Are you looking for a cheap, and safe, new EV? RACV can reveal the safest electric cars and SUVs on sale in Australia under $50,000 drive-away, and the safest from $50,000 to $65,000 drive-away, based on ANCAP testing.
Electric
Research & compare BYD models on sale: specs, features, running costs, safety
Research & compare GWM models on sale: specs, features, running costs, safety
Research & compare MG models on sale: specs, features, running costs, safety
Research & compare GAC models on sale: specs, features, running costs, safety
Research & compare Geely models on sale: specs, features, running costs, safety
Research & compare Chery models on sale: specs, features, running costs, safety
Research & compare Jaecoo models on sale: specs, features, running costs, safety
The cheapest electric cars in Australia for 2026
Strong demand for EVs has brought sharper prices for electric cars and SUVs, with many now below $40,000. Chinese brands are leading the charge: BYD, Geely, Jaecoo, GWM, MG, Chery, Leapmotor and others. Here are the cheapest EVs you can buy in Australia right now.
If you’re considering buying an electric vehicle, particularly as fuel prices remain high, the arrival of cheaper models in Australia means you can now hit the road in a new EV for around the same price as an equivalent hybrid or even a traditional petrol-powered variant.
BYD is leading the charge with the 2026 BYD Atto 1 compact hatch that’s priced from $23,990 plus on-road costs – the lowest price ever seen in Australia for a new electric car. The 2026 BYD Atto 2 small SUV also held the title of cheapest electric SUV but has been overrun by the new 2026 GWM Ora 5, which starts at just $33,990 drive-away.
Other EVs from fast-growing Chinese brands – Jaecoo, Chery, Geely, Leapmotor, MG and GAC, for example – are closing in with new models that are still cheap but drawing lots of interest with their overall package, from energy efficiency and driving range to styling, cabin accommodation and equipment lists.
The ultra-competitive market has also forced better-established carmakers such as Kia and Hyundai to sharpen their prices as brand loyalties count for less in the EV market and Australian consumers weigh up the pros and cons.
With a budget of less than $50,000 drive-away, there is a wide range of affordable EVs across the major SUV and passenger car segments, including bigger family cars. Even the most budget-friendly EVs tend to have a long enough driving range for most peoples’ daily needs, and all tend to be fitted with a high level of safety and infotainment technology that make them a great choice for motorists who:
- spend most of their time in an urban environment
- want to downsize their vehicle to reduce running costs
- want an electric car to leverage renewable energy from a home solar power system.
“RACV supports the safe uptake of electric vehicles, acknowledging that these vehicles can help reduce emissions and noise pollution, as well as improve air quality,” says RACV Head of Policy, James Williams.
“However, EVs can offer a much different driving experience compared to conventional cars, including their very quiet operation and often strong acceleration. It’s therefore important that electric cars are driven safely and responsibility, including around pedestrians and bike riders.”
Here is a comprehensive guide to the cheapest new electric cars on sale in Australia – including hatchbacks, SUVs and utes – as well as the best deals, longest range, battery warranty, top sellers, the Chinese brands making a big impact and our pick for the best EV under $40,000.
Best affordable electric cars in Australia
- Top 13 cheapest electric cars in Australia
- Top 5 cheapest electric SUVs
- Top 5 cheapest electric medium SUVs
- Most affordable electric car brands in Australia
- Best prices & longest range for cheapest EVs
- Australia’s most affordable electric ute
- Best vehicle & battery warranty for EVs
- Top-selling electric cars in Australia
- Best EV on sale in Australia under $40,000
What is the cheapest electric car to buy in Australia?
The BYD Atto 1 is the most affordable new electric vehicle in Australia, although it’s a compact four-seater city car that will rule it out for many buyers. That brings other cheap EVs – bigger hatchbacks and small SUVs, for example – into the equation.
The top 13 cheapest electric cars in Australia, all priced below $40,000 drive-away, are:
1. BYD Atto 1 city car – priced from $27,163 drive-away
2. Geely EX2 small hatch – priced from $29,807 drive-away
3 eq. GAC Aion UT small hatch – from $31,990 drive-away
3 eq. MG4 EV Urban small hatch – from $31,990 drive-away
5. BYD Dolphin small hatch – from $33,415 drive-away
6. GWM Ora 5 small SUV – from $33,990 drive-away
7. BYD Atto 2 small SUV – from $35,499 drive-away
8 eq. Hyundai Inster small SUV – from $35,990 drive-away
8 eq. Leapmotor B05 small hatch – from $35,990 drive-away
10. Jaecoo J5 EV small SUV – from $36,990 drive-away
11. Chery E5 small SUV – from $37,990 drive-away
12. Leapmotor B10 small SUV – from $39,980 drive-away
13. MG4 EV Essence 64 small hatch – from $39,990 drive-away
Orders have just opened up for the all-new Honda Super-One electric micro-hatch, priced from $36,900 drive-away ahead of first deliveries in October 2026.
