The Cheapest EVs in Australia 2025

By: Byron Mathioudakis

Five years ago, there were around 10 EV models available in Australia. In 2025 there are almost 90 different models and counting.

More choice and the greater competition that results have pushed prices down, especially since the emergence of lower-cost EVs from China.

Significant progress in battery range (meaning how far an EV can go on one charge) has seen distances multiply from under 200km between top-ups to 600km-plus, reassuring buyers and helping to assuage range anxiety. To that end, infrastructure has also increased, particularly in rural WA.

And there is no denying the effect of governmental incentives helping to push along EV ownership.

The WA Government’s Zero Emission Vehicle Rebate, introduced in May 2022, has seen demand for EVs in this state increase fourfold. It deducts $3500 from the “dutiable” price of any new EV up to $70,000 (as well as hydrogen EVs, though none qualify). Note that it is paid via EFT after the eligible vehicle is purchased.

The rebate ends at midnight on May 10, 2025.

On the Federal Government level, a Fringe Benefits Tax exemption applies for salaried employees who undertake a novated lease on an EV and pay for it wholly from their pre-tax income, and is expected to last until mid-2027. The savings can stretch up to $4700 annually for employees on a $50,000 vehicle and $9000 annually for employers.

It’s no surprise, then, that there has never been a smaller gap in the price difference between a regular internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle and its EV alternative.

Though it’s prudent to remember that shifting government policies and the uncertainty of widespread tariffs have the potential to further destabilise an automobile industry that may have pivoted too strongly towards EV production earlier this decade.

In other words, who knows how long these prices will remain current.

The Cheapest EVs 

The prices indicated are all before on-road costs unless otherwise stated as drive away, which then includes delivery and registration charges. Prices are correct for WA as of April 1, 2025. 

BYD Dolphin Essential - $29,990 

BYD’s cheapest is a funky, comfy and enjoyable-to-drive supermini that’s about the size of a Toyota Yaris but with more interior space and plenty of features. With advanced engineering, the Dolphin represents strong value but suffers from an intrusive Advanced Driver-Assist Safety (ADAS) system. 

Power/torque/0-100km: 70kW/180Nm/12.3s 

Battery size/range: 44.9kWh/340km WLTP 

Efficiency: 15.2kWh/100km 

Warranty: 6yr/150,000km 

GWM Ora Standard Range (SR) -$35,990 drive away 

The VW Beetle-esque Ora from China is stylish and spacious, with an appealing cabin to match. It’s easy to drive too, but not much fun. The touchscreen-only access for most vehicle functions is distracting and the ride can feel stiff. 

Power/torque/0-100km: 126kW/250Nm/8.4s 

Battery size/range: 48kWh/310km WLTP 

Efficiency: 16.7kWh/100km 

Warranty: 7yr/unlimited km 

BYD Atto 3 Essential - $39,990 

Deservedly popular, with plenty of space, comfort, advanced technologies and easy operation, the Atto 3 small SUV has redefined Chinese cars in Australia. But the overly-sensitive ADAS warnings are annoying and the cabin presentation won’t be everybody’s cup of tea. 

Power/torque/0-100km: 150kW/310Nm/7.9s 

Battery size/range: 49.9kWh/345km WLTP 

Efficiency: 16.0kWh/100km 

Warranty: 6yr/150,000km 

MG4 Excite 51kWh - $37,990 

While successful selling cheap ICE vehicles, the MG4 signalled the Chinese brand’s ascension to real respectability, providing a well designed and engineered Mazda 3-sized hatch at a startlingly accessible price. Fiddly multimedia and nervous ADAS aside, it makes great buying. In 2024, the MG4 enjoyed a remarkable 120 per cent jump in sales after the entry price was slashed by about $10,000, putting it in price parity with a base Toyota Corolla Hybrid and Mazda 3 Pure.  

Power/torque/0-100km: 125kW/250Nm/7.7s 

Battery size/range: 51kWh/350km WLTP 

Efficiency: 18.4kWh/100km 

Warranty: 10yr/250,000km 

Hyundai Inster - $39,000 

Hyundai of South Korea launches its most-accessible ever EV with the Inster – a city-sized crossover aimed at singles/urban families. A roomy, airy interior offering versatile seating, easy controls and fast battery charging are highlights, though the boot is tiny. 

Power/torque/0-100km: 71kW/147Nm/11.7s 

Battery size/range: 42kWh/327km WLTP 

Efficiency: 14.3kWh/100km 

Warranty: 5yr/unlimited km 

EVs between $40,000-$60,000

Chery Omoda E5 BX - $42,990

China’s wedgy Omoda E5 ushers in a spacious and practical body, pleasant interior and decent battery range for the money, as well as decent performance to boot. But a stiff ride, loosely-tuned ADAS and confusing touchscreen vehicle-function settings detract. 

