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Electric
The cheapest electric cars in Australia for 2025
RACV
May 12, 2025
Thanks to brands like BYD, GWM and MG, electric vehicles (EVs) are increasingly affordable in Australia. Here are the cheapest electric cars (including SUVs) that you can buy in Australia right now.
If you're considering an electric vehicle for your next car, the arrival of cheaper models in Australia means you can now hit the road in an electric small hatch or mid-size SUV for a similar price as a top-of-the-range Toyota Corolla, Mazda3 or Hyundai i30.
With a longer driving range and plenty of driver comforts and technology, the new generation of budget-friendly EVs are a great choice for motorists who:
want an electric car to leverage renewable energy from a home solar system.
RACV Head of Policy James Williams says that electric cars provide Victorian motorists with more vehicle choice. "RACV supports the safe uptake of electric vehicles, acknowledging that these vehicles can help to reduce emissions and noise pollution, as well as improve air quality," he says.
“However, it’s important to remember EVs are high-performing machines that operate very quietly on the road. Therefore, it’s important that they are driven safely and responsibly, including around pedestrians and bike riders.”
How many electric cars are sold in Australia?
Data from the Electric Vehicle Council shows that 91,000 battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) were sold in Australia in 2024, in addition to 23,000 plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Those numbers represent 9.65 per cent of all new cars sold in Australia for 2024, up from 8.45 per cent in 2023.
New, cheaper electric cars from BYD, GWM and MG, have helped drive growth, as has the Federal Government's Electric Car Discount Policy, providing a fringe benefits tax exemption for EVs financed under a novated lease.
The top-selling brands for electric vehicles in Australia fore 2024 were Tesla, BYD and MG.
The BYD Dolphin hatchback is the cheapest EV currently available in Australia
The GWM Ora is a stylish EV with a very competitive price point.
The MG4 is a great all-rounder when it comes to affordable EVs.
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The most affordable electric car brands in Australia
If you’re in the market for a brand-new, low-priced EV, then you’ll be looking at small cars and SUVs sourced from fast-growing Chinese brands that are expanding their dealer and service operations in Australia.
Three manufacturers are currently leading the way on affordable EVs in Australia: BYD, GWM and MG. In some cases the cheapest of their EVs can be purchased for less than $34,000 driveaway.
Don't expect cheaper electric cars to be lacking in style, unique EV features or technology, either. There is plenty of value to be had as competition increases and driveaway deals are introduced.
Build quality and aftersales support have improved significantly for the latest generation of Chinese EVs, with these brands offering some of the best warranties on the market.
What is BYD Automotive?
BYD is the fastest-growing "new energy vehicle" company in the world (covering BEVs and PHEVs) and last year overtook Tesla for global electrified vehicle sales. BYD has aggressive expansion plans in Australia – the range has quickly broadened to five models (Atto 3, Dolphin, Seal, Sealion 6 and the new Shark 6 plug-in hybrid ute), and there are more coming.
What is MG Motor?
Famously purchased by Chinese-based SAIC Motor in 2005, MG is one of the world's most storied automotive brands. Reintroduced to Australia in 2016, MG was the seventh best-selling motor vehicle brand in Australia in 2024 and the MG ZS SUV was the second most popular passenger car behind the Toyota Corolla.
What is GWM?
GWM, or Great Wall Motors, was one of the first Chinese brands to arrive in Australia. Its portfolio of vehicles here include Ora electric cars, Haval petrol and plug-in hybrid SUVs, the Tank range of off-road SUVs and the Cannon Ute line-up.
What is the cheapest electric car to buy in Australia?
When it comes to small EVs, prices have never been lower and choice has never been greater, with MG and GWM recently introducing comprehensive driveaway pricing across select EV ranges, significantly reducing the on-road price of vehicles by up to $10,000.
Currently, the cheapest EV for sale in Australia is the BYD Dolphin Essential, available from $32,138.45 driveaway for Victorian buyers. The GWM Ora, which at times has stood as the cheapest EV in Australia, takes second prize with its slightly higher driveaway price of $33,990. The MG4 51kWh Excite is next most affordable with a list price of $36,990 driveaway.
A bit further up the line, Hyundai will soon have an affordable challenger with the all-new Hyundai Inster, priced from $39,000 plus on-road costs.
MG is continuing to make an aggressive play in the EV market, offering competitive driveaway pricing on its entire EV range, including its most powerful model, the performance-oriented MG4 XPOWER small hatch, which is currently priced from $55,990 driveaway.
MG cut $10,000 off several models in late September 2024, an offer which has since ended. Still, the current driveaway list prices across the MG4 range are still lower than the undiscounted 2024 list prices.
At the time of publication, the Chery Omoda E5 takes the prize for cheapest battery-electric SUV in Australia with a driveaway price of $40, 527. This price includes a model year runout bonus for the small SUV of $6000, just undercutting the rival BYD Atto 3 (priced from $42,558.45).