All prices in this guide are based on drive-away pricing in Victoria (or nationally) for private buyers, current at the time of publication. With EV competition intensifying in Australia, price changes are frequent, so always check manufacturers' websites for the latest deals.
More: Electric vehicles in Australia: RACV’s complete buyer and ownership guide
What is the cheapest electric SUV in Australia?
The top five most affordable battery-electric SUVs on sale today in Australia are small SUVs priced below $38,000 drive-away:
- GWM Ora 5 – from $33,990 drive-away
- BYD Atto 2 – from $35,499 drive-away
- Hyundai Inster – from $35,990 drive-away
- Jaecoo J5 EV – from $36,990 drive-away
- Chery E5 – from $37,990 drive-away
If the budget is still under $40,000, the popular Leapmotor B10 (from $39,980 drive-away) is also worth considering, not least because it was declared the safest EV under $50,000 in 2025/26, as tested by ANCAP.
Most affordable electric medium family SUV
Medium family SUV is the most popular sales category in Australia and contains a wide variety of EVs. The top five cheapest electric medium SUVs are all priced below $50,000 – a ceiling that has prompted several brands to push their pricing below that mark, so there’s multiple cars at $49,990 drive-away in equal fith position.
1. BYD Atto 3 – from $43,576 drive-away
2. Geely EX5 – from $45,963 drive-away
3. GAC Aion V – from $46,180 drive-away
4. Leapmotor C10 – from $47,990 drive-away
5 eq. Kia EV5 – from $49,990 drive-away
5 eq. MG S6 EV – from $49,990 drive-away
5 eq. Skoda Elroq – from $49,990 drive-away
The Deepal S07 has also been subject to a special offer at $47,990 drive-away in recent months. And watch out for a new BYD Atto 3 Evo coming soon.
More: Chinese cars in Australia explained: Best brands, models, EVs and buying advice
The most affordable electric car brands in Australia
If you’re in the market for a brand-new, low-priced EV, you’ll most likely be looking at small cars and SUVs sourced from fast-growing Chinese brands. From our list of the cheapest electric cars and SUVs in Australia, the top six models are all from Chinese carmakers: BYD, GWM, MG, GAC and Geely. Chery, Jaecoo and Leapmotor also figure among the leading brands for affordable EVs. So who are they are and what do they sell here?
What is BYD Automotive?
BYD now rivals Tesla as the biggest-selling EV manufacturer in the world and has fast become a top 5 brand in Australia with its battery-electric (BEV) and plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) vehicles. In fact, it’s currently sitting second behind Toyota on the sales charts. BYD’s local range has quickly expanded to include six EVs – Dolphin, Seal, Atto 1, Atto 2, Atto 3 and Sealion 7 – and five PHEVs – Shark 6, Seal 6, Sealion 5, Sealion 6 and Sealion 8. There’s more to come, so stay tuned.
Research & compare BYD models on sale: specs, features, running costs, safety
What is GWM?
GWM, or Great Wall Motors, was one of the first Chinese brands to set up in Australia – arriving in 2008 – and has ambitious plans to become one of the top five brands here by 2027. Its portfolio covers Ora electric cars, Haval SUVs, Tank off-road SUVs and the Cannon and Cannon Alpha utes. The new Ora 5 small SUV has taken over as its sole EV, but the Ora hatch will return as part of a fresh onslaught of new models.
Research & compare GWM models on sale: specs, features, running costs, safety
What is MG Motor?
Purchased by China’s SAIC Motor in 2005, British-born MG is one of the world’s most storied automotive brands. Reintroduced to Australia in 2016, MG sits among the top 15 brands, offering primarily budget-oriented models in the biggest-selling passenger car, SUV and ute segments. Its EV portfolio includes the budget MG4 EV Urban, the upgraded MG4 EV, the S5 compact SUV and the S6 medium SUV. At higher price points, there’s the premium IM5, IM6 and Cyberster to consider.
