The 2026 BYD Atto 1 is Australia’s cheapest electric car, starting from $23,990. See price, range, specs and release date.
Electric
The cheapest electric cars in Australia for 2026
You can now buy an EV for $25,000 and there’s a wide range of electric cars and SUVs for less than $45,000. BYD has the most affordable EVs, but MG, GWM, Chery and other brands are not far behind. Here are the cheapest EVs you can buy in Australia right now.
If you’re considering buying an electric vehicle, the arrival of cheaper models in Australia means you can now hit the road in a new EV for around the same price as a hybrid or even a traditional petrol-powered model in the same passenger car or SUV segment.
BYD is leading the charge with the 2026 BYD Atto 1 four-seater compact hatch that’s priced from $23,990 plus on-road costs – the lowest price ever seen in Australia for a new electric car – and it also offers the cheapest electric SUV with the 2026 BYD Atto 2 small SUV, starting at $31,990 plus ORCs.
This aggressive pricing reflects how competitive the Australian market has become for EVs among new and established brands – including BYD, MG, GWM, Chery, Geely, Leapmotor, Hyundai and Jeep – which are now selling electric cars for well under $45,000 drive-away.
These include battery-electric city cars, larger hatchbacks, small SUVs and medium-size family SUVs. 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, servicing costs, the brands behind them and our pick for the best EV under $40,000.
Best affordable electric cars in Australia
- Top 10 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
- Best capped price servicing deals for EVs
- Most popular electric cars in Australia
- Best EV on sale in Australia under $40,000
What is the cheapest electric car to buy in Australia?
BYD has the top three most affordable new electric vehicles in Australia – the BYD Atto 1, BYD Dolphin and BYD Atto 2. The BYD Atto 3 is also the cheapest electric mid-size SUV.
The top 10 cheapest electric cars in Australia, all priced below $41,000 drive-away, are:
1. BYD Atto 1 four-seat city hatch – priced from $25,871.70 drive-away
2. BYD Dolphin small hatch – from $32,698.90 drive-away
3. BYD Atto 2 small SUV – from $34,207.70 drive-away
4. GWM Ora small hatch – from $35,990 drive-away
5. MG4 small hatch – from $37,990 drive-away
6 eq. Chery E5 small SUV – from $38,990 drive-away
6 eq. Leapmotor B10 small SUV – from $38,990 drive-away
8. Hyundai Inster city SUV – from $39,990 drive-away
9. Jeep Avenger small SUV – from $40,000 drive-away
10. MG S5 small SUV – from $40,990 drive-away
Prices 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.
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 between $30,000 and $40,000 drive-away:
1. BYD Atto 2 – from $34,207.70 drive-away
2 eq. Chery E5 – from $38,990 drive-away
2 eq. Leapmotor B10 – from $38,990 drive-away
4. Hyundai Inster – from $39,990 drive-away
5. Jeep Avenger – from $40,000 drive-away
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 priced from around $43,000 to $50,000:
- BYD Atto 3 – from $43,118.90 drive-away
- Geely EX5 – from $44,584 drive-away
- GAC Aion V – from $45,340.26 drive-away
- Skoda Elroq – from $49,990 drive-away
- Leapmotor C10 – from $50,834 drive-away
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 five models are all from Chinese carmakers: BYD, GWM, MG, Chery and Leapmotor. 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 10 brand in Australia with its battery-electric (BEV) and plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) vehicles. Its local range has quickly expanded to include six EVs – Dolphin, Seal, Atto 1, Atto 2, Atto 3 and Sealion 7 – and by early 2026 will comprise four PHEVs – Shark 6, Sealion 5, Sealion 6 and Sealion 8. BYD’s Denza premium brand has also arrived with the Denza B5 and B8.
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. Ora will soon expand from the sole hatchback model with an all-new SUV, while the Wey premium brand will also launch in 2026.
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 is today firmly entrenched among the top 10 brands, offering primarily budget-oriented models in the biggest-selling passenger car, SUV and ute segments. It currently offers five EVs led by the budget MG4 and S5, but MG’s electric line-up also now includes the premium IM5, IM6 and Cyberster.
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, is now primed to 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. Electric SUVs and a ute are in the pipeline.
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 (from $50,834 drive-away) and following up with the new B10 small SUV, which is one of Australia’s cheapest electric SUVs.
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, GWM, MG, Chery and Leapmotor, including their power output (in kilowatts) and claimed driving range based on the WLTP standard – a better guide than the more lenient NEDC standard, but often still higher than most drivers will achieve in the real world.