That said, the pecking order is about to change as the incoming new MG S5 EV small SUV – the replacement for the MG ZS EV, which was formerly the cheapest battery-electric SUV in Australia – has been priced at a class-leading $40,490 driveaway.
Other affordable battery-electric SUVs include the new Geely EX5 medium SUV (priced from $44,348 driveaway before bonus offers) and, further up the line, the excellent new Kia EV3 small SUV (from $48,990 driveaway) and the Leapmotor C10 mid-sizer (from $50,806 driveaway).
What are the best prices for the GWM Ora EV range?
GWM has responded to MG's aggressive pricing in the marketplace, applying heavy discounts to its GWM Ora compact hatch.
GWM Ora Standard Range (310km range) – $33,990 driveaway
GWM Ora Extended Range (420km range) – $36,990 driveaway
What are the best prices for the BYD Dolphin EV range?
BYD has retained its strong launch pricing for the BYD Dolphin hatch as it continues to make inroads into the Australian market.
BYD Dolphin Essential (427km range) - $32,138.45 driveaway
BYD Dolphin Premium (490km range) - $39,432.45 driveaway
What is Australia's cheapest electric ute?
There is only one full-electric dual-cab ute on sale in Australia today, and that's the LDV eT60, which has a manufacturer's recommended retail price of $92,990 plus on-road costs. As well as not being cheap, the eT60 is not anywhere near class-leading and will be replaced in 2025 by the LDV eTerron 9.
There are, however, two new plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) options now available in the market – the 2025 BYD Shark 6 and the GWM Cannon Alpha Hybrid. The Shark 6 is priced from $57,900 plus on-road costs ($60,354.45 driveaway) and impresses on many levels, as we found in our first drive review. The GWM is an attractive proposition at first glance (starting from $55,990 driveaway), but leaves more to be desired on the road.
Also arriving soon is the Ford Ranger PHEV, priced higher than its Chinese rivals from $71,990 plus on-road costs.
This BYD Shark 6 can make you a tea or coffee | 🔎 RACV car reviews
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 piece of mind all manufacturers offer significant warranties on their vehicles and batteries.
BYD electric vehicle and battery warranty
BYD offers a limited-kilometre warranty on its vehicles – 8 years or 160,000km (whichever comes first) on the battery and 6 years or 150,000km coverage on the vehicle. Be aware that a number of key components, including the multimedia system and suspension (3 years/60,000km), have a reduced warranty period.
GWM electric vehicle and battery warranty
GWM offers a warranty of 7 years (with unlimited kilometres) on the EV battery and 7 years/unlimited kilometres on the vehicle.
MG electric vehicle and battery warranty
MG's warranty now extends to an impressive 10 years on both the vehicle and the battery, however the coverage is limited to 250,000km (not unlimited kilometres, as found with many other brands).
Charging an EV can be done at home or at a charging station. Image: Shannon Morris
Who has the best capped price servicing deals for electric vehicles?
While purchasing a brand-new EV may be more expensive up front compared to a petrol or diesel car, typically you will 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 electric car over the ownership period.
MG, GWM and BYD offer capped price servicing to give an idea of basic maintenance costs but each schedule varies depending on vehicle.
The MG4 has a 24 month/40,000km service interval with basic service pricing of $355 (your first service is $347). Each alternate service includes additional items such as the driveline fluids so expect to pay $976 at the 48-month/80,000km mark (or $903 for the XPOWER) with service schedule alternating every two years until 14 years of service.
GWM wants to see the Ora every 12 months/15,000km, and if you choose to service at an authorised GWM dealer, it will cost between $115 and $145 per service (for vehicles with a warranty start date of January 01, 2025 or later).
The BYD Dolphin capped-price servicing schedule lasts for up to 220,000km (or 132 months) and is valid through a dealer or the MyCar network. Costs vary between $165, $498 and $635 per service, depending on kilometres travelled. The first service at 3 months/5,000km is also complimentary.
What's the best EV on sale in Australia under $45,000?
The current pick of the four most affordable EVs available in Australia today is the MG4, with the Essence variant with 64kWh battery hitting the sweet spot for driveability, size, features and driving range. The interior of the MG4 presents as modern and minimalist, and it comes with a solid suite of safety features in Essence guide. Cornering balance in the MG4 is good, thanks to the low-set battery pack and sporty rear-wheel drive layout, making it an enjoyable EV to drive.
The BYD Dolphin delivers a comfortable driving experience that is less dynamic and fun than the MG4, interior execution that exceeds its price tag, and lots of storage space and passenger comfort courtesy of its generous proportions.
The GWM Ora might just be the most stylish of the more affordable EVs available to purchase, with a bold, funky exterior design, and an interesting and refined interior. The GMW Ora does do well in tight city and suburban streets thanks to its excellent 360-degree camera.
Overall, however, the superior driving characteristics of the MG4 hatch make it the best EV from MG if you don't need the extra space or ride height.
RACV's reviews of the cheapest EVs for sale in Australia:
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 issued by Insurance Manufacturers of Australia Pty Ltd ABN 93 004 208 084 AFS Licence No. 227678.