Research & compare MG models on sale: specs, features, running costs, safety
What is GAC?
GAC (Guangzhou Automobile Group) is one of the newest Chinese brands in Australia, launching with the electric Aion V mid-size SUV. Its second model, the Aion UT small hatchback, arrived in early 2026 as one of Australia’s most affordable EVs.
Research & compare GAC models on sale: specs, features, running costs, safety
What is Geely?
Geely is a relative newcomer to Australia but is a global powerhouse in automotive terms, and perhaps better known as the parent company of global brands such as Volvo, Polestar and Lotus. It has just launched the Geely EX2 EV hatch – the world’s best-selling small EV and the overall top-selling vehicle outright in China in 2025 – and has also built a strong following with its Geely EX5 and Geely Starray medium SUVs. It is working towards a portfolio of at least six model lines in the next couple of years and aims to become one of the top 10 brands outright.
Research & compare Geely models on sale: specs, features, running costs, safety
What is Chery?
Chery is one of the top five automakers in China and has joined BYD, GWM and MG on the fast track to prominence in Australia. It, too, has become a permanent member of the top 10 brands Down Under, building momentum with affordable petrol and hybrid cars (including PHEVs), and just the one EV for now – the Chery E5. More electric cars are in the pipeline, and the Chery Stockman diesel PHEV ute is also coming soon to shake up the establishment.
Research & compare Chery models on sale: specs, features, running costs, safety
What is Jaecoo?
Jaecoo is a Chery-owned brand that sells cars under the Omoda Jaecoo banner, which has a separate retail network in Australia. Jaecoo has a premium focus, although its affordable prices might suggest otherwise – as seen with the popular Jaecoo J5 EV. Other cars in the stable include the Jaecoo J7 and J8 family SUVs.
Research & compare Jaecoo models on sale: specs, features, running costs, safety
What is Leapmotor?
Leapmotor was established in 2015 but only became a global brand when it formed a joint venture in 2024 with the Stellantis group, the parent company for brands such as Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Jeep, Ram and Peugeot. Stellantis Australia handles Leapmotor here, launching with the C10 medium SUV and following up with the B10 small SUV, which is one of Australia’s cheapest electric SUVs. A third string to its bow, the new B05 small hatch, is also now available to order ahead of first deliveries arriving soon.
Research & compare Leapmotor models on sale: specs, features, running costs, safety
What are the best prices & longest range for the cheapest EVs?
The headline prices for the cheapest EVs in Australia are often the entry point to a broader range with a variety of models that remain highly affordable but may have stronger performance and a larger battery that offers a longer driving range.
Here are the current best prices for the cheapest electric cars from BYD, Geely, MG and Leapmotor, where different tiers of performance are provided within each model line, including power output (in kilowatts) and claimed driving range based on the WLTP standard.
Best prices & longest range for affordable BYD EVs
BYD Atto 1 Essential (65kW, 220km range) – from $27,163 drive-away
BYD Atto 1 Premium (115kW, 310km range) – from $31,331 drive-away
BYD Dolphin Essential (70kW, 340km range) – from $33,415 drive-away
BYD Dolphin Premium (150kW, 427km range) – from $40,709 drive-away
Best prices & longest range for cheapest Geely EVs
Geely EX2 Complete (60kW, 252km range) – from $29,807 drive-away
Geely EX2 Inspire (85kW, 345km range) – from $34,501 drive-away
Best prices & longest range for affordable MG EVs
MG4 EV Urban Essence 43 (110kW, 316km range) – from $31,990 drive-away
MG4 EV Urban Essence 54 (118kW, 405km range) – from $34,990 drive-away
Best prices & longest range for cheapest Leapmotor EVs
Leapmotor B05 Style (160kW, 401km range) – from $35,990 drive-away
Leapmotor B05 Design Long Range (160kW, 482km range) – from $39,990 drive-away
Leapmotor B10 Style (160kW, 361km range) – $39,980 drive-away
Leapmotor B10 Design Long Range (160kW, 434km range) – $42,980 drive-away
More: Does your electric vehicle match its driving range claim?
What is Australia’s most affordable electric ute?
The cheapest electric ute in Australia is the new 2026 KGM Musso EV (from the brand formerly known as SsangYong), priced from $60,000 drive-away. Both single-motor/2WD (152kW, 420km range) and dual-motor/4WD (266kW, 380km range) variants are available.