Power/torque/0-100km: 150kW/340Nm/7.6s 

Battery size/range: 61.1kWh/430km WLTP 

Efficiency: 15.5kWh/100km 

Warranty: 7yr/unlimited km 

Geely EX5 Complete - $40,990

The handsome, Kia Sportage-sized EX5 hits Australia with sensationally-low pricing, a spacious and premium interior and high-tech engineering, promising exceptional efficiency and strong performance. But this is another Chinese vehicle with sub-standard ADAS tune and annoying touchscreen interface. 

Power/torque/0-100km: 160kW/320Nm/6.9s 

Battery size/range: 60.2kWh/430km WLTP 

Efficiency: 15.8kWh/100km 

Warranty: 7yr/unlimited km 

Leapmotor C10 - $45,888

Another newcomer, China’s C10 swings hard with Porsche-esque styling, a luxurious lounge-like cabin, dazzling equipment, value pricing and light controls, but struggles with no Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, infuriating ADAS performance (over-the-air fixes are promised) and over-reliance on distracting touchscreen functionality.  

Power/torque/0-100km: 160kW/320Nm/7.5s 

Battery size/range: 69.9kWh/420km WLTP 

Efficiency: 19.8kWh/100km 

Warranty: 6yr/150,000km 

BYD Seal Dynamic - $46,990 

Suave styling and a swish, comfy interior make the high-tech, high-value Seal one of China’s most convincing sedans, along with strong performance and decent dynamics. But a small boot, the usual ADAS inconsistent-intervention issues and BYD’s limited-distance warranty are drawbacks.   

Power/torque/0-100km: 150kW/310Nm/7.6s 

Battery size/range: 61.4kWh/460km WLTP 

Efficiency: 15.4kWh/100km 

Warranty: 6yr/150,000km 

Kia EV3 Air Standard Range - $47,600 

South Korea’s brilliant EV3 radiates with user-friendly intelligence in its design, packaging, refinement, ergonomics, performance, efficiency and ADAS calibration. Just so comfortable, fun and easy. And the $5700 LR option boasts 604km range. One of Australia’s finest EVs at any price. 

Power/torque/0-100km: 150kW/283Nm/7.5s 

Battery size/range: 58.3kWh/436km WLTP 

Efficiency: 14.9kWh/100km 

Warranty: 7yr/unlimited km

Jeep Avenger Longitude - $49,990 

Polish-made, Jeep’s smallest and most Euro-focused model is a charmer, with chunky looks, a pleasant cabin and easy dynamics – whilst still possessing some soft-road capability via electronic drive modes. A leisurely-performing EV for brand loyalists seeking an efficient commuter. 

Power/torque/0-100km: 115kW/260Nm/9.0s 

Battery size/range: 54kWh/396km WLTP 

Efficiency: 15.6kWh/100km 

Warranty: 5yr/100,000km 

Mini Cooper E - $53,990 

Faithful to the Morris original’s game-changing packaging efficiency, the BMW-engineered electric Coopers come from China but maintain the famous smile-inducing agility while adding palpable refinement. SE’s $5K premium brings 100km of extra range. Expensive and cramped out back, but truly unique. 

Power/torque/0-100km: 135kW/290Nm/7.3s 

Battery size/range: 41kWh/305km WLTP 

Efficiency: 14.3kWh/100km 

Warranty: 5yr/unlimited km 

Zeekr X - $49,990 

Geely’s Zeekr (for Gen-Z/geek) X crossover is underpinned by a Volvo/Polestar-shared architecture, so it’s efficient and strong, as well as rapid, spacious, comfortable and premium. But the over-zealous ADAS, buttonless multimedia dash and cumbersome handling are off-putting. Needs more development. 

Power/torque/0-100km: 200kW/343Nm/5.6s 

Battery size/range: 66kWh/440km WLTP 

Efficiency: 15.4kWh/100km 

Warranty: 5yr/unlimited km 

Fiat 500e - $52,500 

The electric Cinquecento is an exquisitely designed and engineered Italian icon with abundant efficiency, agility and fun, with a luxurious interior to match. But rear-seat space is tight, it’s very expensive and the mean warranty might break your heart.

Power/torque/0-100km: 87kW/220Nm/9.0s 

Battery size/range: 42kWh/311km WLTP 

Efficiency: 14.4kWh/100km 

Warranty: 3yr/150,000km 

Mini Aceman E - $55,990 

A higher-riding Cooper, the Aceman inherits much of the Mini’s character, agility, sound engineering and China sourcing, within a roomier five-door package. But the E grades in all Mini EVs vanish by 2026, for the bigger-battery/higher-range but $60K-plus SE. A pity. 

