Damon Mcknight
Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular in Australia, with a growing number of affordable options available. While EVs generally remain pricier than their petrol-powered counterparts, the gap is narrowing as EV prices decrease and petrol prices increase. In addition, the Federal Government's Electric Car Discount Policy provides incentives for EV purchases. This article will explore the cheapest electric cars available in Australia, highlighting their features, pricing, and any relevant discounts or rebates. We will also discuss the factors driving the growth of EVs and how they can save you money in the long run.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheapest Electric Car in Australia | BYD Dolphin |
| Second Cheapest Electric Car in Australia | GWM Ora |
| Third Cheapest Electric Car in Australia | MG4 |
| Cheapest Electric Car Brand in Australia | BYD |
| Top-Selling Electric Car Brand in Australia | Tesla |
| Top-Selling Electric Car Model in Australia | Tesla Model 3 |
| Cheapest Electric Car Price in Australia | $32,138.45 |
| Cheapest Electric SUV in Australia | Chery E5 |
| Cheapest Electric Car in Australia 2024 | MG4 |
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What You'll Learn
Cheapest electric car in Australia: BYD Dolphin
The BYD Dolphin is currently the cheapest electric car in Australia. It is a compact electric hatchback with a starting price of $38,890 before on-road costs. The BYD Dolphin Essential, priced at $29,990 plus on-road costs, is fitted with a 44.9kWh battery that powers a 70kW/180Nm motor. The more powerful Dolphin Premium boosts outputs to 150kW/310Nm and is priced at $36,990 before on-road costs.
The BYD Dolphin offers a range of features, including lane departure warning, intelligent cruise control with ABS and traction control, built-in audio, phone, ACC, and multi-function display steering wheel controls. It also comes with seven SRS airbags, ISOFIX child restraint anchorage points, and an automatic emergency braking system. The boot space offers up to 1,310 litres with the rear seats down, and the car has plenty of second-row legroom. The car also features power-adjustable seats, with six-way adjustment for the driver and four-way adjustment for the front passenger.
The BYD Dolphin has a rotating 12.8-inch infotainment screen, six speakers, DAB+ digital radio, satellite navigation, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone mirroring. The battery warranty for the BYD Dolphin is 8 years or 160,000 km.
The introduction of the BYD Dolphin and other affordable electric vehicles from brands like GWM and MG has helped drive growth in the Australian market. The Federal Government's Electric Car Discount Policy, which provides a fringe benefit tax exemption for EVs financed under a novated lease, has also contributed to the increasing popularity of electric cars in Australia.
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MG4: Australia's second cheapest electric car
The MG4 is an electric car meticulously crafted to redefine the very essence of tech-forward luxury. It combines innovation, sophistication, and performance. The MG4 has a sharp price tag of under $40,000, making it the second cheapest electric car in Australia.
The MG4 offers an elevated driving experience with its advanced engine, providing exhilarating performance and responsive handling with 50:50 weight distribution and a rear-wheel-drive system. The car has a 5-star Safety ANCAP rating and is equipped with the MG Pilot Driver Safety Technology suite, ensuring a safe and confident driving experience.
The vehicle also provides a seamless digital integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, allowing you to stay connected, entertained, and in control. The MG iSMART app further enhances this experience by allowing remote control of key functions, such as switching on the air conditioning before entering the car.
The MG4 is a top-selling electric hatchback in Australia, with over 3,387 sold until August 2024, according to the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries. The price cut to $30,990 drive-away for a limited time is a strategic move by MG Motor Australia to encourage motorists who are considering an electric car but may have been hesitant due to the cost.
With its combination of luxury, performance, safety, and technology, the MG4 is a strong contender in the electric car market, offering a great all-round package at a competitive price point.
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GWM Ora: affordable electric car with fun-loving handling
The GWM Ora is an affordable electric car in Australia, with prices starting from $35,990. It has a distinctive, quirky design, drawing comparisons to the Volkswagen Beetle and Porsche Panamera. Despite its small size, the GWM Ora has a spacious interior with good legroom and headroom, although headroom in the back seat may be limited for taller passengers. The boot is on the smaller side at 228 litres, but it can be expanded by folding the rear seats.
