5 Cheapest Electric Cars in Australia (2024): Three Models below $36,000

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The MG4 offers good driving dynamics, sleek styling and good interior space.

Following a recent price reduction, the MG 4 small electric hatch is the cheapest EV in Australia with prices starting from $30,990 drive-away for the base variant. It is available in three battery sizes and two trims providing up to 530km of claimed WLTP driving range.

The base model offers modest charging speeds capable of up to 6.6kW AC and 88kW DC. Charging speeds for the long range variant are bumped up to a speed 11KW AC and 140kW DC. All models are capable of vehicle-to-load (V2L) via a compatible adapter.

It features a 10.25-inch tablet-style touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, 50-50 claimed weight distribution and rides on SAIC Motor’s Modular Scalable Platform (MSP) dedicated EV platform.

All variants will be eligible for the various state government incentives and the FBT exemption which is available through a novated lease.

The MG4 electric car is covered by a ten-year, 250,000 km vehicle and battery warranty. The same period also applies to its roadside assistance and capped-price servicing coverage.

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The GWM Ora offers distinctive retro styling both inside and out. While storage space is modest, passenger space is generous.

The Great Wall Motors (GWM) Ora (known as the Ora Funky Cat or Good Cat overseas) debuted in Australia in April 2023, as one of Australia's cheapest new electric cars.

The GWM Ora has been the long standing cheapest EV in the country (until recently) with prices starting from $33,990 drive-away for the Standard Range variant.

The Ora EV provides between 310km to 420km of claimed WLTP driving range featuring a quirky two-tone colour design, and a seven-year, unlimited kilometre vehicle warranty as standard.

All Ora models will be eligible for the various state government incentives and the FBT exemption which is available through a novated lease. You can request a quote by clicking the image below.

The electric car can be charged at up to 11kW AC, with a maximum rate of 64kW DC on the Standard Range or 67kW DC on the Extended Range. The company claims the Standard Range can recharge from 10 to 80 per cent in 41 minutes on a compatible public EV charger.

It is offered in two variants featuring a 10.25-inch infotainment display and a 10.25 inch driver instrument display and complete active safety assist suite.

The GWM Ora EV is covered by a seven-year, unlimited kilometre vehicle warranty and an eight-year battery warranty.

▶️REVIEW: GWM Ora: Australia's best value electric car

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The MG ZS EV is the cheapest electric SUV in Australia

Following a recent price reduction, the MG ZS EV Excite (base model) now starts from $34,990 drive-away. It is now officially the cheapest electric SUV available in the Australian market. The price reductions preface a likely new ZS EV model release in 2025.

Both ZS EV variants will be eligible for the various state government incentives and the FBT exemption which is available through a novated lease. .

The MG ZS EV received a major facelift in 2023, with fresher looks, updated tech and an all-new battery pack, but prices are slightly up.

The refreshed Chinese small electric SUV provides up to 320km of range (WLTP) for the Standard Range and 440km for the Long Range. It can charge at up to 11kW AC or 94kW DC rates on a compatible charger.

Standard equipment highlights on the base Excite includes a larger 10.1-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, full LED headlights, and ‘MG Pilot’ active safety assistance systems including auto emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, 360-degree surround view camera, and more.

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The BYD Dolphin features great in-car technology, a high quality interior and good passenger and storage space.

The BYD Dolphin range is priced from $36,890 before on-road costs, making it the cheapest BYD electric car available. Both Dolphin variants will be eligible for the various state government incentives and the FBT exemption which is available through a novated lease.

The Dolphin Dynamic offers 340km of claimed driving range on the stricter WLTP testing cycle. Meanwhile, the Dolphin Premium Extended Range battery is offered for $6000 more with 427km of range (WLTP). Both battery sizes can be topped up with up to 7kW AC and 60 kW/80kW DC speeds, with an included vehicle-to-load (V2L) adapter for powering other devices or appliances outside the car.

Built on the same dedicated EV platform as the popular BYD Atto 3, both models use BYD's ‘Blade Battery’ based on lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) technology.

Both variants feature a 12.8-inch tablet-style rotatable infotainment system running its own ‘DiLink’ software, panoramic sunroof, and a complete suite of safety assistance systems like adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera.

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The Nissan Leaf is solid electric hatch back and represents the best value Japanese electric car available today.

The venerable second-generation Nissan Leaf has received a significant price discount. Nissan Leaf prices now start from $39,990 driveaway to $49,990 driveaway for the e+.

The Leaf features two variants, with a small battery Leaf and larger battery Leaf e+ offering 270km and 385km of claimed driving range (WLTP) respectively.

The Nissan Leaf is also one of the few EV models available capable of V2G, good luck finding a bidirectional charger however!

Below is a comparison of the the key specs for each model on this list. Overall the BYD Dolphin and the MG 4 represent the best value in terms of specs and features. The Dolphin is equipped with more standard features however the MG 4 comes with a better drivetrain package. The GWM Ora appears to be a great option for those seeking a more unique retro design.