Power/torque/0-100km: 135kW/290Nm/7.9s 

Battery size/range: 42.5kWh/310km WLTP 

Efficiency: 14kWh/100km 

Warranty: 5yr/unlimited km 

Deepal S07 - $53,900 

The Deepal S07 from China is a midsized SUV that undercuts the Tesla Model Y, while maintaining generous equipment levels and plenty of family-friendly practicality. It looks premium too, but the ADAS set-up has been widely criticised for being excessively disruptive. 

Power/torque/0-100km: 160kW/320Nm/7.9s 

Battery size/range: 80kWh/475km WLTP 

Efficiency: 18.6kWh/100km 

Warranty: 7yr/160,000km 

Hyundai Kona Electric - $54,000 

The second-gen Kona from South Korea is one of the better small SUVs, providing, comfort, refinement and dynamic sophistication. Combined with the Electric version’s strong and efficient powertrain, it makes for a versatile and enjoyable family-focused EV. Lots to like here. 

Power/torque/0-100km: 99kW/255Nm/9.9s 

Battery size/range: 48.6kWh/370km WLTP 

Efficiency: 14.8kWh/100km 

Warranty: 5yr/unlimited km 

XPeng G6 - $54,800 

Chinese new-start XPeng’s G6 is a stylish midsized SUV targeting Tesla’s Model Y. Brimming with equipment, the interior looks upmarket, while there’s plenty of performance on tap. The usual buttonless touchscreen-overload issues and limited-mileage warranty irk, but otherwise the G6 impresses. 

Power/torque/0-100km: 190kW/440Nm/6.6s 

Battery size/range: 66kWh/435km WLTP 

Efficiency: 17.5kWh/100km 

Warranty: 5yr/120,000 km 

Smart #1 - $54,900 

A Mercedes-Benz/Geely joint-venture based in China, the sad-faced #1 should be more pleased because of its cool looks, clever engineering, versatile packaging, high specification and dynamic prowess. Infuriating touchscreen-based vehicle controls and annoying ADAS alerts do let it down, though.  

Power/torque/0-100km: 200kW/343Nm/6.7s 

Battery size/range: 66kWh/420km WLTP 

Efficiency: 17.0kWh/100km 

Warranty: 5yr/150,000 km 

Tesla Model 3 Single Motor RWD - $54,900 

Improved throughout, today’s Model 3 offers immersive performance and handling, a better ride and more refinement, but stumbles with sub-standard warranty, no Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, instrument pod or indicator stalk (it’s all within the Google tablet), while the brand’s image is chaotic. 

Power/torque/0-100km: 208kW/350Nm/6.1s 

Battery size/range: 60kWh/513km WLTP 

Efficiency: 13.2kWh/100km 

Warranty: 4yr/80,000 km 

Renault Megane E-Tech EV60 - $54,990 

Renault’s two-decade experience making EVs is our gain with the classy Megane E-Tech, which walks a fine line between sporty, luxurious, driver-focused, user-friendly and efficient. It barely puts a foot wrong. A fabulous French bargain, this is one of Europe’s finest, period. 

Power/torque/0-100km: 160kW/300Nm/7.4s 

Battery size/range: 60kWh/454km WLTP 

Efficiency: 15.6kWh/100km 

Warranty: 5yr/unlimited km 

BYD Sealion 7 Premium RWD - $54,990 

Essentially a coupe SUV version of the Seal sedan, the elegant Sealion 7 boasts a premium-looking five-seat cabin and lots of gear. It’s also spacious, fast and easy to drive, but never sporty. Accessing vehicle settings through multiple touchscreen menus isn’t fun, either. 

Power/torque/0-100km: 230kW/380Nm/6.7s 

Battery size/range: 82.56kWh/482km WLTP 

Efficiency: 19.9kWh/100km 

Warranty: 6yr/150,000km 

Kia EV5 Air Standard Range - $56,770 

The EV5 is a joint venture with Kia and China’s Jiangsu Yueda, who also builds it. Big, roomy and practical, it’s lovely inside and comfortable. But the ADAS still needs fine-tuning and it’s dull to drive, lacking the greatness of Kia’s EV3/6/9 EVs.  

Power/torque/0-100km: 160kW/310Nm/8.5s 

Battery size/range: 64.2kWh/400km WLTP 

Efficiency: 18.2kWh/100km 

Warranty: 7yr/unlimited km 

Smart #3 Pro+ - $57,900 

A more-coupe-like #1, the #3 sits on a longer wheelbase and rides better, while still offering the quality engineering (courtesy of half-owner Mercedes), decent equipment and sporty handling. Despite the paranoid ADAS and infernal touchscreen confusion, it’s preferable to a Benz EQA. 

