EVs you can buy today under $60,000

Until now, a high purchase cost has primarily been regarded as one of the primary barriers to entry for first-time electric vehicle buyers, but the tide is slowly turning.

With manufacturers around the globe fast-tracking engineering and development of EVs, the crop of affordable offerings in Australia is burgeoning with more affordable product slowly making its way Down Under.

With prices still deemed high by many, Australia’s state governments have decided it is time to light a fire under EV sales.

All states have implemented their own EV incentives, ranging from cash rebates, waiving of fees to discounted - or even complimentary - registration. You can read our breakdown of each state's incentives, and read on to see what cars you can get for less than sixty grand.

The rules for this exercise are very simple – can you buy one today and is it less than the magic number before applying on-road charges?

Sadly, recent pricing and trim updates have seen a few models removed from the main pool, and shifted to the honourable mentions – squeaking over our limit, but falling under the magic number depending on your particular state's EV schemes.

That way we’re not complicating matters by having to perform mathematical gymnastics, with some honourable mentions sneaking in under the mark in some states but not others.

Sadly, recent pricing and trim updates have seen a few models removed from the main pool, and shifted to the honourable mentions - squeaking over our limit, but falling under the magic number depending on your particular state's EV schemes.

And to help put price (listed here as before on-road costs with the exception of the MG ZS which is drive-away) and driving range in perspective, we've divided the sticker price by the WLTP range to come up with a price per kilometre.

This is not the cost of driving the car per kilometre (as is the case in Victoria and will be by 2027 in SA and NSW) or charging, just a handy way to see what you’re getting for your money in that particular area.

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BYD Atto 3 – $44,381 to $47,381

UPDATE, April 5, 2022: We've now driven the new electric BYD Atto 3 SUV. Read and watch our review at the link below.

Chinese brand BYD launched its long-awaited first mass market EV, the Atto 3 Superior at the start of 2022, retailing at $44,381 for the standard range 50kWh battery version and $47,381 for the extended range with a 60kWh battery before on-roads.

BYD's Blade battery powers both versions. The 50kWh has a WLTP range of 320 kilometres and the 60kWh 420km.

The Atto 3 is a front-wheel-drive compact SUV and will go into battle with its Chinese compatriot, the MG ZS EV. With a single 150kW/310Nm electric motor up front, the Atto 3 will accelerate to 100km/h in a claimed 7.3 seconds.

While BYD has previously brought its T3 and E6 vehicles to Australia in very small numbers, sold through the EVDirect distributor website rather than bricks and mortar dealerships, there are set to be 15,000 Atto 3s heading our way, with the capacity to double production if demand outstrips supply.

Now here's where things get interesting – the 50kWh variant's price per kilometre is an impressive $139 per kilometre, but the 60kWh is the second lowest on this list, after the Atto 3 Extended Range, rolling in at just $113 per kilometre, making it seriously competitive against more expensive offerings from Polestar, Volvo and Nissan.

BYD is offering a seven-year warranty for both the battery and the car, and servicing is through MyCar.

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MG ZS EV is the most affordable EV on the market.

MG ZS EV Excite and Essence – $44,990 and $49,690

The MG ZS EV has enjoyed great success on the Australian market. This isn’t a bare-bones, down-to-a-price car to get to that number, it's loaded with stuff. It doesn’t have super-fast charging, it doesn’t have a huge 15-inch touchscreen but it does have a sharp price, a more-than-adequate urban 320km driving range and plenty of standard features.

It’s a very good start for the brand and you cannot argue with the price. Once incentives are applied, you should be able to get it for close to forty grand, which is outstanding value for an EV.

Despite the low prices (which should be noted are drive-away), the dollar per kilometre figure is $140 for the Excite and $155 for the Essence, but the low cost of entry and the fact the car fits the vast majority of urban Australians’ uses, it’s a glimpse into what’s possible from the rest of the industry over the next few years.

The warranty for both car and battery runs for seven years and unlimited kilometres (although the battery warranty is limited to seven years/160,000 by commercial use), which is far and away the best in this little lot.

