5 Cheapest Electric Cars in Australia (2025): Five Models Below $40,000!

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

Following the recent introduction of the "Essential" trim, the BYD Dolphin range is now priced from $29,990 before on-road costs (~$32,000 drive-away, depending on the state), making it the cheapest electric car available. All Dolphin variants will be eligible for the various state government incentives and the FBT exemption which is available through a novated lease.

Both Dolphin and Essential and Dynamic trims offer 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.

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

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 $35,990 drive-away for the Lux variant.

The GWM Ora electric hatch has received a recent update, now sourced from Thailand. It features a new 57.7kWh LFP battery (replacing the previous 48kWh and 63kWh packs), offered in Lux and GT trims with the same battery. A limited run of 30 “Ultra” editions (Aurora Green with black roof, blue/grey interior) will be imported before being discontinued.

Range is now 400km (Lux) and 380km (GT) under WLTP, compared with the previous 310–420km figures. The new LFP battery promises longer lifespan, faster charging, and adds vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability.

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

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

Following the cessation of a recent price reduction, the MG 4 still remains one of the cheapest EVs in Australia with prices starting from $37,990 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.

The E5 is the most affordable electric SUV available today.

The entry-level E5 Urban now starts at $36,990 before on-road costs, which matches the promotional pricing of its predecessor and represents a $6000 drop from the original launch price. The higher-spec E5 Ultimate costs $40,990 before on-roads, $1000 more than the earlier promotional deal but still $5000 less than at launch.

The equipment list is mostly unchanged compared to the Omoda E5. However, navigation has been removed from both trims, and puddle lamps have been deleted from the Ultimate (formerly EX). Chery Australia says buyers can use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for navigation instead.

Both E5 models feature a 61.1kWh lithium iron phosphate battery powering a single electric motor producing 150kW and 340Nm, driving the front wheels. Claimed performance includes 0–100km/h in 7.6 seconds and 430km WLTP range, with energy consumption of 15.5kWh/100km. Charging is possible at up to 6.6kW AC (single-phase), 9.9kW AC (three-phase), and 80kW DC, while braked towing capacity is rated at 750kg. The Chery E5 is on sale now, with drive-away pricing varying by state.

The Hyundai Inster is the most affordable non-Chinese EV available in Australia.

Hyundai’s new Inster is on sale in Australia from $39,000 before on-road costs, making it the brand’s cheapest EV and $15,000 less than a Kona Electric. It comes in three variants – Standard Range ($39,000), Extended Range ($42,500) and the rugged Inster Cross ($45,000).

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All models use a single front-wheel-drive electric motor. The Standard Range has a 42kWh battery (71kW/147Nm) with 327km WLTP range, while the Extended Range/Cross have a 49kWh battery (84.5kW/147Nm) with 360km range (or 293km with roof basket). Charging is up to 10.5kW AC and 30 minutes 10–80% on 120kW DC. Vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability and adjustable regenerative braking are standard.