Power/torque/0-100km: 200kW/343Nm/5.8s 

Battery size/range: 66kWh/435km WLTP 

Efficiency: 16.8kWh/100km 

Warranty: 5yr/130,000 km 

Tesla Model Y Single Motor RWD - $58,900 

Cybertruck-style front/rear lighting denotes the Model Y facelift, along with improved refinement, better seats and a big tech upgrade. Still remarkably roomy, fun to drive and efficient to run, only the Tesla’s buttonless touchscreen, missing CarPlay/Android Auto and highly-divisive image detract. 

Power/torque/0-100km: 255kW/340Nm/5.9s 

Battery size/range: 60kWh/466km WLTP 

Efficiency: 15.6kWh/100km 

Warranty: 4yr/80,000 km 

 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro - $59,990 

Delayed for years, the German midsized SUV arrives with impressive tech, heaps of room inside the premium cabin, a decent amount of kit and an involving driving experience. The fiddly touchscreen can become annoying, but otherwise, this is a thoroughly well-engineered family-friendly EV.  

Power/torque/0-100km: 210kW/545Nm/6.7s 

Battery size/range: 82kWh/544km WLTP 

Efficiency: 16.7kWh/100km 

Warranty: 5yr/unlimited km 

Cupra Born - $59,990 

VW’s Spanish performance brand Cupra was its first EV in Australia with the German-made Born (a Barcelonan suburb). Spacious, airy packaging, great seats, lots of kit and perky performance are plus points, but the touchscreen is confusing and nighttime dash lighting is insufficient. 

Power/torque/0-100km: 170kW/310Nm/7.0s 

Battery size/range: 82kWh/511km WLTP 

Efficiency: 17.0kWh/100km 

Warranty: 5yr/unlimited km 

Volvo EX30 Plus Single Motor Extended Range - $59,990 

Built in China and based on a Geely architecture, the EX30 is really a city-sized light SUV with cool design inside and out. It’s rapid, steers crisply and rides okay, but the touchscreen-based switchgear is infuriating. Rear-seat space is very tight, too. 

Power/torque/0-100km: 200kW/343Nm/5.3s 

Battery size/range: 69kWh/460km WLTP 

Efficiency: 17.5kWh/100km 

Warranty: 5yr/unlimited km 

Why are there so many EVs all of a sudden? 

So, why does it seem that there’s a new EV launched every other week in Australia? 

You’re not imagining it. Remember when there were wait lists of up to two years for some popular models back in 2021/22? That was a global phenomenon, as global production struggled to meet demand worldwide. Carmakers were forced to prioritise EVs in markets that had the strictest emissions penalties, placing Australians very low on the list. 

It’s only been since the advent of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), legislated in 2024 and taking effect from July 1, 2025, that Australia is now considered an important market for EVs, as manufacturers and importers will be heavily penalised if a certain percentage of their fleet does not meet pollution standards – that will get tighter with each passing year.  

While nothing is certain in these challenging times, the NVES should lead to lower-priced EVs as variety and competition increase.  

Plus, advancing technologies that promise cheaper batteries – the main reason why EVs cost so much more than their ICE-powered equivalents – have been mooted for quite a while, while the huge economies of scale enjoyed by massive Chinese conglomerates like GWM and BYD as they increase their global footprint are further factors that are anticipated to drive prices down even further. 

How much further? With reports stating that the real price of EV batteries has fallen nearly 40 per cent since 2022, analysts like Goldman Sachs Research estimate that price parity could occur as soon as in 2026 in some markets, though a more realistic time frame is about 2028 for Australia. Again, pending the current global geo-political landscape. 

What about second-hand EVs? 

If new isn’t cheap enough, then there’s always second-hand EVs.

Your cheapest bet will likely be a circa-2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV or Nissan Leaf, starting from about $8000-$10,000 depending on the condition.

Both of these Japanese EV pioneers use much smaller batteries than today’s models, and this combined with degradation of capacity over time (think used mobile phones) results in real-world range of only 70-120km – if you’re lucky. These are strictly round-town propositions nowadays, and although the Leaf’s safety features are lacking compared to modern vehicles, itis roomy, comfortable and pleasant to drive.

Then it’s a jump from about $15,000 to $25,000 for higher-mileage BMW i3s (from 2014 to 2020), MG ZS EVs (from 2020), Hyundai Ioniq Electric (from 2019) and Leaf IIs (from 2017). Depending on condition, range could be between 200km and 350km.

If your budget is between $25,000 and $30,000, our pick would be a Hyundai Kona Electric small SUV from 2019-onwards. It provides modern tech with big-battery range. A smattering of early Tesla Model S (from 2014) or 3s (from 2019) with high mileage also enter the fray here, along with demonstrator 2023-plus MG 4s.