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The second-generation Nissan Leaf

Nissan Leaf – $53,515

One of the oldest offerings on the market, here we have the Nissan Leaf. Now in its rather more impressive second generation, the Leaf is going well on a global scale, but struggles to find homes in Australia. While not the most exciting EV on offer in this list – nor the cheapest, as you’ll soon discover – the Nissan hatchback has a long history behind it and so very few kinks in its systems.

The WLTP driving range of 270km isn’t terribly far off the mark in the real world.

The driving range equation comes out at $198 per kilometre.

If you’ve more to spend and like the cut of the Nissan’s jib, there’s the Leaf e+ under the 'honourable mentions' heading. Capable of going the extra distance, its price is $166 per kilometre.

Nissan offers a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty on the car and a battery warranty of eight years/160,000km.

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The Ioniq electric isn't long for this world

Hyundai Ioniq Electric – $49,970 or $54,010

The Hyundai Ioniq electric (not to be confused with the Ioniq 5) has been around for a few years.

The Ioniq electric sits at the top of the current Hyundai Ioniq range (the Ioniq 5 is going to launch the Genesis-style sub-brand) which includes series and plug-in hybrids, both of which are also sharply-priced.

The driving range of 311km looks good on paper, something it shares with its more expensive Kona sibling: driving range claims you can trust. The Elite’s lower price of $49,970 translates to a price per kilometre of $160.68 and the Premium's $54,010 works out at $173.67 – or based on drive-away pricing of $54,599 and $58,807, ppkm is $175 or $189 respectively.

One of the advantages of both the Nissan and the Hyundai is the extensive dealer network, which is something to consider when you need something sorted. The Hyundai five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty covers the car while the battery's eight-year/160,000km is par for the course.

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Hyundai Kona EV – $54,500 to $58,000

Hyundai recently brought in the Standard 39kWh battery version of the Kona Electric, returning the model to the sub-$60,000 brigade with drive-away pricing also coming in at $59,314.

The Kona Elite grade Standard Range packs a 100kW/395Nm motor and a 39.2kWh battery all for the price of $54,500, though an Extended Range is also available with a 150kW motor and 64kWh battery pack (see our list of honourable mentions).

Driving range for the Standard Range is around 305km.

Buyers can also opt to step up the a Highlander grade for a few more frills, but obviously at a cost – the SR Highlander comes in at $58,000. The ER Highlander drive-away is unfortunately a few thousand too pricey for this list, even after government incentives.

For the SR Elite Kona you’re paying between $178 and $194 per kilometre depending on whether it's MLP or DA. You might have to stretch the budget a little, but it's also well worth considering the new Kia Niro EV.

For the SR Highlander Kona you’re paying between $190 and $206 per kilometre depending on whether it's MLP or DA.

Hyundai's five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty as well as 12 months' roadside assistance applies to all Kona EVs.

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Mini's first EV, the Cooper SE

Mini Cooper SE – $61,449

BMW’s retro brand now costs less than the Model 3, but also comes with a significantly shorter driving range – 233km (WLTP) versus the Model 3’s 491km.

Some EV styling cues aside, the Mini looks like any other Mini. Its short driving range does condemn it to city duties – similar to the MG ZS and basic Leaf – but that is where these cars excel.

The Mini brings a rarity to the segment – a small-sized EV. It’s just a pity its price per kilometre ratio comes out at $263.

It has a three year/unlimited kilometre warranty, while the battery is covered for eight years/160,000km.

Honorable Mentions

There are two reasons these cars fit in this section. The first is that they’re not far over the $60,000 benchmark and the second is, with the various incentives on offer, both will fall below that figure in NSW and Victoria.

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Tesla Model 3 – $65,500

Finally, Tesla's Model 3 Standard Range Plus, which has had multiple price hikes in recent months, taking its list price up to $65,500 – although it still holds its place as Australia's most popular EV.

The US-based startup recently took the blade to its pricing last year, bringing the Model 3 into contention with cars from mainstream brands such as Nissan and Hyundai, and distancing itself from Mercedes and BMW’s growing offerings.

