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

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Key Points

  • Electric cars have reached price parity with five models under $35,000
  • The BYD Dolphin is the cheapest electric car starting from $29,990 plus on-road costs
  • Electric car prices (new and used) have continued their downward trajectory in 2025

The trend of falling EV prices from 2024 has continued in 2025 with the first sub $30,000 MSRP model being launched. The value segment is dominated by MG, BYD and GWM who all have sub $35,000 EVs in the Australian market. This list feature the cheapest EVs in Australia - we'll cover the price, specs and key features of each model.

The BYD Dolphin is the cheapest electric car in Australia starting from $29,990 plus on-road costs.

This is followed by the GWM Ora which starts from $35,990 drive-away and the MG4 which starts from $37,990 drive-away.

All these EV models match or are lower than the price of traditional petrol internal combustion engine (ICE) small cars, including the top-spec Toyota Corolla ZR Hybrid ($38,120), Mazda 3 G25 Astina ($42,320), and Hyundai i30 Hatch N-Line Premium ($37,300).

Read on for more details on these EVs and the other models that make the top 5 cheapest EVs in Australia list.

🔍EXPLORE: All Electric Cars Available in Australia

▶️MORE: The Best EV Deals Available Now in Australia (2024)

Did You Know?

The Australian Government introduced incentives that make electric cars more affordable. Read more about it here:

➡️ Electric Car FBT Exemption Explained

➡️ Novated Lease Electric Cars Guide

1. BYD Dolphin

BYD Dolphin white on the road

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.

TrimPrice (plus ORC)
Essential$29,990
Premium$36,890

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.

2. GWM Ora

GWM Ora

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.

TrimPrice (Driveaway)
LUX$35,990
GT$38,890

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

3. MG4

MG 4 on display at fully charged live Sydney

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.

TrimPrice (Driveaway)
MG4 Excite 51$37,990
MG4 Excite 64$44,512
MG4 Essence 64$46,212
MG4 Long Range 77$50,386
MG4 XPower$55,990

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.

4. Chery E5 SUV

Chery E5

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.

5. Hyundai Inster

Blue MG ZS EV electric SUV driving

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).

➡️MORE: Hyundai Inster Review: Australia's cutest small EV has ...

TrimPrice (plus ORC)
Standard Range$29,990
Extended Range$36,890
Cross$45,000

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.

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