The GWM Ora has a comfortable cabin with convenient features and thoughtful storage options. The tiered dashboard layout provides plenty of elbow room, and the ride height is elevated, so you don't feel dwarfed by larger cars. The Ora also has a sunroof and faux leather seats. One of the most notable features is the vanity mirrors hidden in the sun visors, which cast a flattering light on your face.
In terms of performance, the GWM Ora has responsive acceleration and dynamic handling, making it fun to drive and perfect for navigating city streets. It has a 48kWh or 63kWh battery-powered motor, providing a driving range of up to 420km. The Ora also comes with a comprehensive 7-year unlimited kilometre warranty and an 8-year unlimited kilometre battery pack warranty.
Overall, the GWM Ora is a stylish, efficient, and affordable electric car option in Australia, offering a fun-loving driving experience, especially for those who don't go on long road trips.
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Electric car price war in Australia
Electric car prices in Australia have been dropping, with some models now priced below $40,000. This price war has been driven by brands like BYD, GWM, and MG, which are bringing increasingly affordable electric vehicles (EVs) to the country. The cheapest EV currently available in Australia is the BYD Dolphin, with prices starting from $32,138.45. The GWM Ora comes in second place, offering an affordable entry point with a 48kWh pack and a sportier GT version with a larger 63kWh battery.
MG, another popular EV brand in Australia, has also introduced comprehensive drive-away pricing across select EV ranges, reducing the on-road price of vehicles by up to $10,000. In 2024, MG's small electric hatch, the MG4, broke the $31,000 price barrier, becoming Australia's cheapest electric car. This was followed by the MG SZ EV, priced at $34,990, and the GWM Ora hatchback, priced at $35,990.
While these EVs are considered ''cheap' in the context of the electric car market, they are still generally pricier than equivalent internal combustion engine (ICE) cars. However, due to the increasing entry price of petrol cars, some EVs have already achieved price parity. As EV prices continue to decrease and ICE vehicle prices rise, the EV price premium is narrowing.
The increasing affordability of EVs in Australia can also be attributed to the Federal Government's Electric Car Discount Policy, which provides a fringe benefits tax exemption for EVs financed under a novated lease. Additionally, the strong sales of EVs in Australia have encouraged manufacturers to offer competitive pricing to capture a larger market share.
With the growing competition in the EV market and the potential removal of the luxury car tax on high-end electric cars, the electric car price war in Australia is expected to intensify, providing consumers with even more affordable options in the future.
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Cheaper electric cars: greater value over time than petrol cars
Electric cars are becoming increasingly affordable in Australia, with prices continuing to drop and more options becoming available on the market. While electric vehicles (EVs) are often more expensive upfront than petrol cars, they can deliver greater value over time.
The BYD Dolphin hatchback is currently the cheapest EV available in Australia, with prices starting from $32,138.45. Other affordable options include the GWM Ora, MG4, and MG ZS EV, which all offer strong value for their driving range and features. These EVs have sharp sub-$40K price tags, making them more accessible to buyers.
The cost of EVs is expected to continue decreasing, while the entry price of petrol cars has been increasing. This price dynamic, combined with the potential for long-term ownership and lower running costs, means that EVs can offer greater value over time than petrol cars. For example, an electric vehicle can save you thousands down the line if you're strategic about when and where you charge it.
In addition to the financial benefits, EVs also provide environmental advantages. With Australia's growing selection of affordable electric cars, motorists can now more easily make the switch to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly mode of transportation.
Overall, while the initial cost of an EV may be higher, the combination of decreasing prices, long-term ownership, and lower running costs means that electric cars can offer greater value over time than their petrol-powered counterparts.
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Frequently asked questions
The cheapest electric vehicle (EV) in Australia is the BYD Dolphin, which costs $32,138.45.
Other affordable EVs in Australia include the GWM Ora, MG4, MG ZS EV, and Chery E5.
While EVs are generally more expensive than equivalent petrol or diesel cars, some have achieved price parity due to the increasing entry price of petrol cars.
The higher prices of electric car batteries and their associated technology contribute to the overall higher prices of electric cars compared to traditional fuel-based vehicles.
Yes, the Australian government has implemented incentives such as the Electric Car Discount Policy, which provides tax exemptions for electric vehicles financed under a novated lease. Additionally, some EVs may be eligible for purchase rebates depending on your location.