KGM Musso EV 2WD – from $60,000 drive-away
KGM Musso EV 4WD – from $64,000 drive-away
The KGM Musso pricing is significantly cheaper than new electric Toyota HiLux BEV, which opens at $81,669 drive-away.
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) utes are becoming increasingly popular, led by the BYD Shark 6 (from $61,609 drive-away), Ford Ranger PHEV (now down to $59,000 drive-away) and GWM Cannon Alpha Hybrid (from $57,490 drive-away) and the new JAC Hunter PHEV (from $54,500 drive-away).
What is KGM?
KGM is the new name for South Korean SUV and ute brand SsangYong, which has a long history in Australia with independent importers and, since 2018, a factory-run operation. The switch to KGM reflects the majority shareholding Korea’s KG Group took in the carmaker in 2022. The Musso EV is fresh territory for the brand, which also recently released its first petrol-electric hybrid, the KGM Torres Hybrid medium SUV, as it broadens its range beyond traditional engines.
Research & compare KGM models on sale: specs, features, running costs, safety
Who offers the best electric vehicle warranty?
Battery longevity is one of the most common questions that prospective EV buyers have. How long will the battery last on an EV, and how long is the warranty? Battery replacement costs are reducing, but for peace of mind all manufacturers offer significant warranties on their vehicles and high-voltage batteries.
Among the car brands offering the cheapest EVs in Australia, here are their respective vehicle and battery warranties:
- BYD – 6 years/150,000km (vehicle), 8 years/160,000km (battery)
- GWM – 7 years/unlimited kilometres (vehicle), 8 years/unlimited km (battery)
- MG – 7 years/unlimited km (vehicle, extendable to 10 years/250,000km), 7 years/150,000km (battery)
- Jaecoo – 8 years/unlimited km (vehicle), 8 years/unlimited km (battery)
- Chery – 7 years/unlimited km (vehicle), 8 years/unlimited km (battery)
- Leapmotor – 7 years/160,000km (vehicle), 8 years/160,000km (battery)
- Hyundai – 7 years/unlimited km (vehicle), 8 years/160,000km (battery)
- Geely – 7 years/unlimited km (vehicle), 8 years/unlimited km (battery)
- GAC – 8 years/unlimited km (vehicle), 8 years/200,000km (battery)
More: New car warranties in Australia: Compare brands to find the best
What are the top-selling EVs in Australia?
Electric vehicle sales are running at record pace in Australia as buyers move away from traditional petrol and diesel cars. The global fuel crisis has sparked an upturn in new EV orders, but this is a long-term shift towards electrified cars.
BYD has overtaken Tesla to become the market-leading EV brand in Australia during 2026, but Tesla remains a dominant player and the Model Y is still easily the most popular EV in Australia.
For the six months ending June 30, 2026, the top-selling EVs in Australia were:
- Tesla Model Y medium SUV – from $64,513 drive-away
- BYD Sealion 7 medium SUV – from $55,031 drive-away
- Geely EX5 medium SUV – from $45,963 drive-away
- Jaecoo J5 EV small SUV – from $36,990 drive-away
- Zeekr 7X medium SUV – from $64,109 drive-away
- BYD Atto 2 small SUV – from $35,499 drive-away
What’s the best EV on sale in Australia under $40,000?
We remain fans of the rear-drive MG4 hatch – our previous top pick among the cheapest EVs on the market – but the arrival of the BYD Atto 1 micro hatch and the BYD Atto 2 small SUV has brought EV pricing to a new low while achieving high standards in terms of packaging, features and the driving experience.
In particular, the BYD Atto 1 gives you a lot of EV for the money with its charming looks, loaded-up tech, plenty of safety gear, good comfort all-round, handy storage and a cool rotary-style transmission selector on the centre dash stack.
It’s very much a city car, seating two people in the back to make this a four-seater only, but the room that’s provided isn’t what you’d call cramped. In fact, it’s spacious for its size.
For the driver, the Atto 1 is fun, fun, fun and built for the urban run. It’s tiny, so it’s easy to move through busy streets and a doddle to park.
With its higher output and longer range, the top-spec Atto 1 Premium is easier to live with and worth pushing up to $32K – at which point we’d also be looking at the Atto 2 SUV and the BYD Dolphin five-seater hatchback, too, which impresses on many levels, especially in long-range flagship form.
That said, the Atto 1 Essential at less than $28,000 drive-away is a real tempter for first-time EV owners.
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