Best prices & longest range for affordable BYD EVs
BYD Atto 1 Essential (65kW, 220km range) – from $25,871.70 drive-away
BYD Atto 1 Premium (115kW, 310km range) – from $30,039.70 drive-away
BYD Dolphin Essential (70kW, 340km range) – from $32,698.90 drive-away
BYD Dolphin Premium (150kW, 427km range) – from $39,992.90 drive-away
BYD Atto 2 Dynamic (130kW, 345km range) – from $34,207.70 drive-away
BYD Atto 2 Premium (130kW, 345km range) – from $38,375.70 drive-away
Best prices & longest range for affordable GWM EVs
GWM Ora Lux (126kW, 400km range) – $35,990 drive-away
GWM Ora GT (126kW, 380km range) – $38,990 drive-away
Best prices & longest range for affordable MG EVs
MG4 Excite 51 (125kW, 350km range) – $37,990 drive-away
MG4 Excite 64 (150kW, 450km range) – $43,990 drive-away
MG4 Essence 64 (150kW, 435km range) – $45,990 drive-away
MG4 Long Range 77 (180kW, 530km range) – $49,990 drive-away
MG4 X-Power (300kW, 400km range) – $52,990 drive-away
MG S5 Excite 49kWh (125kW, 340km range) – $40,990 drive-away
MG S5 Essence 49kWh (125kW, 335km range) – $43,990 drive-away
MG S5 Excite 62kWh (125kW, 430km range) – $45,990 drive-away
MG S5 Essence 62kWh (125kW, 425km range) – $48,990 drive-away
Best prices & longest range for affordable Chery EVs
Chery E5 Urban (155kW, 430km range) – $38,990 drive-away
Chery E5 Ultimate (155kW, 430km range) – $42,990 drive-away
Best prices & longest range for affordable Leapmotor EVs
Leapmotor B10 Style (160kW, 361km range) – $38,990 drive-away
Leapmotor B10 Design Long Range (160kW, 434km range) – $41,990 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 2WD Black Edge – from $62,000 drive-away
KGM Musso EV 4WD – from $64,000 drive-away
The KGM Musso pricing is significantly cheaper than the outgoing battery-electric LDV eT60, which is closer to $100,000, while an electric Toyota HiLux BEV will be launched in the first half of 2026, priced from less than $100K but targeting fleet customers rather than private buyers.
You can also get a Ford F-150 Lightning full-size pick-up truck – converted locally to right-hand drive by independent firm AUSEV – but it costs more than $200,000 drive-away.
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) utes are becoming increasingly popular, led by the BYD Shark 6 (from $60,907 drive-away), Ford Ranger PHEV (from $78,041 d/a) and GWM Cannon Alpha Hybrid (from $57,490 d/a).
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 has also just released its first petrol-electric hybrid, the KGM Torres Hybrid medium SUV, as it broadens its range beyond traditional engines.
More: 2026 KGM Musso preview
More: BYD Shark 6 vs Ford Ranger PHEV specs comparison
The 2026 KGM Musso EV is the cheapest electric ute in Australia, priced from $60,000 drive-away.
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)
- 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)
- Jeep – 5 years/100,000km (vehicle), 8 years/160,000km (battery)
- Geely – 7 years/unlimited km (vehicle), 8 years/unlimited km (battery)
- GAC – 7 years/unlimited km (vehicle), 8 years/200,000km (battery)
More: How long do electric car batteries and motors last?
Who has the best capped price servicing deals for EVs?
Purchasing a brand-new EV may be more expensive up front compared to a petrol or diesel car, but typically you’ll be visiting a service centre less often than you would with a conventional vehicle. This may help you save money on service and maintenance costs with an EV over the ownership period.
As a guide, the service intervals and capped price servicing costs for the top seven cheapest EVs over the first five visits to the workshop (averaged over the period) are as follows:
- BYD Atto 1 – 12 months/20,000km (pricing TBA)
- BYD Atto 2 – 12 months/20,000km (pricing TBA)
- BYD Dolphin – 12 months/20,000km (av. $325/service)
- GWM Ora – 12 months/15,000km (av. $127/service)
- MG4 – 24 months/40,000km (av. $588/service; note: longer intervals)
- Chery E5 – 12 months/20,000km (av. $229/service)
- Leapmotor B10 – 12 months/20,000km (av. $400/service)
More: Car servicing costs and differences: EV vs Petrol vs Diesel
How many electric cars are sold in Australia?
Electric vehicle sales are continuing to grow in Australia, particularly as cheaper models from leading brands such as BYD and MG become available. The federal Electric Car Discount Policy, which provides a fringe benefits tax (FBT) exemption for EVs financed under a novated lease, has also fuelled sales.
The car industry is on track to achieve another record result in 2025, eclipsing the 91,000 new EV sales achieved in 2024. Tesla remains the market-leading EV brand with Australia’s most popular electric car, the Tesla Model Y, but BYD’s new Atto 1 and Atto 2 EVs will put pressure on Tesla sales like never before.
As at the end of 2025, the biggest-selling EVs in Australia (shown here with entry specs/cheapest pricing), include:
- Tesla Model Y (255kW est, 466km range) – from $64,373 drive-away
- BYD Sealion 7 (230kW, 482km range) – from $58,697.52 drive-away
- Tesla Model 3 (208kW est, 520km range) – from $59,920 drive-away
- Kia EV5 (160kW, 400km range) – from $56,770 drive-away
- Geely EX5 (160kW, 430km range) – $44,584 drive-away
More: Australia’s best-selling cars, utes and SUVs for 2025
What’s the best EV on sale in Australia under $40,000?
We remain fans of the 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 $30K – 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 $26,000 drive-away is a real tempter for first-time EV owners.
The information provided is general advice only. Before making any decisions please consider your own circumstances and the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determinations. For copies, visit racv.com.au. As distributor, RACV Insurance Services Pty Ltd AFS Licence No. 230039 receives commission for each policy sold or renewed. Product(s) issued by Insurance Manufacturers of Australia Pty Ltd ABN 93 004 208 084 AFS Licence No. 227678.
