq 60 producing 132kW/310Nm and a maximum driving range of 507km for around $60,000 before on-road costs, and topping out with the Enyaq 80X Sportline capable of 150kW/310Nm, able to travel 684km and priced at $87,500 excluding on-road costs.

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Subaru Solterra

Subaru's first electric vehicle is bound for Australia next year.

The 2023 Subaru Solterra electric SUV will arrive locally in mid-2023, as an identical twin to the Toyota BZ4X (see below).

"We are excited to confirm Subaru Australia will continue its electrification journey with the introduction of our first battery-electric vehicle, the Solterra, in 2023," said Blair Read, managing director of Subaru Australia.

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Toyota BZ4x

After leading the way with hybrid and hydrogen vehicles, Toyota took a long time to join the BEV party, but it's about to do so with a Kluger-sized model built on a bespoke e-TNGA EV platform developed with Subaru.

Due on sale sometime around the middle of 2023, the BZ4x will include front- and all-wheel-drive variants with a single 150kW motor in the FWD model and two 80kW motors in the AWD for a total of 160kW.

Toyota claims a 0-100km/h time of 8.4 seconds for the FWD version and 7.7 seconds for the AWD.

Both versions will pack a 71.4kWh battery system, with 500km and 460km ranges for the FWD and AWD variants respectively.

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Volkswagen ID.3

First revealed in 2019, the Volkswagen ID.3 – an electric Golf-sized small hatch – is tipped to arrive in Australia with its mid-life facelift.

This means it will launch after the larger ID.4 and ID.5 medium SUVs, which are expected to be more popular despite a higher pricetag.

It is also a twin to the Cupra Born set to arrive in early 2023 in a single flagship grade.

"Someone was asking me: ‘Why not launch ID.3 [before ID.4], it’s cheaper?’ That’s like saying Golf is cheaper than Tiguan – but everyone wants a Tiguan," said Volkswagen Australia spokesperson Paul Pottinger at a recent ID.4 drive event.

“And, the reason we were waiting for it is that it’s substantially upgraded. It's about as re-invented as a midlife reinvention could be," he added.

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Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.5

Volkswagen Australia has confirmed the ID.4 medium SUV and its ID.5 coupe SUV twin will arrive in Australia in 2023.

The confirmation is a long time coming for the local distributor, which has previously criticised the former Australian Government for its lack of an electric-vehicle strategy.

Volkswagen Australia spokesperson Daniel DeGasperi said the brand expects 20 per cent of its sales in Australia to be fully-electric by 2024.

"Our current priority is to bring the start of production forward on ID.4 and ID.5 so they reach Australia next year. Along with the ID.Buzz we are excited about an expanded ID. family globally," he added.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.5 are similar in size to the Tiguan medium SUV and will compete against the Tesla Model Y, Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 in Australia.

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Volvo EX30

Volvo has teased an as-yet unseen compact SUV, likely badged EX30.

In a teaser video seen during the EX90's reveal, the Swedish company provided a glimpse of its next all-electric vehicle, which will assist the brand in achieving its plan for a 100 per cent electric line-up by 2026 in Australia, and 2030 globally.

At this stage, it’s hard to make out many details, but the smaller LED tail-lights share a distinct resemblance with the EX90.

It is expected to sit alongside the current CMA-based XC40 and C40 small SUV twins, but the EX30 will likely be underpinned by the Geely-developed Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA).

Expect more details on the 2024 Volvo EX30 in 2023, ahead of its Australian launch in 2024.

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Volvo EX90

The Volvo EX90 electric SUV, to be sold alongside the current XC90, is expected to arrive in Australia in late 2024.

Previously expected to wear eXC90 or Embla badging, the Swedish luxury marque, owned by China’s Geely, has now confirmed its latest flagship SUV will be called EX90 and offer full self-driving technology.

Volvo has announced new active safety features debuting on the all-electric crossover – and fitted as standard – will include LiDAR sensors and an in-car driver monitoring camera.

It will also include bi-directional charging, with vehicle-to-load (V2L) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology.

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Wheels Media thanks former staff writers Jordan Mulach and David Bonnici for their work on building out this story in its earlier forms.