What is the Cheapest Electric Car in Australia?

The BYD Dolphin and MG 4 are the cheapest electric cars available in Australia in 2023 (at the time of publication) – starting from $38,890 and $38,990 respectively before on-road costs.

What Government Incentives Are Available for Electric Cars in Australia?

There are several government incentives available for electric vehicle purchases. The main ones include: Federal Government Incentives: The Federal Government offers an FBT exemption for electric vehicles purchased lower than the luxury car tax (LCT). State Government Incentives: Many states in Australia offer their own incentives for EV purchases, such as one-off rebates, stamp duty exemptions and free annual registration. Government incentives are also available for businesses to electrify their fleet or install charging infrastructure.

How Long Do Electric Car Batteries Last?

The lifespan of an electric car battery depends on several factors such as the type of chemistry, usage, charging habits, and climate. On average, an electric car battery lasts between 10 to 20 years. In Australia, most EV batteries are warranted for eight years/160,000km, demonstrating that car brands are confident their batteries will last at least this duration – otherwise a free replacement of modules may be offered.

Are Electric Cars Better for the Environment?

Electric cars are generally better for the environment; however, the extent of the benefit depends on the source of energy used to power them, and the battery chemistry and material supply chain. If the electricity comes directly from a solar system or is charged from the grid when there is plenty of sunshine and wind, the benefit can be significant. If, however, it is charged from the grid when there is very little renewable energy generation, the benefit is marginal.

How Long Do Electric Cars Take to Charge?

The time it takes to charge an electric car depends on several factors such as the battery size, the EV's charging capabilities (max power input) and battery management system, and the charging station's speed (max power output). Using a level 1 AC charging station (standard power point) it can take anywhere from 20 to 30 hours to fully charge the battery of an electric car with an 'average' range (~400km). On the other hand, using a level 2 AC charging station (dedicated wall charger), charge time will reduce to between 5 to 10 hours. Fast charging with a level 3 DC fast public charging station can recharge an electric car's battery to 80 per cent in 20 to 60 minutes, and 100 per cent in under an hour or more depending on the vehicle and the charging station.

Can Electric Cars Tow?

Yes, electric cars can tow – but the amount (and the distance) depends on several factors such as the rated towing capacity, payload and driving range. Some electric cars are rated to tow the weight of a small caravan, while others may not be suitable for towing at all. It is recommended to check the manufacturer's official specifications and guidelines for towing capacity before attempting to tow with an electric vehicle – and be aware that there'll be a significant hit to range.

Do Electric Cars Need Servicing?

All electric cars require routine servicing; however, some carmakers don't demand scheduled logbook services. You can compare the frequency of costs across different models here. The key items of an electric car that require maintenance from time-to-time include: brake fluid, coolant, air filters, tyres, and brake pads.

Are Electric Vehicles Worth Buying in Australia? A Comprehensive Guide

The electric vehicle transition is well underway with unprecedented growth in 2022, with sales growing 161% year-on-year. In this article, we will explore the viability of electric cars in Australia, delve into the most popular models, discuss their availability, examine the average costs, and assess the feasibility of electric vehicles in the Australian context.

Is it Worth Buying an Electric Car in Australia?

Today, electric vehicles cost more, between 30% to 40% more than an ‘equivalent’ ICE vehicle. While the upfront cost of an electric vehicle is likely to be higher than the equivalent petrol or diesel engine vehicles in your fleet, looking at the vehicle on a total cost of ownership (TCO) means in many cases the EV is cheaper. The lower running and maintenance costs of electric vehicles coupled with available incentives and rebates mean EVs can be financially competitive. To illustrate this we look at two drivers - Jim and Kim, who are contemplating the financial case for an EV. They are both interested in the MG ZS EV, one of the most affordable EVs in the market as of 2021. Its petrol equivalent, the MG ZST, shares the same platform but is powered by a 1.3 litre petrol-turbo engine.

Jim drives roughly the Australian average distance of 36.4 km per day (12,740 km per year). In contrast, Kim drives double that, 73.8 km per day (25,480 km per year).

Annual operating savings = distance driven x operating costs

Because Kim covers more distance, he'll be able to realise higher annual savings relative to Jim and as a result, have a faster payback on the additional cost of the EV (refer to the table below).

The ‘financial’ case for EVs is not black and white. It will vary depending on the vehicle and your personal circumstances. We recommend using our cost of ownership calculator to get a better indicator of your personal circumstances.

If upfront cost is front of mind, the next few years is expected to be pivotal, with a raft of models targeting in the $30,000 to $45,000 (pre-incentives) expected to be released in 2022 and 2023.

The Most Bought Electric Car in Australia

Currently, the most popular electric car in Australia is Tesla Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive. It topped sales charts in 2022 and is currently the bestselling electric car and fourth best-selling car in Australia in the month of April.

Its popularity is underpinned by the strength of the Tesla brand, its popular shape, and the overall great value it offers considering its specifications and features.

EVs Available in Australia

As of February 2023, there are 41 different electric car models available in Australia from 20 different manufacturers.

Below is a list of all the electric car models available in Australia from most affordable to most expensive (by the manufacturer's list price before on-road costs are applied).

NOTE: We've only listed the base variant for each model. Click through to see full specifications and other variants.

🔍 View our EV Database

Which Electric Cars are Coming to Australia in 2023?

Check out this piece we published on new electric car models arriving in 2023.

From the arrival of the MG 4 small hatchback, to the Volkswagen ID.4 family SUV and the Kia EV6 GT high performance crossover, 2023 is slated to be another record-breaking year for new brands and buyer choice

Average Cost of an Electric Car in Australia

The cost of electric cars in Australia varies depending on several factors, including battery size, range, and additional features. The median, electric car price in Australia is ~$85,000 with the cheapest starting from $43,990. While the upfront cost may seem higher compared to petrol cars, the long-term savings in fuel expenses and reduced maintenance requirements can offset the initial investment.

Feasibility of Electric Cars in Australia

The Australian federal and state governments are investing heavily in EV charging infrastructure to help overcome concerns such as range anxiety and charging infrastructure coverage. Whether you reside in an urban, suburban, or regional area, electric cars are increasingly becoming a feasible option for various driving conditions and distances. If you live in a house with off-street parking (like 70% of the population), you'll enjoy the convenience of charging your electric car at home and seldom visit a public charging station.

Electric Vehicles FAQs

Below are the most frequently asked questions by everyday Australians when it comes to electric cars.

About the author

Danny Thai

Danny is a consultant and entrepreneur working at the cutting edge of the electric vehicle and energy transition. He is passionate about educating and helping consumers make better decisions through data. He is the founder of zecar and is currently the EV Innovation Manager at Endeavour Energy.

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