Australia's best electric cars and SUVs of 2023

Best EV for a road trip: Tesla Model 3 Long Range

The Tesla Model 3 has single-handedly drawn thousands of people back towards traditional four-door sedans. Not that the Tesla Model 3 is traditional. It’s powered solely by electricity in what is still one of the most efficient EVs on the market.

That helps with eking more out of the battery pack, something that translates to 602km of WLTP range in the Long Range model.

Throw in Tesla’s unmatched charging network - which essentially doubles the places you can top up compared to other EVs - and there’s no better electric car for a road trip.

Like most electric SUVs and passenger cars, the Tesla Model 3 misses out on a spare wheel, but Tesla’s excellent tyre replacement service is a reasonable consolation.

In 2024, an updated Tesla Model 3 will bring a sharp new look, more technology, and price increases across the range.

Also consider: Hyundai Ioniq 6

The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is more efficient than the Tesla in part due to its aerodynamic shape, something that helps stretch the range to 614km in single-motor guise. An upmarket cabin adds to the long distance comfort, but a compact boot means you’ll have to pack carefully.

The Tesla Model 3 Long Range is the best EV for a road trip. Image: Supplied.

The Tesla Model Y is the best EV for families. Image: Supplied.

Best EV for a sporty drive: Kia EV6 GT

For those looking for some driving excitement, it’s difficult to go past the Kia EV6 GT.

Utilising the spacious five-seat body of the Kia EV6, the GT adds more performance in the form of dual electric motors and racetrack-honed suspension.

Driven around the suburbs, Kia EV6 is a thoroughly liveable daily driver, but comes alive on regional roads with sporty driving characteristics. The GT is beautifully poised and precise, as well as deceptively quick.

Whether you’re stepping out of a hot hatch or a V8-powered Mercedes-Benz AMG, the Kia EV6 GT will surprise with its all-round ability.

Also consider: Audi e-tron GT

Sure, it’s a big step up pricewise compared with the Kia EV6, but the Audi e-tron GT delivers on driving thrills, especially in more potent RS guise. It shares much of its electrical architecture with the Porsche Taycan, but arguably looks even better.

The Kia EV6 GT is the best EV for drivers wanting a sporty experience. Image: Supplied.

Best EV for pet owners: Tesla Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive

Space is important for those who like to take a big pooch on a road trip and the Tesla Model Y delivers. The fake leather seats should also work for more easily cleaning dog drool and fur.

The fact that the Tesla Model Y also has a dedicated Dog Mode also wins it points. Activate it when the car is parked and cooled air is fed into the cabin, while a sign on the 15-inch touchscreen alerts passers-by that the dog is in a temperature-controlled environment.

The Tesla Model Y also has an interior camera that allows you to remotely monitor your pet using a smartphone app and the internal camera.

Also consider: BYD Atto 3

Not far off the size of a Toyota RAV4, the BYD Atto 3 also arrives with plenty of features for its sharp price tag. Throw in a practical cabin and it’s perfect for pampered pooches.

The Tesla Model Y is the best EV for pet owners. Image: Supplied.

Best luxury EV: Mercedes-Benz EQE

While many EVs have a price tag we’d normally associate with a luxury car but without the ambience, the Mercedes-Benz EQE succeeds in delivering true luxury presentation.

Crisp and clear screens dominate the dash while ambient lighting and high-quality finishes reinforce the upmarket flavour. It’s a seriously elegant interior that lives up to premium charged by the three-pointed star.

Even in basic single-motor E300 trim there’s respectable acceleration and a plush (and quiet) ride.

Step up to dual-motor models and the Mercedes-Benz EQE is a whole lot more exciting.

Also consider: BMW i4

One of BMW’s popular models is now available as an EV in the form of the BMW i4. While it doesn’t impress on interior space, it does deliver with driving thrills and plenty of BMW driving character.

The BMW i4 is one of the best luxury EVs. Image: Supplied.

Best EV for skiers: BMW iX

The BMW iX may not look big from the outside, but on the inside there’s loads of space courtesy of a cabin that’s been designed around a bespoke EV platform.

There’s also a futuristic theme throughout, with big screens and some interesting driver interfaces.

The BMW iX backs it up with polished all-wheel drive manners and a turn of pace when required. Throw in 620km of range between charges and it’s a useful device for ascending into the alps.

A terrific audio system is a bonus for those longer drives, as is the free charging at Chargefox locations.

Also consider: Tesla Model 3 Performance

Tesla makes getting to the alps easier with access to its broad charging network, and the Tesla Model 3 Performance also gets all-wheel drive and the sort of acceleration that makes a long drive effortless.

The BMW iX is the best EV for skiers. Image: Supplied.

Best EV for singles: MG4

As one of a trio of entry-level EV hatches on the market (the others being the GWM Ora and soon-to-arrive BYD Dolphin) the MG4 has price on its side, to the point where it could easily tempt someone from a Toyota Corolla or Mazda3.

The MG4 is an EV that gets the basics right. Riding on a bespoke EV architecture means it maximises interior space, although back seat headroom isn’t terrific. For someone who likes driving solo, though, it’s loaded with driving charm.

Just don’t expect much in terms of standard equipment, unless you upgrade to more expensive variants in the MG4 range.

Also consider: GWM Ora

Fast-growing brand GWM packs plenty into its Ora hatchback, which has hints of Mini design charm. Perky performance and a generous list of standard gear adds to its appeal.

The MG4 is the best EV for singles. Image: Supplied.

Best EV for the suburbs: BYD Atto 3

Couples and small families will find the BYD Atto 3 to be great for zipping around the suburbs. The mid-sized SUV has enough space for up to five people and has a nautical interior theme that’s a step up from grey-on-grey.

At around $50,000, it's priced in line with other mid-size SUVs, and comes with a generous smattering of equipment.

The single electric motor also provides adequate oomph to meet commuter needs.

Also consider: Kia Niro EV

The Kia Niro gets overlooked a tad in the showroom alongside the slicker Kia EV6. But for those chasing sensible and sound EV motoring, there’s plenty to like with the Kia Niro EV. If it was more affordable we’d recommend it more enthusiastically.

The BYD Atto 3 is the best EV for the suburbs. Image: Supplied.

Best EV for adventurers: Hyundai Ioniq 5

There are currently no EVs on sale in Australia specifically designed to venture beyond the bitumen.

The sole electric ute on the market – the LDV eT60 – is not up to adventuring, in part because it’s only two-wheel drive.

But if you want to get the tyres dirty occasionally then the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a good place to start.

There’s a deceptively spacious cabin and up to 507km of range.

Plus, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is comfortable and well kitted out.

Also consider: Kia EV9

The first examples don’t arrive until late in 2023, but we’ve been lucky enough to sample the Kia EV9 overseas and come away impressed. It’s big, comfortable and perfect for exploring.

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