The headline driving range of 491km might confuse a few folks, so it’s worth pointing out Tesla has switched from the NEDC method of calculation to the more common WLTP standard. While still not bang on the money, it’s a better standard and the EVs I’ve driven have come much closer to NEDC figures. So the Tesla’s real world driving range hasn’t dropped, it’s just that the sticker figure is closer to reality and even achievable if you don’t mind mild hyper-miling.

Choosing a Model 3 gets you access to Tesla’s Supercharger network, impressive performance, a polarising interior setup and the cheapest price per kilometre of any of these cars, coming in at $133, a figure beaten only by the BYD Atto 3 Superior extended range. That’s sensational going and for drivers who like a bit of fun, it’s rear-wheel drive.

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As is Tesla's want, the power and torque figures aren't available on the website – but a bit of digging reveals 190kW for the entry-level model. Conservative estimates put the torque figure at over 400Nm, slinging the 1700-odd kilo sedan to 100km/h in well under six seconds.

The switch to Chinese production probably has a lot to do with the price reduction and also the change in battery type. We won't bore you with the details, but it has a different capacity than the US-sourced 3 and a different chemical make-up, meaning charging to 100 per cent isn’t frowned upon.

The Tesla is not for everyone but that’s subjective. The 3 has a four-year/80,000km warranty and the battery is covered for eight years/240,000km.

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Nissan Leaf e+ has more range but a bigger price tag

Nissan Leaf e+ – $64,015

The first is the 62kWh battery version of the Nissan Leaf e+. With more power and torque and a claimed 385km WLTP figure, you’re paying $166 per kilometre.

It’s the same car physically as the base Leaf, but with a price difference (of well over $10,000 at $60,490 before ORC), a few more bits and bobs and it’s a second quicker to 100km/h. But really, it’s the driving range that’s attractive.

Kona Electric Extended Range – $60,500

Then there's the Hyundai Kona Electric Extended Range variants we mentioned earlier, which boast a driving range claim of 484km and costs $60,500/$65,565. For the Elite ER you're looking at either $125 per kilometre (MLP) or $135 (DA) and $131 or $142 for the pricier Highlander ($64,000/$69,217).

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Polestar 2 – $69,526

A new competitor to the market after spinning off from parent company Volvo, Polestar has brought its first vehicle to Australia in the form of the Polestar 2.

Three variants of the 2 are available Down Under, however sadly none of them pass our $60k test, with trim and pricing adjustments this past April lifting the entry-level Polestar 2 from $59,900 to $63,900, and then again more recently to a drive-away price of $69,526.

The Standard Range Single Motor now costs $4000 more than the entry-level Model 3 that was given a significant price cut last year. The Polestar produces 165kW and 330Nm from its 64kWh battery, with a quoted driving range of up to 445-478km (WLTP cycle) making it a close match for its Tesla rival, though its price per kilometre is lifts higher at $156 (based on 445km) or $145 (based on 478km).

Polestar vehicles come with a five-year warranty as well as five years of complimentary roadside assistance and servicing. The inclusive five-year maintenance plan is another point of differentiation from its parent brand.

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Kia Niro EV – $65,300

The second-gen electric Niro arrived on the local market in 2022, underpinned by a newer N3 platform shared with the i30 Sedan, offering fully electric power as well as hybrids.

The base Kia Niro S EV opens at $65,300 (but $70,975 drive-away), with the flagship GT-Line EV asking $72,100 ($78,060 DA).

Niro EVs are propelled by a 150kW/255Nm electric motor, driving the front wheels with a single-speed transmission. The 64.8kWh battery pack enables a WLTP claimed driving range of up to 460km, taking approximately 43 minutes to charge from 10 to 80 per cent, with a max charge rate of under 100kW.

Our dollar-per-kilometre equation sees the Niro occupy the middle of the pack, costing its owner $142 per kilometre (or $154 based on DA price).

The Niro is covered by Kia's seven-year/150,000-kilometre warranty, with seven-year cover for the battery pack.

Specifications